Chat Transcript: Sorting out Notre Dame Football's QB recruiting strategy
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, the Almost-Time-for-Training-Camp Edition.
A couple of quick programming notes. ... I'll be returning to WSBT radio as a co-host with Darin Pritchett on Weekday SportsBeat (960 AM, wsbtradio.com) a couple of times a week during training camp and the 2023 Notre Dame Football season, beginning July 26, next Wednesday. I'll also be co-hosting the pregame shows with Darin. Looking forward to it. The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET.
Football Never Sleeps on YouTube and the guest-oriented Inside ND Sports Podcast will be back next week and continue throughout training camp and the regular season.
Because of heavy training camp commitments next week, we'll skip the chat next week, but start in weekly mode on Wednesday, Aug. 2, and continue through the end of the regular season.
Now to today's chat ...
Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: Please remember to include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question ... or at the very least your home planet.
OK, let's get rolling.
Jules from Joliet, Ill.: Thank you for resuming these great chats. Right now it appears that Deuce Knight is the #1 choice for the 2025 QB slot. However, I don’t see much on other QBs that are in the mix. Do you know of other players that are being recruited? Are you at all concerned that if Knight goes elsewhere ND will miss out on an elite QB?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jules and thanks for resuming with me. Deuce Knight is a four-star QB in the 2025 class from Lucedale, Miss., whose top two schools at the moment are Notre Dame and Tennessee. He's ranked as the No. 54 player nationally and No. 1 dual-threat QB in the class. Tyler James and Charleston Bowles recently had him on the Inside ND Sports Podcast, so you can check that out. ... To your question, I think ND learned from the Dante Moore mistake in the last cycle, and first-year QB coach Gino Guidugli has done a great job of scouting other QBs in the class and building relationships with them.
On Tuesday, Notre Dame extended an offer to Bear Bachmeier from Murrieta, Calif. I chatted with Bear last night and will have a full story on him soon. He is a fast-rising prospect who has had a great summer. He's currently No. 106 in the 2025 Rivals250 and rated as the No. 6 pro-style QB. He definitely has an interest in ND but has other options as well. I asked longtime recruiting analyst Tom Lemming who was the better prospect, and he said ND would be fortunate to land either one. They're both elite. If ND feels like they're losing traction with Knight at some point and/or not gaining it with Bachmeier, they are in position to expand their board. But right now, there's positive momentum with both players.
ND Harvey from Philly, Pa.: E, hope all is well, packing and getting excited for Dublin, 1st time in Ireland. What are you hearing about my boy Rocco Spindler, will this be the year he is a starter on the O-Line. Enjoy the rest of the Summer. Go Irish
Eric Hansen: Hi ND Harvey. Rocco Spindler definitely is the non-starting player I get asked most about. I think the most encouraging thing about those in the Rocco fan club (and he's a big, fun personality, let me tell you), is that he surged significantly enough late in spring that he's still in play to compete for the open starting spot at right guard and he didn't jump in the transfer portal after spring. But there's a lot of competition for that spot beyond just Andrew Kristofic and Spindler. The next few weeks will be huge for Rocco.
Mark from Ipswich, Mass.: Hi Eric, first time caller longtime listener,enjoy your hard work !!!! Brian Kelly claims now he doesn't like recruiting or flying,do you think that's a put on to the good people of LSU ???? people that knew him in prep school are amazed at how well he's done at his profession !!!! Shows how persistence pays off !!!!
Eric Hansen: Mark, thank you. Early in Brian Kelly's time at ND I actually visited St, John's Prep in Danvers, Mass., and did a story on it. Pat Connaughton was still as student and basketball star there at the time. I know you're referring to some comments that the former ND coach made about his current job and situation at LSU during SEC Media Days. I'm not sure that I understand your question, but what I will say is that I've resisted the urge to reconnect and do a big one-on-one with BK, because I don't sense there's an appetite for that right now within the Notre Dame fanbase.
Ken from Steel City, Pa.: Hi Eric, thank you for your in depth analysis last week. I did read your article about MF’s “challenge everything” mindset and was happy to see recently that he did not use the facilities as an excuse not to win. I do have two questions for you this week: 1) in your opinion where do ND’s facilities stack up compared to others in the game. To an outsider walking on campus they look very nice and competitive with other universities I’ve seen. 2) What position groups are you looking to see the most growth from this season? I think WR will happen naturally given the existing talent. I would like to see growth from the DL group and the LB group.
Eric Hansen: Hey Ken, thanks for reading and for the follow-up questions. I think Notre Dame's facilities are better than average and not enough to either away or dissuade recruits from picking the Irish. Where there's some urgency is that the program has outgrown the Guglielmino Athletics Complex and needs more space for pragmatic reasons that will help the program on a day-to-day basis. That includes more (injury) recovery space, more offices for a growing support staff, a kitchen and a place for the team to eat together in adequate space, etc. The indoor facility was a very important and impressive addition, but it's time for the Gug expansion to be on the front burner. And from everything we're hearing, it finally is.
As far as position group growth. The D-line and linebacker group HAVE to take a step forward. I have more confidence that the linebackers actually will. The D-line did show enough strides in the spring that I'm open to the possibility that they'll also surge this season. But I need to see some evidence of that in the coming weeks, in camp, before I'm ready to project that.
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11mickeypenscla@att.net: Therer was a lot of talk about C.J. Carr, earning a fifth star, but things have changed, and for the past month the talk has died down. During the q.b camp everyone was talking about what an elite o.b. he was and he outclassed some of the 5 stars there. Is the issue dead, or can he still earn that next star? Thank you for everything you do, and your response.
Eric Hansen: Hey Mickey, thanks for the question and the compliments. Please send your hometown next time. I'm guessing Pensacola? In any event, CJ Carr is a Notre Dame commitment in the 2024 class. The QB is ranked No. 21 in the latest 2024 Rivals250. That's the highest position that carries four stars. The top 20 are all five-stars, so he's right on the cusp. Given his growth as a player this summer and that the number of five-stars will expand to 32 at the end of the cycle, I like his chances of ending up with that status.
Jim from Rochester, Mich.: Greetings from the Mitten! As we're in the quiet period, minus Power 5 Media Days, time to reflect on where we stand at the midpoint of recruiting. As such, much attention is being paid to the wins the staff has achieved with one glaring outlier, Safety! With the accolades MF is given for his hands on, lead recruiter role, why consistently falling short against teams, right or wrong, deemed to be inferior to an ND offer. I appreciate it being often discussed though perplexed as to why we've been unable to consistently secure talent proportional to the other positions. Thus the question from me is: WHY? We hear from Rivals beat writers Coach O'leary is a competent coach, enthusiastic recruiter yet the results don't equal the acclaim. So Mr. "All Knowing" Hansen, what say you to help us civilians understand the chink in our armor. I know D'tackle is another but IMHO, not to the degree of safety. Thank You & GO IRISH!
Eric Hansen: "All Knowing" Hansen? Wait 'til I tell my kids. Man, are they in for a surprise. ... Where to begin. With the exception of Kyle Hamilton, safety recruiting had been inconsistent at best BEFORE Chris O'Leary. The fact that the best three non-transfer safeties on the roster are players who started their college careers at other positions is a testament to O'Leary's on-field coaching as well as perhaps swings and misses off of it. Why? It's not for lack of effort or bad evaluation. ND is identifying the right guys, but I think Chris is fighting some of the history that precedes him in that elite safeties want to play in programs where there's an NFL pipeline. Prior to Kyle Hamilton going to the Ravens in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the last recruited safeties drafted out of ND (excluding transfer Alohi Gilman) were Jamoris Slaughter (sixth round) and Zeke Motta (seventh) in 2013.
Other than Hamilton in ’22 and Harrison Smith in 2012, the last ND safety to be drafted in either the first or second round was Jeff Burris in 1994. ... Now let's look at some positives. I think people in the fanbase are underestimating how good 2024 commit Bruntae Johnson has to be. Right now he's ranked No. 58 overall in the Rivals250 and the No. 5 multi-position "athlete" prospect. If he were rated as a safety, he'd be sixth. And I think that's even low. Kyle Hamilton, who admittedly was woefully underrated by Rivals, was No. 75 overall and the No. 7 safety in the 2019 class. ... O'Leary has also done well with the portal. Brandon Joseph was a coveted transfer last year, and I really like Antonio Carter II in this transfer class. Thomas Harper, now healthy, has reportedly had an impressive summer. ... And among young safeties on the roster, Ben Minich so far is overdelivering compared to his recruiting pedigree.
But bottom line, recruiting safeties has to improve. There's a handful of highly regarded 2025 safety prospects with Notre Dame offers coming to the Irish recruiting cookout event on July 30. That's a good opportunity for the Irish to establish some traction, so stay tuned.
Tom Kennesaw, GA: Hi Eric, so glad the season is just a few weeks away. Thanks for helping get us through the off-season again. There seems to be a lot of disappointment lately because we have lost out on some of the top-rated recruits for 2024, although until they sign their LOI anything can happen. IMO there are many hurdles to potentially overcome when recruiting these top student-athletes. Ties to their state school; staying close to home; some don't want the challenges in the classroom; then there is the new NIL to deal with. But I think one of the reasons that we lose out on the really top kids is I'm not sure they believe they can win a Championship at ND until we win a play-off game and show that we are really a contender for the Championship. Kids make their final choice many times on what they feel the school/program can do for their development. Your thoughts. Chances of ND signing Wingo, Lambert and Viliamu-Asa??? Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom, thanks for being here today. Wow, lots of recruiting questions today and my phone-a-friend is on vacation, but I think I got this. ... And part of that reason is your premise. I'm going to write about this more in depth early next week before camps starts, but recent success does put a thumb on the scale when prospects are trying to split hairs. ND's opponents can claim that the two playoff runs (2018 and 2020) were Brian Kelly's doing, not Marcus Freeman's. It's important for Marcus to build that kind of equity with his own success. And that's why it's important that this season there's a step forward. Whether coordinator Al Golden is here for the long term or not, it's also important for ND to build a brand on defense. I think Sam Hartman will help bring that on offense, but there needs to be Marcus' stamp on the defense, and I think we'll all be surprised with some of the tweaks we see defensively this season. ... As far as signing WR Ryan Wingo, OT Guerby Lambert and LB KVA, I feel very good about ND signing Lambert, a coin flip on Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and no go on Wingo.
Chris from Sugar Grove, Ill.: Over / under 2.5 2025 new commitments within 1 week after ND cookout event next weekend. Where’s your money?
Eric Hansen: I'm going to go conservative and say under. My guess is two, but I think you'll see more by perhaps Labor Day.
Ryan from Mars, Pa.: Eric, who will lead the team in touchdowns and sacks this season? I’m going with Estimé and Mills. Go Irish.
Eric Hansen: Ryan, I think Audric Estimé is a good pick. The receiving TDs will be too spread out to challenge that. ... And for sacks I am going with Jordan Botelho.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week and thanks for hosting the chat. With summer camp right around the corner I was curious how you approach your coverage of camp so that you can get the most out of it. Do you have set things that you’re going to look for at each practice that you’re allowed to go to, and have an outline that you follow, or do you just go into practice and gestalt it, and find the area where you think you might be able to get the most information on that day? I know it’s difficult to garner any significant information when you’re only there for the first five periods but are there certain things that you look for besides who is injured, such as body language, effort, levels, etc. that you feel help give you accurate information? Do you feel that you gain anything by evaluating the coaches during summer camp? As always thanks for all the great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. I hope I don't bore you or anyone else to tears with this answer. Let me preface it by saying, we should have three reporters at every practice, something we didn't have last year, so I won't likely have to be locked into only one side of the ball in a given practice. I do have certain things I'll want to check on in a given practice, but I'm open to being surprised and changing my focus. For example, Jadarian Price was so dynamic his first spring in the early workouts that I ended up spending more time evaluating and watching him than I had expected. And then once you start practices, the story lines shift. Certainly in the early ones, newcomers and players coming back from injuries will get a good look. In the abbreviated windows, I try not to overthink and overanalyze. Those largely are not competitive periods. And while you can see things like speed and agility, etc., you are not seeing it in a competitive context, so the value is somewhat limited.
I DO learn a lot from talking to the assistants, and we'll get all of them at least once during training camp.
Patrick from Los Angeles: What are the most important improvements/developments Notre Dame has to make to vie for a spot in the college football playoffs this season?
Eric Hansen: I am assuming improved play at QB, WR, O-Line, CB and likely LB. So the prove-it positions are TE, D-line and safety. Especially D-line and safety. Sam Hartman at QB needs to stay healthy and be as good as advertised. Had a great 1-and-1 with him recently and will have a story next week. Very impressive. I expect him to be what we thought he was and maybe more.
Jim, Boston MA: Hey squadron. Thanks for doing the chat as always. If you had to throw a number at the wall, how many TDs do you envision Hartman throws this year and who are you tabbing as his number 1 guy in TD receptions? Also do you think Jeremiyah Love gets the most work this year (assuming he gets playing time *shrug*) at RB, pass catcher, or return man? Hard to believe the season is right around the corner, all the best!
Eric Hansen: Hi Jim. Getting called "All Knowing" and "Squadron" on the same chat was not on my Bingo Card, but I'll take it ... I think. ... BetOnline.Ag actually set the odds on Hartman's TD throws at 27 1/2. That would rank sixth in ND single-season history. The record is 37 by Brady Quinn in 2006, with Ian Book next at 34 in 2019. I'm going to be aggressive and say 35. ... No. 1 in TD receptions? Jayden Thomas, but there are a lot of good choices. I think Jeremiyah Love will get most of his work catching passes and on special teams this season. But there will be some early-season opportunities to run the ball as well.
Jeff from Phoenix: Good morning Eric, sooooo ready for fall camp and team updates! My questions are around the 2023 pre-snap routine with the new combo of Hartman/Parker/Guidugli. Who do you think will call down the offensive plays from the booth, and who will work the calls or changes from the sidelines? Also, in 2022, ND raised a lot of anxiety with this fan as the pre-snap clock ran out. Particularly during the first 2-3 games, it seemed like ND had trouble on several occasions getting the play in to Pyne and/or the ball being snapped without a delay of game penalty or a wasted time out. Was this a function of the ‘check with me’ approach to change the play based on the defensive alignment or general inexperience/confusion from the sideline? Thanks, be cool, and chat on!!!
Eric Hansen: Jeff, me stay cool? You stay cool. My goodness, I've seen the national weather maps. ... Let me start by saying, I think the entire in-game operation will be smoother in year 2 of Marcus Freeman that year 1. If I remember correctly, Gerad Parker in the spring was leaning toward being upstairs, with Gino Guidugli on the sideline and my sense is that will be how it plays out. But we have an interview opp with Parker very early in training camp, so I will make sure to follow up on that and report back. As far as the delays and near delays during last season, it was a combination of Drew Pyne's inexperience and Tommy Rees not trusting that inexperience and perhaps doing a little to much to take that into his own hands.
MJ from Buffalo, N.Y.: Are we still confident ND can land the elite recruit under MF? It seems we have failed to land the 5 star QB, WR, DE for several years compared to the Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State great teams. Is that not the consistent difference year in and year out with the playoff teams?
Eric Hansen: I think if you hold up Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State as the comparisons, nearly every other FBS team is not going to come out looking very good. And yet, improving hit rate, regardless of stars, swinging for the fences when pursuing recruits and learning from past misses are all things Marcus Freeman is committed to and things that will help ND perhaps chip away. On-field success, as Tom's question alluded to, does matter. If Marcus Freeman can add that to the formula, I like ND's chances at chipping away. ...BUT another big factor is giving MF a larger transfer pool from which to recruit as well.
Jerry M. from Dallas, Texas: Eric, I keep reading about all of the 5 star recruits Ohio State is getting, and the poaching of recruits from Notre Dame, (and other teams, of course). When you approach the upcoming season's game with Ohio State, does Notre Dame have a realistic chance of winning that game?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jerry from Carter Karels' stomping grounds. I think it's fair to say Ohio State will and should be favored. But I think Notre Dame this time has the better quarterback. And when you have that, you have a chance. Check back with me after I've gotten to see ND's D-line and safeties in training camp.
Frank from Royse City, Texas: Do you think there is enough depth at DT on defense. Also, I am concerned about the depth at WR, what are your thoughts?
Eric Hansen: Frank, I'm sure you mean quality depth and not just numbers at those two positions. With wide receiver, I am confident, because the freshmen can play ... all four of them, with Greathouse and Flores out front. And the versatility of RBs such as Jadarian Price, Devyn Ford and Jeremiyah Love only adds to those options. ... In the interior defensive line, I would have felt better about it had ND landed a premier grad transfer at that position group. The Irish did not. There is talent there. Will it be developed? I am less sure, but optimistic. Keep your eye on Tyson Ford and Jason Onye in training camp (Mills and Cross are the starters and Rubio a key piece). If those guys surge, if Aidan Keanaaina can carve out a role, then I think they can surprise.
Fred from Richmond: Eric, hope all is well with you and your family during this hot summer. I don't see a lot of love for the Irish this year from a lot of the publications. Everyone thinks the Irish don't have a chance to beat OSU or SC. I'm not being a homer, but I expect the Irish to win those games by a running game and a passing game we haven't seen since the days of Lou and Ara. OSU has an unproven QB and both games are at home. USC will be a tough game, but we had our chances last year with inferior offense compared to what I expect this year. I truly believe our receiving core will excel with Hartman at QB, because you can't load up the box to stop our runners and not get burned by Hartman. My only concern is our special teams, especially our kicking game. We may lose one game, but I expect a stellar season....GO IRISH!!
Eric Hansen: Fred, I don't see a question in there, unless it's about special teams. And I feel good about those, even with a new kicker and punter.
Martin from Orlando, Fla.: this year i am concerned about the defense. Give me a few reasons to ease my fears. thks
Eric Hansen: The cornerback group is stellar, especially if Cam Hart is fully healthy and has the year he thinks he will. ... There's plenty of talent. ... I think the scheme changes will address some of last year's weaknesses.
Shaun- Boston: Can you give me a few compelling reasons I should be excited Parker’s offense? I’m nervous
Eric Hansen: What am I, Dr. Laura? I kid. I kid. I think there is reason to have trepidation. We haven't seen Parker perform in that role in a big game. I can't fix normal. ... But the fact Sam Hartman loves the offense, and Gerad Parker is committed to being more dynamic on offense, and that he pools the opinions of the other offensive coaches, I'm open to the possibility of an improved showing on offense over the Tommy Rees years.
Pete C., ND ‘82 from Naples, Fla.: Hi Eric - continued thanks for your top-notch coverage of Notre Dame Football. Non-manifesto: As we approach fall camp, what players who are currently below-the-radar have “breakthrough” potential to make a significant impact this season?
Eric Hansen: Pete, I did a story on that recently. The quick version: Botelho, Merriweather, Price, Schrauth, Raridon, Kiser, Carter.
Tim Broderick: Hi Eric - over the years it seems that ND misses out on big name players because they seem to have them visit early - while others (Alabama, Ohio State, etc) schedule them to visit just prior to signing dates. Just like in negotiations for anything it's always better to have the chance to make the last offer. Is there anything to my position - why can't we get the last visit. Thanks and keep up the GREAT work.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tim, and thanks. I don't think sequencing is hurting Notre Dame recruiting. There's an art and a science to that, and in that regard you are on the money. But let's take transfer Antonio Carter II. He had made a couple of visits before coming to ND in May and had LSU and Florida scheduled next .. right after in fact. That was a car waiting to take him to the airport that he canceled. So if you feel you can get a kid to commit without taking the other visits ... if that's your read, you don't want to go last. You need to know the prospect's timeline. If a kid is determined to commit before his senior season gets underway, it does you no good to schedule him for the Sept. 23 Ohio State game. Another advantage in having recruiting come officially in June, South Bend, Ind., is incredible to visit that time of year (when there's no smoke drifting in from Canada wild fires). Now there are instances where ND would want to go last. Justin Scott would have been that case. And the ND coaches are still working to get him to visit in September and eventually flip him.
Ced Walker from Saginaw, Mich., aka Sagnasty Saginaw Pride: What day is the first training camp practice? God Bless The Golden Standard Rally We Are ND Go Irish Love Thee Notre Dame Our Mother Pray For Us.
Eric Hansen: Next Wednesday morning, July 26.
Jonathan in Addison, Texas: Oh Grand Poobah of Notre Dame Football, can you tell us what happened to our red zone defense last season and, more importantly, why it won’t happen again this year? ‘Twas VanGorderly imho.
Eric Hansen: Jonathan, I have a feeling you'd be fun to sit next to in the press box. .... It's not always this way, but with Notre Dame last season, I think the poor red zone defense synched up with ND's struggles to create turnovers with its defense. Their pressure did result in a high number of sacks, but not a high number of mistakes. I attribute some of it to DC Al Golden's re-entry into college football after six years in the NFL. He remarked about how much inventory was used against ND in the red zone and how much he was seeing it for the first time. I expected adjustments this season. And to his credit, teams didn't REACH the red zone at a very high rate.
John from Chattanooga: what do you think Notre Dame fans and alumni should expect from Peter Bevacqua when he takes over for Jack Swarbrick as it relates to helping ND football take the CFB elevator to the top floor by modernizing the approach to elements like undergraduate transfers, NIL, and other perceived barriers between the program and elite status?
Eric Hansen: I saw Pete Bevacqua taking in ND men's basketball workouts Tuesday, but I haven't been granted an interview yet. I have talked to the coaches about him and they feel like he's aligned with outgoing AD Jack Swarbrick (who was also at the practice). Their No. 1 collective priority, and I think they'd agree, is the next football media right package, in negotiations now. The contract with NBC runs through the 2025 season. How that comes out will go a long way toward facilities, being competitive with coaching salaries and even Notre Dame's football independence. I'm eager to hear his thoughts on NIL, though again I don't expect a radically different answer from the one Swarbrick has provided. Stay tuned.
Joey G. Philadelphia,Pa: Hi Eric, I hope all is well! With fall camp soon approaching some players will have to face reality about their careers at ND. 2 people I’m interested to see and hear about are Charles Jagusah & Sam Pendleton. I think these 2 freshmen might push Rocco Spindler into the transfer portal. ND always plays the 5 best lineman. Spindler might appear currently on the 2 deep, but that doesn’t mean he’s the next man in. I know you’re a big fan of Rocco. But I think his career at ND is all but over. What’s your prediction on Rocco Spindler’s career? I also think freshman Jeremiyah Love will push for playing time. He’s my surprise of camp. Any thoughts on Love?
Eric Hansen: Hi Joey. I think if Rocco Spindler indeed thought he wasn't being given a fair shot, he would have left after spring football. If he's not able to break through in 2023, perhaps he'll reconsider his future in December. I would not write him off. I don't think his future hinges on either Charles Jagusah or Sam Pendleton. Sam is still early in developing and not ready to challenge anyone for playing time. Down the road, he's a promising prospect. And Jagusah is still working his way back from knee surgery and won't push for playing time this year either. He will likely be on a fast track once he is fully healthy, but I expect him to end up at tackle, not guard. I love Love, pun intended. My surprise of training camp -- among the freshmen -- is a tie between Brenan Vernon and Boubacar Traore.
Sean, Portland OR: Does ND offering the Bachmeier kid indicate that they think Deuce Knight will sign with the Vols?
Eric Hansen: Not at all. They're just being smart.
Jack Bates from Shorewood, Ill.: Why do we play Navy every year? If we win the people considering poll status do not recognize this game only if we lose. Also why out of the country , we could play in the USA and have more attendance. I understand our past WW2 status with Navy but that should be finalized.
Eric Hansen: Jack, there is not an oversimplified, short answer to either part of your question, but I will do my best. Notre Dame plays Navy in football every year there's not a pandemic because of Navy bailing out Notre Dame when the school was dealing with serious financial issues that could have shuddered it during World War II. Why in Ireland? Because Jack Swarbrick and others believe the tradeoff of giving up the home game is worth spreading the Notre Dame message internationally through a football game.
Joe Cap from Massapequa, N.Y.: Hi Eric ! Hope all is well. What additions would you like/ expect to see Parker implement in the offense this year? Also, will the offense with a 1st year OC carry the defense or will Al Golden in year two carry the offense early on ? Thanks !
Eric Hansen: Hi Joe. Let me answer the second part first. I think the offense will carry ND in more games than vice versa, but they both need to carry weight. The offense faces far more challenging defenses this season than the other way around. The changes I'd like to see are the changes I think we will see -- a real threat of a vertical passing game, more variety in formations and personnel, more dynamic wide receiver play and a better O-line (it would have been better had Hiestand stayed).
Lorne from Reno, Nev.: Have you heard anything about the problems with the alumni ticket sales? I suppose they aren't going to set ticket limits lower than 4 (the limit for tOSU), but that wasn't low enough to avoid an early sellout, sending many alumni to secondary sites. In addition, the system went down the day that many alumni had their window for purchase. I was also wondering if Notre Dame or its contracted vendor receives any money from the sale of tickets on the secondary market, as this would seem to be an incentive for selling too many tickets rather than ensuring that interested alumni had a chance to purchase tickets. Do you know? As always, thanks for doing the chats and providing great information on ND football.
Eric Hansen: I hate to end on an "I don't know" but it's not something I can answer off the top of my head. Let me see what I can scrounge up and either do a story or address it in a future chat.
Eric Hansen: OK, that's going to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions and adjectives like "all knowing." What I do know is we're going to have to miss next week because of so many training camp coverage opps. BUT we will start in weekly mode on Wednesday, Aug. 2.
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