Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, Shamrock Series week.
Some quick programming notes:
► 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. We remain in our normal Monday at 7 ET time slot. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube. Coming up late right after the Army game on our YouTube channel is our live postgame show with former offensive lineman Bob Morton and me — Inside The eNDzone. And in the wee hours of Sunday morning we’ll have our Postgame Takeaways show posted, with Tyler James and more of me. So, make us part of your Sunday morning too.
► The Inside ND Sports Podcast will drop Thursday. Tyler James and I reached out to former Irish offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer (2016-20) to join last week's Inside ND Sports Podcast. Kraemer discussed Notre Dame's season, the Irish being named semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award, how much a lineman can improve in his first year as a starter, what moving to guard means for a tackle, how quarterback Riley Leonard helps ND's offensive line, what it was like being recruited by and playing for OL coach Harry Hiestand, his relationship with ND's current players, his work with Golden Legacy Partners 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.
Related Content
► Newest CFP rankings, seedings have Notre Dame on track to host in 1st round
► Notebook: Status updates on Notre Dame K Mitch Jeter, NG Howard Cross III
► Coordinator Transcripts | Offense: Mike Denbrock | Defense: Al Golden
► Snap Counts: Here's who played for Notre Dame football against Virginia
► Notre Dame football finalizes dates for Texas series in 2028-29
► Finally, at WSBT Sports Radio 96.1, we’re rolling into Saturday night’s Shamrock Series matchup with unbeaten Army. Darin Pritchett and I are together this week on Wednesday and Thursday on Weekday SportsBeat (96.1 FM, 960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com). The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET. I’m also part of the Gameday SportsBeat crew, and the pregame show that runs on Saturdays before every game. This week we’ll be earlier than normal because of an ND women’s basketball game — 1:15 p.m.-3:45 p.m. ET. You can download all episodes, including the pregame shows, as podcasts.
As far as this week's chat …
PLEASE include your name and hometown along with your question(s).
No whining.
Here are the other rules:
Eric Hansen: We're abolishing the "no drinking" rule until you all make me regret it, which has NOT happened so far.
OK, off we go ...
Jack from Strongsville, Ohio: Hi Eric. I believed the 1966 ND defensive unit was one of the best of all time. Then in 2012, that unit appeared to be equally good. This year's unit thus far based on all the top 10 categories on defense is as good as those two years. I believed that based on the 2012 defense they may not have beaten Alabama but would stay in the game. We know the result, it was over early. What may be different in this year's defense that will allow it to be a top unit and allow the team to play with the elite teams in the country? Have a great Thanksgiving.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jack … and Happy Thanksgiving early to you. How defense is played — because of evolving offenses — is very different than in 1966 and even 2012. So some of the strength/weakness comparisons hold up and some don't. I'll leave the 1966 team out of this, since I wasn't old enough yet to be playing organized football at that time. But in 2012, that team was a better run defense than this one. Total defense and scoring defense were similar. Some of what hurt the 2012 team on the big stage -- besides the big stage -- was its offense. The Irish to this day are the worst pass-efficiency team (74th) to reach a championship game in the BCS/Playoff Era. And their 38th ranking in rush offense is much lower than most teams that play for titles. That defense had to carry that team all year and it caught up to them, which is why the evolution this offensive is undergoing is significant and needs to continue.
There are three important areas in which this team is much better on defense than the 2012 group. This Irish team is No. 1 in turnovers gained, No. 1 in pass-efficiency defense and No. 6 in third-down conversion defense. Those will show up against playoff-caliber teams and give the Irish a chance to win in a playoff game.
Robert from Dunedin, Fla.: Eric, sincerest thanks for hosting the chats! Does ND continue to take transfer kickers/punters or build through HS recruiting? They have had several home grown successes over the years. Hunter Smith and Justin Yoon come to mind. How do think ND moves forward? I'm sure pluses/minuses either way. Appreciate your take.
Eric Hansen: Robert, we talked to Marty Biagi, ND's special teams coordinator, about this in the offseason. And especially with kickers, it just doesn't make a lot of sense to go to the high school ranks, when it's much more difficult to translate how those guys will perform at the next level. There's so much more risk than reward. With a portal guy, he has a proven track record over years at the college level. With punting, I don't think it's as urgent to get a transfer, but it does make more sense. Again, proven track record.
Damon from Nashville: Eric, thank you for all your great coverage. So appreciated! Thank goodness for the expansion of the playoff this year. We likely would have not still had the opportunity after the second week in last year’s format. Interestingly, if we went undefeated this year we would have a five seed. Now, if we were to be fortunate and win out with that bad loss, we are looking at probably a 6 seed. Anyway, how concerned should we be about our field goal squad? Kickers and leg injuries are no bueno. Do you feel comfortable about our chances making a 45 yarder if we need it?
Eric Hansen: Hi Damon Thank you, and appreciate you! Both head coach Marcus Freeman and special teams coach Marty Biagi expressed confidence that Mitch Jeter continues to incrementally get back to full health. Here's Biagi's quote on that during our coordinator interviews:
“He’s probably a game-time decision week by week. I know he’s getting better. He feels like this has been his best week in practice and getting all the extra treatment that he needs. So I would say this week will be a game-time decision, but I feel like what he shared with me is that he’s definitely, still feels at his best. We decided to shut him down at halftime, just to try and recoup some of that time, so we feel like even that part has helped.”
Eric Hansen: Without Jeter at his best, I think a 45-yard field goal is a coin flip. And field goals inside of that distance would be better odds for Zac Yoakam. It would be great to have Jeter full go for Army, but USC is very important to have him ready for ... and a possible playoff game too.
Joe from Massapequa, N.Y.: Hi Eric. Huge game Sat nite in the Bronx! Stop at Stan’s for a beer before the game . Its pretty well known. I have some concerns with this offense. I just do not understand why Love is not on the field on 3rd downs. Do u think this continues? I like Williams but not this week or next. Also , Does Denbrock have any speed option or other ways to get to the edge with Riley Leonard? Teams have figured out the power. The PA pass was great on the GL but need more of that outside the RZ on 3rd and short. Lastly, predict ND starting OL in 2025 . I can’t lol. It’s so deep, and Will Black arrives as well.
Eric Hansen: Hi Joe. Let's start with the hardest part of your question, which is the 2025 offensive line. And there are so many variables, as you know, in why this is almost a futile exercise — Ashton Craig's recovery timeline for one, how much would Spindler and Coogan want to return for fifth years, etc. Here's how I see it. The two givens are Aamil Wagner and Billy Schrauth. I think it would be ambitious to think Craig would be ready for fall camp, but maybe. I'll predict Pat Coogan at center. Now I need a guard and a tackle ... out of Rocco Spindler, Sam Pendleton, Charles Jagusah, Anthonie Knapp, Guerby Lambert, Will Black and Sullivan Absher ... and find a place for Craig when he's healthy. It's a first-world problem. My guess would be Knapp and Jagusah, would one of them moving inside to guard, but I could see a lot of other combinations playing out.
The aversion to Jeremiyah Love on more third-down plays is his pass-blocking. He has one of the worst pass-blocking grades, per Pro Football Focus, on the team. And Aneyas Williams has one of the best. And now Aneyas' skill set is pretty varied as well. The good news is Love is fresh. He only has 114 carries ... compared to Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, who has 256. So, yes more but not every third down might make SOME sense. As far as more perimeter runs for Riley Leonard, according to PFF about a third of his runs have been perimeter runs and they've been successful and resulted in 8 of his 13 rushing TDs, so it's in the playbook. But it's easier to defend his runs on 2nd-and-25 and 3rd-and-16, which penalties put ND in way too much against Virginia.
Dave from DC: It was refreshing to see Leonard get the ball to receivers in space vs UVA. Do you think that there will be a more concerted effort to get the ball into the hands of our most explosive players, like Harrison and Mitchell?
Eric Hansen: Hi Dave. Riley Leonard is coached to take what the defense gives him. So, if those are the players who are open, they'll get the ball. And if they're not, Leonard is coached not to force it to them.
Manny from San Pedro: Eric!!!!!! We have been in playoff must win mode since week 2. Will this help us down the stretch or will this team run out of gas!?!?!? What are the odds we lose one of our coordinators to a HC gig in the offseason!?!?
Eric Hansen: MANNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think with the heavy rotations ND has been playing all season on offense and defense and two well-placed bye weeks, this is a team that is well-positioned to be at its best if it can avoid further long-term injuries. ... I don't think either coordinator is looking for a HC gig this offseason. Denbrock just signed a four-year contract and Golden signed a long extension. That doesn't mean that can't be lured away or that there won't be demand, but there's not an eagerness by either one to be aggressive in pursuing something else. I think Golden would be more interested in an NFL DC job at this point than college head coaching.
Rick from Peoria, Ill.: Eric- Thank you for your steady hand in keeping the train on the tracks for all ND fans this year 😄 My question...Is it possible that the opening kickoff to Chris Tyree was "game planned"? Did the ND coaches now that this was his "kryptonite" ??
Eric Hansen: Rick, thank you. I had a chance to talk to Eric Goins last night and I asked him about the kickoff ... and there was no strategy like that whatsoever. He said he knew he was kicking into the wind, and he sometimes he overstrikes when he tries to compensate for that. He's trying to break that habit, but on that one, he didn't kick the ball in the place he likes to strike. And it resulted in a short kick. So, it was kind of a lucky mistake for him.
Rich from Key West: I have a question regarding the scheduling of the mandatory ACC football games. Does Notre Dame have any say in which teams they will play or is it decided by the conference? In addition, what say, if any, does Notre Dame have in the timing of the games?
Eric Hansen: Hi Rich. ND and the ACC worked this out a long time ago as far as which teams when and where. Here is what the original grid looked like in the years of 2026 to 2037:Here is a grid that shows when each ACC team plays Notre Dame:
Boston College | H: 2028, 2035 A: 2030, 2033
Clemson | H: 2028, 2034 A: 2027, 2031 (Labor Day), 2037
Duke | H: 2030, 2035 A: 2027, 2033
Florida State | H: 2030, 2032, 2036 A: 2026, 2029
Georgia Tech | H: 2027, 2029 A: 2032, 2036
Louisville | H: 2026, 2032 A: 2030, 2033, 2035
Miami | H: 2028, 2031, 2037 A: 2032, 2034
North Carolina | H: 2030, 2036 A: 2026, 2031
NC State | H: 2031, 2037 A: 2029, 2035
Pittsburgh | H: 2033, 2036 A: 2028, 2034
Syracuse | H: 2026, 2034 A: 2029, 2037
Virginia | H: 2026, 2034 A: 2031, 2035
Virginia Tech | H: 2027, 2033 A: 2028, 2036 (Labor Day)
Wake Forest | H: 2029, 2032 A: 2027, 2037
Here's the but ... and there's a but … The addition of Stanford, Cal and SMU has created new challenges ... as in what to do with Stanford, who was an annual opponent? And what if Clemson and FSU eventually leave.? So you asked about the when, and the ACC works with ND's existing contracts and committed dates to schedule the five committed teams each year (which some years had to be finagled to be four or six).
Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: After Rubio, Hinish, and hopefully Onye, who is our best hope for interior DL next season who are currently on the roster?
Eric Hansen: Hi Bob, thanks again for lunch and getting to meet your awesome wife and awesome "service" dog. First, the hope is that all of those guys come back. And keep in mind, D-line is sometimes a position where there are significant surprises from one year to the next. I would say the guys trending hottest at this point are Armel Mukam and Sean Sevillano Jr. But Brenan Vernon, Cole Mullins and Devan Houstan could all be wild cards. Of the D-linemen ND has committed or is still chasing in this recruiting class, I'd say Jaylen Wiggins is the one who projects as most college-ready.
Kevin from Calgary: Eric, as always love the chats, you’re the best at ND analysis. I know college mayhem is always out there, but it looks like Ohio State will beat Indiana (probably soundly) and push them below the Irish in the playoff rankings and the status quo will remain the same until the conference championships, other than TAMU upsetting Texas and moving ND up a notch they’ll get knocked down in the playoff bracket anyway, regardless of who ends up SEC champ. My question is, if Ohio State loses a second close game to Oregon in the Big 10 championship, do you think there is any chance they drop below the fifth spot in the bracket and below ND (who would be sixth) and give the Irish the opportunity to play two weaker teams, by actual rank, in their first two playoff games (provided they keep winning)? And sorry if the question makes your head hurt.
Eric Hansen: Kevin, thanks for the compliment and no the question didn't make my head hurt. What did was coming up with teams 21-25 on my AP ballot this week. It was slim pickins, I thought selection committee chair Warde Manuel did a good job last night of explaining that it won't be a one-size-fits-all interpretation when it comes to teams losing conference championship games. I had been seeking that info for weeks and finally got it, and it goes against what a lot of talking heads had been speculating as fact, that it wouldn't count against those teams. I would not rule out another upset of a top 10 team that you might not be expecting. And in all the scenarios you come up with, I think 6 or 7 (with 7 being more likely) is likely where ND will end up in the bracket ... which means No. 4 or 5 in the rankings. For Ohio State to drop below ND there's some things that would have to all sync up. Maybe Oregon losing to Washington and then handily beating OSU. ND looking like a world-beater in its next two games. And Texas A&M, ND's best win, winning the SEC. All of those things would help ND's perception. Still not sure that's enough, but that's what I think would have to all line up.
John from Chatham, N.J.: Eric-Hope you and Tyler continue to be our eyes and ears for ND football!! Unrelated to CFP and ND/Army, I watched the Nebraska vs USC game this weekend. It really gave me pause to see where these two programs currently sit in the college football landscape. Nebraska was THE top program through the early to late 90's and even into the early 2000's. USC was on top of the mountain from 2002-2006. Do you think they made a deal with the devil in joining the Big 10? While it has provided tons of revenue for both athletic programs, perhaps they have lost their long term relevance? It really feels to me that they are great examples of the downside of the conference realignment trends. Thoughts?
Eric Hansen: Hi John, thanks for putting up with us!! I think it's an interesting point, and I think I have two different answers for you. I think Nebraska was headed in this direction no matter what conference they were in. I don't think they'd be in the playoff hunt if they were in the Big 12, say. But maybe with a coach like Matt Rhule and NIL money, it could level the playing field a little when it comes to the recruiting challenges Nebraska has. USC doesn't have those challenges, but I don't think the Big Ten membership will serve them well. But they do have the natural recruiting base and the ability to attract great coaches, so they could come back. They just need the Indiana version of the Big Ten schedule, perhaps, and not the one they were stuck with.
Jeff from Canton, Mich.: Hi Eric, when the playoffs were expanded to 12 teams I don’t think people envisioned that teams ranked 8th and 12th would get first-round byes. And if Texas A&M beats Texas, the SEC champ will also likely be ranked outside the top 6, but still receive a bye. I think some major re-tweaking needs to occur that actually seeds the teams based off their ranking. Perhaps the 5 conference champs get in but are not guaranteed a first round bye. What do you think?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff. The current format is only guaranteed for two years, this one and next. There's already a push for a 14-team format, which would mean two byes. The way things are playing out this year would certainly give fuel for an evolution with the start of the new contract in 2026.
Tom F from Kennesaw, Ga.: Eric, another note just for everyone's info: I was a student trainer for that '66 team. The closeness continues to this day. A lot of GREAT players on the defense with an unbelievable amount of trust in each other and an unbelievable spirit. Ara's favorite saying was "we have NO breaking point." That team gave up 38 points ALL Year!! 7 were on a 93-yard fumble recovering TD by Purdue and 7 by Navy were late in the game, not against the first team. That is 24 points. 10 by MSU who was #2 team and 7 by Purdue who won the Rose Bowl and I believe finished in the Top 10. Great memories!!! Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: Thanks for sharing, Tom.
Doug from Sunny Florida: Eric, there is a lot of talk regarding ND's placement in the playoff picture but I personally refuse to talk about it other than noting that we have to win out to even be considered. No sense in looking ahead when you have an undefeated Army team and a rivalry game with USC the next two weeks. Anyway, what do we need to do offensively to negate Army's stringent defense? Even thought they're ranked in the top 20, I don't see a lot of talk about the strength of their defense which appears to be one of the best in the country.
Eric Hansen: Doug, I will not try to talk you out of your playoff picture speculation stance. Enjoy the sunshine. To your question, the things that will help Notre Dame offensively against a very good Army defense are: Playing with the lead, especially two scores if possible. That keeps the Army offense out of pure keepaway mode and limiting ND's offensive possessions. 2. No turnovers. ND is No. 2 in turnover margin. The game they got sloppy with turnovers, Northern Illinois, they lost. So don't give away possessions. 3. Take advantage of positions where ND's athleticism is superior clearly. Mitchell Evans, Beaux Collins, Riley Leonard in the run game. Jeremiyah Love. Army is ranked No. 5 in the nation in total defense.
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: Angst remains. The missed FGs on Saturday are a concern. Cost many of us a cover in the game. Leonard, again, had some accuracy issues. The tipped pass to Evans in the end zone. All he had to do was loft the ball to a guy who's 6'6". These are the small margins that can cost a team a game in the playoffs. How do you think Freeman is approaching these last two games with those small margins in mind?
Eric Hansen: Hi Sean. He's approaching them similarly to the way he does each week. Look for ways to get better. And not looking beyond this game (except for the sports science people who are setting the practice and sleep schedules). Keep it simple and keep the focus on Army and not what might come in December. They're hunkering down like Doug in Sunny Florida.
Sean, I know fans want their teams to be perfect. But football and life aren't like that. It's how you adjust and handle adversity that gets you to your goals.
Steve from Kenosha, Wis.: Hi, Eric. Can you put into perspective the amount of penalties ND has had this year by both units, in particular the offense. They seem undisciplined. Granted, some penalties on the offense are due to inexperience, but I thought it would get better. Last week was an underwhelming win in my eyes due mostly to penalties and subsequent 3rd and very longs.
Eric Hansen: Big step back in terms of penalties. Certainly correctible. You asked where they stand ... ND is 72nd in fewest penalties per game at 6.20. Not impressive, but teams in the playoff picture who are worse: Texas is 82nd, Georgia 88th, Colorado 112th, Texas A&M 114th, SMU 116th, Tennessee 118th, Ole Miss 121st and Alabama 127th out of 133 FBS teams. Self-inflicted wounds. ND needs to be better, and my sense is they will be better this week.
Jim retired and from Coastal North Carolina: I am impressed with how you reporters are so respectful with coach Free 2 questions I am disappointed with b collins what are your thoughts and can goins kick fg?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jim, love that part of the country. And thank you. Collins has been quiet the past couple of weeks. They need him to step up Saturday night, and I think he will. I asked Goins about the field goal kicking. He got a chance to audition. They like him better on kickoffs and feel like they have better options on field goals. But good question. We were thinking the same thing.
Tom from Golden Beach, Fla.: Hey Eric! A few random questions: (1) If we get a home playoff game, do you know how we can get tickets? (2) Regarding the fake punt against Virginia, I read an article saying that the ACC officials got it wrong since they were relying on a rule that only applied to a hand-to-hand snap situation even though Notre Dame used a shotgun snap on the play. Thankfully it didn’t impact the outcome, but do you think that was a valid call? (3) Which game do you think will be tougher: Army or USC? (4) Do you think Jadarian Price should get more opportunities?
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. Here are your random answers ... 1) If ND beats Army on Saturday night, I would expect an official announcement not too long down the road after that (and season ticket-holders already have some info). 2. ND had not heard back from the ACC as of Tuesday night per STs coach Marty Biagi, but he did say this: “Got a lot of texts, lot of different calls. Of course, they were all in agreeance that they thought it was a good, clean play. The big thing is, we just got to do a better job of eliminating the gray, would be the biggest thing moving forward I guess.” 3) USC on the road, but I have a lot of respect for what Army can do. 4) At who's expense? I like the rotation as it is.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you are enjoying your week. Although the Irish won easily on Saturday, the performance was pretty disappointing. Of the following, that occurred on Saturday, what are you most concerned about derailing the team with regards to making the playoffs or winning some games in the playoffs? Poor third down conversion rate, wide receiver drops, poor O line play, sloppy penalties, or the kicking game. With regards to the wide receiver drops, do you think we will see some personnel changes? It seems as though Jayden Thomas has sort of faded away, do you see a place for him getting back into the picture? Looking ahead to the Army game, what needs to happen for the Irish to win by at least two scores? As always, thanks for hosting the chat and for all the great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. I think Marcus needs for you to get in front of the team and let them know how disappointed you are. That would motivate me to do better! Seriously. To your multiple choice question, three of them are kind of interrelated -- the penalties, the O-line play and the third-down conversions. I'll take the kicking game out of contention, because I think Jeter is trending toward full health at some point, maybe soon. Third-down conversions were a problem in this game because of the penalties that got ND in too many two- and third-and-longs. But third-down conversions needed to be better anyway on good days with penalties. When you look at the playoff contenders, this is an area where ND lags way behind most of the others and by quite a bit.
That, in turn, stresses the defense, which has handled it well to this point. But it will be facing more dynamic offenses in the playoff. So that would be my biggest concern/area of emphasis for improvement. I think the core six receiver group will stay the core six receiver group. And perhaps Jayden Thomas gets more opportunities, but it goes against my thinking that Beaux Collins will get back in a rhythm this game. I think Jayden Thomas is a true team player and I'd want him on my team. What needs to happen for ND to win by two scores? Win the turnover battle, play with the lead, keep the Army offense from long, sustained drives on offense. Thanks for challenging me each week with some thoughtful questions.
Chris from Memphis: Eric, where is Drayk Bowen? Have not seen much from him the last two weeks. Prior to that he was really improving and playing downhill. Injured, replaced, lost favor with Golden?
Eric Hansen: Hi Chris. Notre Dame has won by a combined 87 to 17 the past two games, so Al Golden and LBs coach Max Bullough have expanded the rotation later in games to go beyond the five guys who were manning it earlier this season. But that's true for all five of the guys in the rotation. He's still No. 2 on the team in tackles, still very effective. I'm not sure he's as effective against triple-option principles. He played a lot against Navy, but wasn't as effective as say Jaylen Sneed and Kiser. But no, not injured, not passed up, not in the dog house.
Bill from St Joe, Mich.: Hi Eric!!!!! How did you take Mike Denbrock’s final statement in yesterday’s presser “but anybody that walks around and has an aura about them that they're really enjoying what they're doing is fun to be around. Like you guys. You know what I mean?”Do you believe it was sarcasm or Denbrock’s honest opinion?
Eric Hansen: Mike is a fun guy to be around and likes to have fun with us. So all in good taste and fun.
Lorne from Reno, Nev.: Thanks as always for doing these. Two questions about coaching. Jeff Monken is, by any measure, a great coach. This is Army's 6th 9-win season in 9 years -- Army! Army was off last week and had 2 weeks to install wrinkles in their already difficult-to-defend offense. How do you prepare a defense not just for a tough offense, but for variations on the themes? I suspect we'll have more Golden adjustments. The second relates to Mike Mickens: our 2-deep at corner has THREE true freshmen and one grizzled vet, a true sophomore, we've lost our two best pass rushers, and yet we have the best pass-efficiency defense in the country and the top stop rate in the country. Yes, I know, super safeties, the two DB transfers, tons of talent in the front 6 or 7, but this is still phenomenal. I'm tempted to ask if Mickens has super or magical powers, but instead I'll ask what you think the chances are of us keeping him with Golden locked in at DC (and I still can't believe we were able to sign him).
Eric Hansen: Hi Lorne. You covered a lot of ground with the leadup to that question. I think there was one about Army in there too. But let me get to the Mike Mickens question first and then go back and dig out the other one. Mickens will get defensive coordinator offers. No question. But because he likely would be ND's next defensive coordinator, because he's been given more responsibility to grow as a coach at ND and grow his bank account, and because of his relationship with Marcus Freeman and his love for ND, I think the bar is really high in terms of what it would take to lure him away. No impossible, but not easy. ... to Army's offense and preparation. …
It's about discipline and keys and rules and recognizing concepts, not necessarily how they're packaged. As Marcus Freeman said on Monday, Army is not Navy 2.0, but having played triple-option and single-wing concepts fairly recently, I think, will be of great value in preparation.
Bill from Denver, Colo.: Hey Eric... Been an avid reader of yours forever, since Irish Sports Report Days. One part question. Riley Leonard seemed to struggle a bit running the ball against Virginia. Did they figure out a scheme to slow him down that other teams will copy, or was it just how the game played out this time? Thanks for your great work!
Eric Hansen: Hi Bill, and thank you for acknowledging in a nice way I'm an old geezer! Seriously, thank you ... and for the one-part question. My favorites. Two things ... Virginia was very disciplined in their run fits, 2) down and distance took a lot of the good Riley Leonard plays out of the playbook for a week, because of all the penalties.
Ryan from Frankfort, Ill.: Good afternoon, Eric. What do you think about the play of Rylie Mills Xavier watts and Jack Kiser they have all looked good my prediction is 49-10 Irish or something like that GO IRISH ☘️☘️☘️🏈🏈🏈
Eric Hansen: Hey Ryan. You picked out three of the stars of that Virginia game. Xavier Watts is an All-American, again, no doubt, at least on my ballot. Kiser and Mills are surging at the right time. As far as the score, I'll pick that tomorrow, but I think you're seeing a higher-scoring game than me, and you tend to be right, so maybe I should rethink my position.
J Buckley from San Diego: Hello, and thanks for your wonderful insight and of course taking my, I mean our questions :) Now, why is Penn St #4, The BIG 10 has 4 of the top 5 spots? Will see how good OHIO St and Indiana are this week, but Penn St has nobody left and hasn't beaten a currently ranked opponent? Oregon has a 6-5 Washinton team? Tin Hat (your Honor, Conspiracy) ohhhhh and there's Alabama who jumped an Idle Miami team? Do you think all four of the BIG 10 teams are going to get into the playoffs? It definitely seems the committee members are looking out for their conference teams, too much money involved to keep this above board???? Is some "NIL" money finding its way into the Committee members pockets?
Eric Hansen: All right JBuck. You softened me up with compliments, only to go full-blast Twilight Zone on me at the end LOL. It's a good thing I'm properly caffeinated. Let me attempt to bundle your questions and suppositions into a succinct multi-pronged SANE response. 1) These things tend to work themselves out in the final rankings. 2) The committee's rankings are very similar to my AP ballot, so where's my damn NIL money? 3) I am skeptical of Penn State, but open to the possibility they could prove me wrong. 4) Part of what has made those Big Ten teams poll-worthy is there's not a deep elite group of teams or even a strong middle class as there is in some of the other leagues like the SEC. The fifth-best team in the Big Ten is ... Iowa? Minnesota? Illinois? Could they beat the SEC's tied for ninth-place teams LSU or Vandy?
Matthew from Aldie, Va.: Hey Eric, I never miss a chat transcript, and subscribing was the best move I've ever made (OK, top ten)!!!!! Keep the basketball coverage coming too - this could be a big year for the women AND the men! Here's the Q: How does Coach Freeman compare (in whatever metric you'd like, W-L record, recruiting success, big wins, positive program momentum, etc.) to the other coaches of major programs who began their tenures in the same year? I'm thinking about Lincoln Riley, Brent Venables, Mario Cristobal, Dan Lanning, BK, and anyone else you'd like to lump in. I think Freeman looks pretty good in comparison, especially considering he's a first-time HC (many others had previous HC experience). Would love to get your thoughts/analysis if you have the time for this question, and thanks.🙌
Eric Hansen: Matthew, thanks for subscribing. And thanks for what I thought was a great question ... and it is. One problem. There were THIRTY new coaches at the start of 2022. So let me defer that until next week, so I have a chance to dig up the numbers and give it the proper thought and attention ... deal?
Shane from White Deer, Texas: Hey Eric. Last week I questioned the punting, and boom, Mr. Rendell showed me what’s what. So, no more questioning the players, only you. Do you think there seems to be more parity in the league this year due to NIL and transfer portal? Or, do you think this is just one of those years that there isn’t just one or two dominant teams? Also, do you think some teams are getting “love” based more on reputation than performance this year? Thanks for the chats. My weekly ND highlight.
Eric Hansen: Hi Shane and thank you. Let's start with the parity thing. And maybe once we get into the actual player, it'll play out differently, but I do think the pool of real national title contenders is much deeper than I can remember in a while. And even the next level of teams, there seems to be more parity there too ... and I do think NIL and the portal are big contributors. Teams not only can plug holes they used to have to live with, they can upgrade at positions where they swung and missed with their recruiting evals. And then there's the flip side at Florida State, where you hit it big in the portal one year and fall flat the next.
When you say teams getting love for reputation, who are you alleging that is happening with? The CFP committee? AP voters? Your friends on Facebook? People named Booger on ESPN? I can speak to my own experience. You really have to be disciplined when you are evaluating. Michigan is a good example. DEFENDING national champs. But guess what they are this year? They are team No. 129 out of 133 in total offense. Are they really better than a lot of Group of Five teams? They beat Arkansas State 28-18 early in the year. Arkansas State is 6-4 overall, but lost to Texas State 41-9 and Louisiana 55-19. And when Indiana beats Michigan, 20-15, I think it counts more in some people's minds than beating a better team with a lesser name brand, like UNLV for instance.
Steven Nettrouer from Goshen, Ind.: Hey coach, been wondering if you would consider doing a flea-flicker on offense with the players we have.
Eric Hansen: Coach? OK, I’ll take the promotion. … Against USC, sure. If the defense shows it's vulnerable to that, why not?
Mike aka Mo from Maumee OH: Hi Eric- a question about our current place kicking situation. I think that Jeter initially pulled his groin during a kickoff. I did some checking on ND's roster page, and found that Yoakam as an ND freshman had almost the same percentage of kickoffs for touchbacks as Jeter did his senior year at South Carolina. Now, as an absolutely AWFUL HS kicker back when we kicked straight-on with a square-toed shoe, I can state that kickoffs put more strain on the leg than field goal or extra point attempts. Maybe this injury to Jeter was just a freak thing, but has ND considered having a kickoff specialist separate from a field goal/extra point specialist? They basically did that in Yoakam's frosh year, & I think he was a walk-on. Do you know what changed the thought process to allow our #1 kicker to handle all duties? Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike/Mo. I think Jeter wanted to do both and was really good at both, so he won those jobs. Given his condition now and how well Eric Goins has handled things, I think they'll stick with Goins. But there are plenty of examples of schools splitting those duties up or sticking with one guy to do it. If you remember, Kyle Brindza could punt too. So there's that. Just evaluate each situation is the best way.
Matt from Austin: Hi Eric. I hope this finds you well and I hope that you will ease the no bare feet rule this week as it is balmy here. Two quick ones. What do you see as areas that we need to clean up as ND faces Army and USC? Perhaps line play and red zone? Secondly, its seems that we are having trouble closing the deal with our 2025 recruiting at LB and WR. Our top two receiver targets seem very hesitant to flip and our top linebacker target seems to be more than flirting with Michigan. Does this give you cause for concern? Thanks Eric as always.
Eric Hansen: Hi Matt — thank you. I think I've hit the Army stuff earlier, so let me hit the recruiting question. I don't think Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng ends up in ND's class, and he is a really good player. But ND is recruiting at such a high level in both the 2025 AND 2026 classes, this is not a concern for me. They do need to finish strong with the WRs and they've given themselves a fighting chance there.
Bobby Allen: The Dallas Cowboys kicker is a former soccer player from Notre Dame. Considering our current kicker status are there any kickers on our current soccer team that could help?
Eric Hansen: Not a bad idea, Bobby, but they just finished their season, so I'm not sure they could make that work. Plus Mitch Jeter is recovering.
Ray from Grand Rapids, Mich.: Greetings, I asked a question a few weeks ago about what if any "intelligence" program ND has within its football program? "Intelligence" meaning more than just scouting, but focusing upon the signal that opponents use to call play, formation etc on each side of the ball. The springboard for the question being the aftermath of the Conner Stallions scandal at Michigan, and his assertions basically saying "everybody does it." You tabled the topic to look more carefully. No problem if this is too sensitive a topic. I greatly appreciate the work that you. Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hey Ray. Everybody does NOT do what Connor Stallions did at Michigan. As far as what teams do, I don't know if my speculation is going to give you what you're looking for. Yes, you study film and formations, etc. That's WAY WAY different than what Stallions did.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I might not understand it but I have to admit that the CFP rankings, AP poll and coaches poll are eerily similar. Winning seems to be important. Too bad for FSU it is a year late. I still thing IU is getting a pass. They have a week in conference schedule, which might not be their fault. But scheduling zero power 4 schools out of conference is. And I am not sure how Penn St schedule is ranked so high. Now for the important matter, beating Army. What about this game concerns you as a coach? Injuries, having to play up every week (ND has been in playoff mode since loss), Army off a bye week? What says Eric that we should watch for in this game. In Aruba, hope this comes thru in time!!!
Eric Hansen: Len!!!! You went to Aruba and didn't take us with you? Oh, all right. The thing that would concern me the most is getting Army's offense off the field. They limited a North Texas team that is third in the nation in total offense to 3 points in part by limiting their offense to just SIX possessions.
Bill from St Joe, Mich.: Eric, FYI, ND has just released ticket information for the first round games earlier this hour. Season ticket holders have “first dibs”. There will be very limited availability if ND plays the first round game on the road which I guess is unlikely (win out and it’s a home game, lose a game and ND is likely eliminated from playoff contention).
Eric Hansen: Bill, thanks for the update!
Eric Hansen: OK, that's going to do it for this week. Thanks for all the great questions, including the ones my fingers and brain were too slow to get to. We'll do it all over again next Wednesday at noon, yes Thanksgiving week — same time noon ET — as usual.
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