Chat Transcript: How big is the gap between Notre Dame and CFP teams?
Eric Hansen: Welcome to the post-Sun Bowl rendition of Notre Dame Football Live Chat, brought to you by J&R Solutions.
Some quick programming notes:
With there still being one college football game left in this season and with the Notre Dame football news still flowing, we’re going to stay in weekly mode and hold a live chat next Wednesday at noon ET, barring any press conference conflicts. If that happens, we’ll move the chat to another day and notify you at insideNDsports.com and on my Twitter/X account (@EHansenND).
► If you missed the last episode of our aspiring-to-be-viral Notre Dame Football YouTube show, Football Never Sleeps, it keeps its shelf life long after the live presentation. Normally it runs Monday nights at 7 ET. This week and next we’ll be on Tuesday night at 7 because of the holiday and on Jan. 8 the national championship game. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube.
► This week’s Inside ND Sports Podcast will drop on Thursday. On our most recent edition, Tyler James and I invited former Notre Dame offensive lineman Bob Morton (2002-06) back onto the podcast. Morton, whose playing career overlapped with new Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock's first coaching stint at ND, discussed Denbrock's impending return, his evolution as a coach, how LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels' example impacts the potential of new Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, the value of Denbrock's experience and familiarity, how he can help ND's other offensive coaches, the financial alignment behind head coach Marcus Freeman, Denbrock's skills as a recruiter, how the Irish have been rolling on all fronts in the last month and more. The podcast can be listened to via SoundCloud or on your preferred podcast platform including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podbean and Pocket Casts.
► Finally, we’re rolling into a busy football offseason at WSBT radio season, and Darin Pritchett and I are together this week on Wednesday and Thursday on Weekday SportsBeat (960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com). The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET. You can download episodes as podcasts.
As far as this week's chat …
Please include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s).
Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: Let's get rolling.
Marty from Sylvania, Ohio: Happy New Year to you and all ND family. I’m watching teams in CFP and other bowl games and I just don’t see the Irish that far off like maybe in the past. If Mike Denbrock can bring the offense up to the defense then watch out…what are your thoughts Eric?
Eric Hansen: Hey Marty. Happy New Year to you as well and thank you. In watching the two College Football Playoff semifinal, I didn't get the sense ND was too far removed from being a 12-team playoff team, which comes next postseason. But I do see the work that would have to be done this offseason for them to not only make the field but also win at least one game in the playoff, if not reach the semis. With Xavier Watts, Rylie Mills, Howard Cross III and Jack Kiser all coming back when they could easily have left, I think the nation's No. 5 team in total defense could be even better next season — given the depth and infusion of young talent. I think Mike Denbrock will make a significant difference as offensive coordinator, and that gives you more margin for error within games during the regular season and in the playoff. But I think where there's work to be done is with the offensive line, WRs and quarterbacks. I think it's possible for ND to be better at QB in 2024.
I think Notre Dame's wide receiver corps will be improved, but my goodness, Washington's receivers are on another planet. And Notre Dame's offensive line, while playing well in the Sun Bowl, also has a lot of work to be playoff-level good. There is talent. It must be developed. So the bottom line is, I think your observation is accurate in terms of ceiling ... but the Irish have a lot of work to do to reach or get close to that ceiling.
Matt from Austin, Texas: Hi Eric, greetings from rainy Austin. I hope you're warm! If Leonard, Carr, and Angeli enter the spring in a QB competition, what would be the future ramifications if Coach Freeman chose someone other than Leonard? I ask this in terms of NIL fund raising and future portal transfer possibilities. Thank you as always for your insight.
Eric Hansen: Greetings Matt, from snow-flurrying South Bend. Don't forget Kenny Minchey in that mix. The future ramifications if Freeman chose someone other than Riley Leonard after the spring competition would be minimal in terms of what you're asking about. The best players should and will play would be the message. And that's also the message that should be clear should Riley Leonard emerge as that No. 1. I think the worst message you could send is that NIL money or another factor decided playing time. And I don't think that will be the case under Freeman at Notre Dame.
Related Content
► Notre Dame Football 2024 Scholarship Chart
► Notre Dame Football Transfer Tracker for 2023-24 offseason
► Transfer DB prospect Rod Heard II set to visit Notre Dame this weekend
► Analysis: Six significant postscripts from Notre Dame's Sun Bowl domination
► How Notre Dame has quietly amassed a talented 2025 defensive line class
---------------------------------------------------------------
Jonathan from Hideaway, Texas: Dear Eric, may your peas—and your peas alone—have black eyes this new year. Here’s a recruiting question that’s been bothering me for awhile. Rivals has Cam Williams rated the #35 overall recruit for 2024 and the #10 WR. I guess that must mean 10 of the top 35 recruits are wide receivers??? That seems absolutely nuts, doesn’t it? Is every year top-heavy on the WRs and this is just the first time I’ve noticed? Are there other positions that frequently get a disproportionate number of high ratings and, correspondingly, other positions that are always lesser? And if so, do you know why?
Eric Hansen: Jonathan, thank you -- glad you are minding your peas and queues. ... Yes there are 10 wide receivers in the top 35 prospects in the latest 2024 Rivals Top250. Yes, this is the most top-heavy the wide receivers have been since Rivals has been doing rankings (since 2002). Typically, there are four or five in the top 35, though the 2025 class currently lists seven, which is on the high side. At least in recent years, Rivals gears its rankings to reflect players who will eventually be drafted. So like the NFL Draft, there's some positional bias. The top running back was No. 51. The top tight end in the class was No. 46 overall. There was one offensive guard in the top 115 in the 2024 class.
Even when there aren't a bunch of WRs in the top 35, there almost always are in the top 100. In 2022, for example, there were only four in the top 35, but 19 in the top 100. In 2016, there were three in the top 35 but 21 in the top 100. The increased use of three- and four-receiver sets probably influences the rankings as well. I'll have to go back over these rankings sometime when I have time to see how accurate they turned out to be.
Ced Walker from Saginaw, Mich.: happy new year great sun bowl victory nd beating oregon st 40-8 finishing the season 10-3 what are nd chances getting transfer wr jeremiah hunter and transfer safety rod heard here come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us
Eric Hansen: Happy New Year, Ced. Prolific Cal WR Jeremiah Hunter was in and out of the transfer portal very quickly. He's already committed to Washington. Northwestern DB Rod Heard II is visiting Notre Dame Saturday and Sunday. He played CB/nickel for the Wildcats but ND projects him as a safety. Anytime you get a transfer on campus, you have a good shot, but there is competition for Heard.
Gene from New York: Hi Eric, Thanks as always for the great coverage. So much to like about the Sun Bowl - great play from essentially second string offense (shout out to OL!), very impressive performance from Angeli, creative play calling, healthy WRs, and great defense. How much of all of it was ND performance or attributable to diluted Oregon St defense? My biggest concern going forward is the rotating portal door for QBs. Coach Freeman talked about ‘brotherhood’ after the game, and now, by all accounts, the QB position is going to be handed to Leonard, despite Angeli’s performance. How is that ‘brotherhood’?!? And that doesn’t take into account that Angeli threw much better passes than I saw Leonard throw in 3 games in addition to ND game! Confusing and disturbing if the job is already his! Your take?
Eric Hansen: Gene, I get your point — to a point. First, I think you are putting words into Marcus Freeman's mouth that he never uttered. He promised an open QB competition last year between Sam Hartman and Tyler Buchner, and both players got equal reps with the 1s and the 2s. And at the end of spring, everyone knew who No. 1 was, on the field, in the locker room and in the seats in the stadium. That's what he is presenting as the scenario this spring.
Now, did he bring Riley Leonard in, because he thought the Duke transfer was the best available QB in the transfer portal and has a very good chance to be the No. 1 QB? Absolutely. But he has to prove that to his teammates in spring practice. And Marcus has the track record to back up that the best players play. The MVP of the Sun Bowl was a former walk-on in Jordan Faison. If this was about favoring preconceived notions, Faison never gets on the field. And as far as the brotherhood comment, if you're coming to Notre Dame at any position, you should expect to compete. Steve Angeli too.
Is Marcus Freeman being disloyal by recruiting talents like Kenny Minchey, CJ Carr and Deuce Knight — all Rivals 250 prospects? Those guys all have a chance to start in 2025 even if Riley Leonard wins the job in 2024.
Sean from Portland, Ore.: That was about the best possible result in the Sun Bowl, all things considered. ... Game never in doubt, no new injuries, playing time and experience for the younger guys, saved me from a lifetime of local real-life trolling etc.. 2 questions: 1) Do you think the odds are better than 50/50 that Golden stays? I assume at this point it is mostly NFL jobs that may poach him, rather than a college football HC position. 2) How long do you think the backchannels were working to get Denbrock back to ND? Do you think CMF shot him a text early on with something along the lines of "Hey don't sign that extension yet... Gerad is interviewing elsewhere"... Happy new years!
Eric Hansen: Hi Sean. I celebrate with you your ability to elude real-life trolling. 1) I think I was on record during the season that it would be less than 50 percent chance that Al Golden sticks in year 3. My colleague, Tyler James, has long been on the other side of the 50/50 line and I have moved over there with him. However, the attractive NFL defensive coordinator jobs that could really tempt him have yet to open. So, let's wait another month or so. I think your assumption is correct about college head coaching jobs. 2. Marcus Freeman and Mike Denbrock never lost touch with each other and texted regularly, like once a week. So it's not like they needed to be reintroduced each other. But I don't think they had a conversation gauging interest in Denbrock's coming back until the day Gerad Parker accepted the HC job at Troy on Dec. 17, which was a Monday. The momentum then built fast and furiously. By Thursday Denbrock knew what he was doing, but Brian Kelly asked him to sleep on it. He then informed BK and the team on Friday morning. And Happy New Year to you!
Ty from Godfrey, Ill.: Good morning Eric!! I am a long-time reader and admire the thoroughness of your work. It is reliable, grounded, candidly humorous, and completely trustworthy. The Sun Bowl experience was a complete confidence builder for me when looking into the potential for next year. I have to admit that I am a perpetual glass-half-full supporter of the Irish. I have to admit, I am the same toward the Redbirds this year. Enough said. Q1. It appears the strategic approach toward CMF structuring an organization is coming to fruition (as long as we can hold on to Coach Golden, the king of defense). Do you see any further needed manipulations of the coaching structure to complete the job? Q2. While it is premature to prognosticate, are you as confident toward the potential of a 12-0 or 11-1 as I am? Thank you for making the readers ND news life so interesting.
Eric Hansen: Hello Ty and welcome to your new job as my agent! If you want to volunteer for that ... sincerely thank you for the kind words. ... To your questions ... 1. I think Mike Denbrock's addition eliminates the urgency of adding a veteran analyst on offense had Gerad Parker remained in the OC role, but I do think Marcus Freeman needs to continue to look at adding (and replacing departing) analysts who can make a difference in Notre Dame's bottom line. And as coaches leave for better opportunities from year to year, he needs to continue his approach of trying to upgrade, not just replace. It appears he now has the financial backing to go get the best.
On question 2, given Notre Dame's schedule and the rhythm of it, I think 11-1 is realistic, because I think the defense will be good enough to keep the Irish in every game as the offense grows. I would need to see a lot more of the work and growth happening this offseason before I would think about a 12-0 prediction. Even then, it might take a couple of shots of bourbon to coax that out of me. Having said all of that, I really like the direction the program is taking and what the potential is shaping up to be.
Just for fun, here are what the oddsmakers are thinking about Notre Dame's and others' chances of winning the national title next season, courtesy of betonline.ag:
Georgia 5/1, Alabama 11/2, Ohio State 7/1, Texas 9/1, Michigan 10/1, LSU 12/1, Oregon 12/1, Ole Miss 14/1, Florida State 18/1, Penn State 25/1, Tennessee 25/1, Notre Dame 28/1, Clemson 30/1, Texas A&M 33/1, USC 33/1, Oklahoma 40/1, Missouri 50/1, Washington 50/1, Kansas State 60/1, Miami Florida 75/1, Utah 75/1, Arizona 100/1, Auburn 100/1, Louisville 100/1, Arkansas 125/1, Florida 125/1, Colorado 150/1, NC State 150/1, Nebraska 150/1, North Carolina 150/1, Texas Tech 150/1, Wisconsin 150/1.
Kansas 200/1, Kentucky 200/1, Oklahoma State 200/1, Iowa 250/1, South Carolina 250/1, UCLA 250/1, West Virginia 250/1, Michigan State 300/1, SMU 300/1, TCU 300/1, Iowa State 400/1, James Madison 400/1, Maryland 400/1, UCF 400/1, California 500/1, Liberty 500/1, Mississippi State 500/1, Oregon State 500/1, Virginia Tech 500/1, Baylor 600/1, Cincinnati 600/1, Troy 700/1, Tulane 700/1, Boston College 750/1.
Patrick from Fort Wayne, Ind.: Good afternoon Eric, I have been trying to figure out who Jeremiyah Love reminds me of when I watch him run. With an extended look during the Sun Bowl, I realized he runs like O.J. Simpson: very quick, upright posture with the ability to make multiple cuts without slowing down. For those of us who remember him as a college and pro running back rather than a notorious celebrity, he was a superstar 50 years ago. Now for a question: With all of the blowout bowl games this year, do you foresee a dramatic restructuring of bowl season in the next few years that alters the definition of being invited to a bowl?
Eric Hansen: Hi Patrick. I don't think blowouts are a threat to the bowl system. It's participation, or lack thereof. The 12-team playoff format will likely further that challenge. Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports published an interesting story on possible answers recently. I can't do a quick summary justice in this chat format, but here's the link if you're interested in checking it out: With transfers and opt-outs abound in college football, is there a way to fix Bowl Season?
Aaron from Washington, D.C.: Hi Eric, great article on Nilka Mickey and the ND family. I recently read an article (don’t recall where) that described Mike Denbrock as “pass first.” Do you think that’s a true statement? If so, that doesn’t appear to comport with Coach Freeman’s model and the fact that Notre Dame has been most successful when they are very effective running the ball. Do you see Mike Denbrock maintaining a strong focus on the running game? On the personnel side, the wide receiver room seems to be looking good on quality with Thomas, Greathouse, Faison, Colzie and now the additions of Mitchell and Collins (as well as Cam Williams). Do you think there will be further attrition in the portal there if guys are concerned about playing time? Any sense as to whether Notre Dame will pursue Alaka’I Gilman or Daeh McCullough or is Rod Heard II the top target for adding a safety? Thank you for your time.
Eric Hansen: Hi Aaron and thank you. Let's unpack all of this as best I can. It's far easier and more comfortable for me to answer questions about something you read in one of my stories than somewhere else, because I have no idea if the source was legit or someone who has no first-hand knowledge or expertise on what they're writing about. So let's just get to the facts. Mike Denbrock will design his offense around the personnel that exists on the Notre Dame roster and aligns with Marcus Freeman's vision for the program. Pretty simple. As far as what he did this year at LSU in crafting the nation's No. 1 total offense and scoring offense? LSU emphasized both the run and the pass and was elite at both.
The Tigers were No. 1 in team pass efficiency and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels set an NCAA record in that stat category. They were third in passing offense and 10th in rushing offense. Their 6.18 yards per carry led the nation. Their 34 rushing TDs was fourth. So I would say Denbrock's offense fits Freeman's vision of wanting to do both aspects well and have balance. As far as portal predictions, the portal closed for the winter last night and won't reopen until April 16. That doesn't mean players already in the portal are stuck or that grad transfers can't enter, but underclassmen can't enter for three more months.
So maybe that's a better question for spring, once we see how players are shaking out on the depth chart. To do so now, really takes me out of the realm of projection and into purely clairvoyant skills, of which I'm pretty sure I am lacking. Right now there are 10 WRs on the roster, with the Irish looking to add an 11th. That's not a crazy high number. I believe Heard ND's No. 1 safety target from the portal. I have not had a chance to do reporting on the others you've asked about as of the start of this chat.
Rich Key West: Happy New Year. What are the rules regarding contact with players prior to their declaring for the transfer portal? If there are rules regarding when contact may begin is there any active enforcement of the rules that you are aware of?
Eric Hansen: Happy New Year, Rich. The rules are that there is to be no DIRECT contact until players are in the transfer portal. However, many players have some kind of NIL representation. They also have high school coaches, etc. It's pretty easy to work indirectly, and thus legally, without penalty. There are some agents who will openly shop their players, which at this time is unregulated but probably should be.
Jerry M. from Dallas, Texas: Eric, There is a proposal to make the football players in the NCAA employees of the University. This would have the effect of not letting, you would think, the players decide to opt out of the bowl games, since that would be part of their contract they agree to when they sign up. Right now, when a player commits to Notre Dame, doesn't Notre Dame honor that scholarship even if the player is not playing well? But, once the player is an employee, the normal response of the employer to an employee not doing well is to fire that employee. What happens to the scholarship?
Eric Hansen: Jerry, I appreciate your question. But this is the kind of question that gives me a headache. I'll answer it anyway, because you posed it in such a well-constructed way. I don't think we have any way to answer this at this time, but what I can say is all of these types of dangling details will have to be part of collective bargaining. And I can't imagine this won't come up in terms of how to handle that.
Lorne from Reno, Nev.: We can't say it enough: thank you for the exceptional and balanced coverage of Notre Dame football. Sign me up for the lifetime subscription. I see that CMF thanked Swarbrick for the quick work on hiring Denbrock. Jack was quite defensive about the failed Ludwig hire ("IT WASN'T MY FAULT!"), and I was wondering if you think that made him anxious to get it done this time. Also, how much input does Bevacque have into these decisions? I imagine they consult on these matters, but is Jack still the final word? Also, does anybody really call Angeli "Peanut Butter" (please say 'no')?
Eric Hansen: Hi Lorne, and thank you. And if you're serious, we'll be happy to do that. I think if ND didn't learn from its offensive coordinator search from last season, shame on them. I think Jack Swarbrick has been consistent, though, overall in fighting to give Marcus Freeman what he needs to be on a level playing field with the teams that he competes against for recruits and national titles. Until Jack walks out the door, I think the decisions are his, but Pete Bevacqua is already on campus for a reason, and I think his opinions mean something. And they should. Finally, no one in our organization calls Steve Angeli "Peanut Butter." That's not even a good pet name for his girlfriend.
Manny from San Pedro, Calif.: Eric!!!!!!! Happy new year!!!!! 10 wins baby!!!!!!! Next year it’s playoffs or bust.. my question is are we deep enough to make a run next year or did the transfers hinder our ability to replenish the losses.
Eric Hansen: Manny!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy New Year to you and your family!!!!!! I don't disagree with your premise of playoffs or bust in 2024. Given Notre Dame's incoming recruits, its incoming transfers and the decision by NFL Draft hopefuls like Xavier Watts to defer their dream for a year, I do not think depth will be the issue. The development of the offensive line will be, to me, the biggest question mark as the Irish head toward spring practice in two months.
Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: Merry Christmas. Please predict a depth chart at field receiver for 2024. Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Happy Holidays Bob. Until we meet with Mike Denbrock, I'm having trouble placing a couple of guys, namely Beaux Collins and Jaden Greathouse at a particular position, given the depth at slot and boundary. With that said, I'll go 1.Kris Mitchell, 2. Cam Williams, 3. Micah Gilbert at the field receiver.
Richard from Rochester, N.Y.: Eric------great work as usual and I especially love the Football Never Sleeps show every week Top notch and then some. Will you be doing a piece[s] maybe later this winter on HCMF's marvelous evolution from let's say the Clemson loss, through the end of the season, through the Stucky deal and WR losses, to the keeping our recruiting class intact, getting his portal guys, landing Denbrock and Brown, keeping key players for '24, navigating ND's apparent new commitment to winning recruits, portal guys and the like, establishing a relationship with a new AD and possibly more [including the Al Golden outcome? I believe it would be fascinating and would both narrate a very interesting and timely period of Notre Dame football [setting the stage for spring ball] but also show how Freeman has grown dramatically in becoming a complete football coach at a place like Notre Dame? What say you?
Eric Hansen: Richard, thanks for the compliments, the idea and the question ... and yes, that's something I hope and plan to tackle this offseason. I'll say this, what you saw from Marcus Freeman in how he handled December, including the portal (in and out), coaching changes and yes, the bowl game was incredibly telling and significant. In a good way.
David from New York: What happens if an ND player in the transfer portal doesn't find a destination. Are they allowed to stay at ND? Even just as a student? Would any players left be someone ND wants back?
Eric Hansen: Hi David. Once a player enters the transfer portal, there is a path back to the original school, but that original school has no obligation to take him back. ND had a couple of players last spring who didn't enter the portal but elected to no longer play football (even though there wasn't a medical condition that prevented that), and they were allowed to remain as students. I'm not sure if the same deal would be extended if they entered the portal first.
Tom from Sister Lakes, Mich.: Hi Eric. A comment and a question. MF did a great job getting the players and coaches to go all-in for the Sun Bowl. It showed in their performance. This and other moves shows how far MF has come as a head coach. Near the end of the Lions/Cowboys game the broadcast went into the background of the Cowboys kicker, who is perfect on field goals and kickoffs. Turns out, he played soccer at ND just a few years ago. I don't remember him ever kicking for the ND football team. What can you tell us about his time at ND related to football. Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Tom, I couldn't agree more with our opening statement. ... To your question on Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, he never had a desire to pursue football while a soccer player at ND, nor did he think he would be any good at it. He was a first-round MLS draft pick in 2017 and had a short career in pro soccer. When that fizzled, he became a software engineer, and it was his wife who encouraged him to try football. Here's a good look at his back story for more depth: From software engineer to rookie breakout, Brandon Aubrey took the road less traveled to stardom
Mac Corona: How much did Marcus Freeman improve as a Head Coach in 2023, and in what areas do you feel he improved the most? Happy New Year!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Mac. I'll do a more in-depth look this offseason, and there's still room for growth with gameday operations, which were much improved in the Sun Bowl. I'd day what jumps out at me in a quick summary, is identifying better fits with recruits, having a much clearer vision on what he wants to do on offense and not being afraid to ask/challenge the administration for what he needs to make the Irish competitive in facilities, in assistant coaches in policies that allow for a wider incoming transfer pool.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you had a great time in El Paso, always great when the Irish win. Most importantly, did you get to meet Tony the Tiger? Can you give your overall opinion on the play of the offensive line during the game. The one Coach we have all kind of taken a wait and see attitude about is Joe Rudolph, how do you think he did coaching up this young offensive line for the game? What did you see in the game That really surprised you in a good way for the future of Notre Dame and what areas do you still think are going to need some work if they are truly going to compete for a championship in 2024? Happy New Year! And thanks for hosting the chat.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. I have never met a breakfast cereal mascot of any kind, and I’m kind of glad that is the case with the Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs bird. ... I thought Joe Rudolph did a really good job with the Irish offensive line in the bowl game, and freshman Charles Jagusah graded out as the top O-lineman for either side in the game, per Pro Football Focus. I'm really eager to see how Mike Denbrock (who's coached O-Line and many other positions in his past) and Rudolph mesh and how that affects O-Line development. ... As I mentioned a little earlier and will reiterate ... WRs, QB play and O-line is where the biggest offseason challenges are going into spring. On defense, it'll be developing safeties around Xavier Watts, even if the Irish bring in a portal guy. ... And Happy New Year to you!
Scott from Augusta, Ga: Eric, Happy New Year to you and the family. You all make the season more informative. One of my resolutions is signing up for the is signing up for Inside ND Sports. Your thoughts please. What a great way to end the season on such an upside with Denbrock coming back; all the defensive players coming back; and the play of Angeli. The defense looks amazing and the promise of a young but talented O-line, RBs, wide outs and TEs. I would like to say I am very optimistic about next year but I'm Irish. Can you give us a realistic yet semi-optimistic look at 2024? Oh great Karnak? Best to you for a great 2024 Eric. Be safe!
Eric Hansen: My thoughts about you signing up for Inside ND Sports? Giddy-Up! and thank you! If Notre Dame can get by Texas A&M on the road in the opener, the schedule sets up really well for them to be able to improve at their own pace. The toughest games figure to be in November, with Florida State coming to South Bend and the Irish visiting USC. That'll give them some needed schedule strength when the committee is splitting hairs. Barring injury, I really like ND's defense. The Irish will finish this season No. 5 in total defense. Since Ara retired after the 1974 season the Irish have been in the top 5 once at season's end in total defense (1980) until now. The Irish will need to be more than just a great defense unless they want people to call them Iowa. But the defense buys them some margin for error.
Mark from Kincardine, Ontario: Hi Eric, Happy New Year! First of all thanks for everything you and Tyler do to keep us informed with our team. Both of you do an incredible job especially with Football Never Sleeps which I watch on a regular basis. On to my question, will Notre Dame look for an Offensive Tackle in the portal during the spring. From Ontario Canada thank you!
Eric Hansen: Hi Mark, and Happy New Year … and thanks for watching us, presumably with your eyes open! I think they'll certainly shop for one. Even though they like Jagusah and Wagner and Baker, etc., they're really one injury away from an icky situation potentially at tackle. Some of the younger talent isn't ready to come out of the oven yet, so a portal tackle does make some sense.
Tony from Lake Mary, Fla.: Hey Eric, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Great games on Monday. Best semifinals of the 4 team era. My question is regarding Xavier Watts. I was reading the PFF analysis about the defense grades for the year and he was not near the top. Yet he was the Nagurski winner. I also did not hear a lot from the CBS crew about Watts during the game. Was he really an anomaly that should not have won the Nagurski or was PFF missing something? Was he getting a grade from draft consultants that he really wasn't that good? All aside from how awesome of a human being he is, which I have heard many people say as such.
Eric Hansen: Happy Holidays. Tony. I think the best way to look at Pro Football Focus' film grades is as one of many evaluative tools. The other tools matter, too, including production. And Xavier Watts positively affected the bottom line of several games. And I admit there are times I look at the PFF grades and think these guys were well-caffeinated when they did the overnight evals, and sometimes when I think their computer had a virus. And you scratch your head. I think X earned every accolade that came his way. As far as the CBS crew, I'm not sure how much homework they did after hearing the lack of explosiveness of Jeremiyah Love and some other verbal fumbles. (more)Eric Hansen: As far as NFL projections, Xavier doesn't have a large body of work as a starting safety, or as a safety, period. In his mind, he felt he would be better prepared for a pro career by becoming a more complete college player before he left. He does not have the freaky size that, say, Kyle Hamilton does, but he can improve his draft equity in 2024, regardless of what numbers PFF spits out. Again PFF numbers don't equate to what the NFL thinks. Jack Kiser was rated ND's best defender and deserves credit for that, but he's not anywhere near ND's best defensive pro prospect.
Larry from Topton, Pa.: Happy New Year to Eric and the crew! Bingo!! How many of us had Faison as Bowl-Game-MVP as the final square on our preseason Bingo card? An observation and question: In my opinion, the ND offense was more imaginative during the Sun Bowl. It might be recency bias, but I thought I saw different formations, more usage of motion, and I remember hearing Gary Danielson compliment the play-calling on several instances. How do you see it? Was there more variety in the ND offense during the Bowl game? Good luck to you for the second year of InsideNDSports!! Keep up the good work!!!
Eric Hansen: Happy New Year Larry, and thank you. Actually, it's our third season starting this month, but I'll take any compliments and good luck I can get. I thought the play calls were strong, and against an Oregon State front seven that had been tough to run against all season and a part of their team that was largely intact. I liked the planned QB runs. But there was a lot to like.
Mike from Rockville, Md.: Hi, Eric! Thanks for these chats! Overall, the ND offense looked so much better during the bowl game than they did during the Gerad Parker regime. They seemed to play with more confidence, fewer penalties, and more efficient. Even with so many new players, I think that's very telling. Do you agree? If so, what was the difference?
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike, and thank you for participating and for wearing shoes while doing so. I do agree. They did have a month to prepare for this game, and yet I think Gino Guidugli exuded confidence and the players bought into that.
Rui from Ossining, NY: Happy New Year…any updates on schedule release for 2024?
Eric Hansen: Hi Rui. I anticipated this question. If you have to ask this again on Groundhog Day, something has gone amiss. So hint, hint.
Norris from Singer Island, Fla.: Hi Eric, and Happy New Year. Two topics for questions. What are the QB strengths and weaknesses of Riley Leonard and Steve Angeli? If the strengths are not compatible, and both QBs stay around for the 2024 season, how do you game plan and device weekly practice routines particularly for the OL and the receivers? Assuming Riley, Leonard will receive seven figures in NIL money, how much NIL money will it take to keep Steve Angeli within the fold?
Eric Hansen: Happy New Year, Norris. Riley Leonard is an ELITE runner with the largely untapped potential to be a strong downfield passer as well. Steve Angeli seems to be at a minimum good at everything, not bad at anything, but not great at any one aspect. Both are tough and smart. LSU's No. 1 and 2 QBs did not have matching skill sets, and yet Denbrock had an offense that worked for both of them. That's what you get in an experienced/accomplished OC. I LOATHE speculating on precise NIL figures, because that's all it is. Speculation. Unless you have tax records to prove it. And Steve Angeli staying or leaving ND isn't an NIL issue. It's an issue about his opportunity to develop and chase his post-college dreams.
For more on NIL money mythology and the BS that's being peddled by some websites, check out this article from Front Office Sports: ‘Absolute Bulls—.’ ‘Completely Made Up.’ Don’t Believe Everything You Read About NIL Deals in the Transfer Portal
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: Happy NY. Good win. Didn't have a 40-8 beatdown. Angeli showed some positive aspects to his game. Others have mentioned this before-How can Freeman keep coaching continuity? I understand coaches leave for better positions/money. We, finally, have an experienced OC with the bona fides to take the offense to the next level. I think keeping Golden is crucial. And, hopefully, he sees the returning players on D and decides to stay. A top 5 D makes his prospects for another gig improve. How can MF keep his top coaches/recruiters for a 2-3 year window? Outside of more money what incentives can he provide? You made a great point on the podcast of saying Denbrock doesn't have the feel of a mercenary hire. He, truly, loves ND. That's great. What are two macro/micro issues MF needs to address this offseason? He's gotta resolve the road issues. Making 12-team playoff IS A MUST with, as of now, a lacking schedule outside of FSU/USC. I truly believe 24-27 could be the window to win the National Title.
Eric Hansen: Sean, Happy New Year. One friendly New Year's resolution please. Your questions border on manifestos sometimes. Don't let your venting/celebrating overtake the questions, especially if they're unrelated. This is a much better submission, even with the multiple parts. I can handle that ... ok here goes. I think keeping assistants for a 2-3-year window is doable for the most part, given ND's financial commitment. But there is going to be churn when you're successful, and being prepared to deal with that reality is the key. Smoothing out gameday operations (which were good in the Sun Bowl) and a better approach to road games (which will be tested in the 2024 opener) are two of the most urgent issues to be addressed.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric, Happy New Year! In short, minus the special team gaffs, Michigan had players who could make plays at all positions. But moreover seemed to be what Coach Freeman wants, a team driven by O line and D line. Your thoughts? Second, how does Steve Angeli compare to McCarthy? I stand by my previous assertions that SA can throw better than Tyler B or Drew P, and run better than Sam H. But how do you develop without starting reps in practice or playing time? Does bringing in a transfer QB put the QB's currently on the roster at a disadvantage? Does Steve A have to leave his dream school or miss the practice/playing time needed to reach his NFL dreams?
Eric Hansen: Happy New Year, Len. Nick Saban built Alabama up from the O-line and D-line when he came in, and then built out from there. So, yes I agree it's a sound model. And if you think about the games which ND lost this year, two of them they lost both lines of scrimmage. I think Steve Angeli is a much-improved young quarterback who very much wanted to come to Notre Dame and did. I think JJ McCarthy is a much more proven player with a different skill set who wanted very much to come to Notre Dame and was not offered a scholarship to do so.
Eric Hansen: OK, I have to end there. Have a line of commitments/assignments waiting on me. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll be back to do this all again next Wednesday at noon ET.
---------------------------------------------------------------
• Talk with Notre Dame fans on The Insider Lounge.
• Subscribe to the Inside ND Sports podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Podbean or Pocket Casts.
• Subscribe to the Inside ND Sports channel on YouTube.
• Follow us on Twitter: @insideNDsports, @EHansenND, @TJamesND and @cbowles01.
• Like us on Facebook: Inside ND Sports
• Follow us on Instagram: @insideNDsports