Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat and thanks for adjusting to the time slot change this 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’re back in our normal Monday at 7 ET time this week and next week. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube. We’ll also have two postgame shows Friday night/Saturday morning on our YouTube Channel. Former Notre Dame O-lineman Bob Morton and I will team up LIVE about an hour after the final whistle for Into The eNDzone, and we’ll take viewer questions live. Then Tyler James and I team up on Postgame Takeaways, which will be available for your Saturday morning viewing.
► The Inside ND Sports Podcast dropped on Wednesday. We reached out to Doug Lesmerises, cohost of Kings of the North on YouTube, to preview Notre Dame’s matchup with Indiana and the rest of the College Football Playoff on this week's Inside ND Sports podcast. Lesmerises discussed the presence of northern programs in the College Football Playoff, how many Big Ten teams have a chance to win the national championship, how important playing at home is for Notre Dame, Ohio State and Penn State, how good Indiana is, what's legit about the Hoosiers and what could get exposed, how far the Irish can go, his expectations for Ohio State in the playoff, if Penn State should make it to the semifinals, who would make sense as a replacement for OSU head coach Ryan Day, if Oregon is a dominant one seed, if Curt Cignetti's Indiana revival will last 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
► Chat Transcript: Talk Notre Dame Football with Eric Hansen
► Opponent Outlook: What Notre Dame should expect from upstart Indiana
► Notre Dame football commit Sullivan Garvin receives fourth star
► Key takeaways from AD Pete Bevacqua's big picture for Notre Dame football
► Notebook: Marcus Freeman stays on message days before Notre Dame-Indiana
► Finally, at WSBT Sports Radio 96.1, we’re rolling toward Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff opener on Friday night. Darin Pritchett and I are together on Wednesdays and Thursdays leading up to the game 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 will run Friday from 5-7 p.m. 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.
If you don't, you'll end up on somebody's "naughty" list.
All other rules except no manifestos and no 17-part questions have been waived in the Playoff spirit.
Let's get down to it ...
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Merry Christmas!!!!!!! The team that is closest in ability and style to IU that ND had on their schedule this year IMO is Louisville, as they played that day against ND. Louisville threw the ball well, had some quick backs and a well executed game offensive plan. Their D held ND to under 300 yards total offense. What will be different in this game is IU this season has had much fewer turnovers than Louisville, and plays the run better (even considering the competition that IU has played). What has changed for ND is their offense is considerably better that is was in September against Louisville. Eric do you think ND can run on IU? With using the QB threat as a runner? Without using? Will they need short passes to complement the running game and keep the IU D honest?
Eric Hansen: HI Len. There are some similarities in how the Louisville and IU games set up in terms of the strengths/weaknesses that present and can attack. And you're right, ND is light years ahead on offense from where it was. So let me unpack your questions ... Yes, I do think Notre Dame will be able to run the ball against the No. 1 run defense nationally ... Now, to what extent? Louisville was the season-low (117) for what is now the 10th-most prolific rush offense. The Irish have been under 200 yards rushing only once since the Louisville game -- 168 vs. Ga Tech, which was a pretty strong run D.
What's changed since the Louisville game, above all, is Riley Leonard's passing ability and how much better ND's offensive line is now ... both of which open up opportunities in the run game. I not only think Riley Leonard needs to be the threat as a runner, he needs to be a runner -- and maybe the leading rusher, depending on how IU sets up its defense. I think in the passing game, you'll see Leonard get the backs and tight ends involved ... and use the screen game.
Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: Hi Eric. Merry Christmas. After the playoff dust settles, can you make a note to ask Pete Bevacqua sometime if he can get us a bye week before we play usc in the Coliseum in future years? Do you think he could pull that off? Thanks.
Eric Hansen: I think scheduling USC on the traditional dates you're used to seeing them is going to be challenging enough with the Big Ten membership. And I don't think they really needed a bye week this year, just not to play Army the game ahead of USC. But if that USC road game remains a late-November staple every other year, if YOU asked Pete Bevacqua to put a bye week there, I think he and Marcus Freeman would tell you that would not be the best place to use a bye, particularly in seasons where you just get one.
Don from L.A. Happy Holidays, Eric. Thanks for your words of wisdom on everything Irish! CJ Carr really seemed to catch the eyes of writers like yourself last spring. Can you elaborate of his skill set or his way of being on the field (leadership qualities) that led to such praise? Do you believe he's a lock at the position and promising enough to attract top WR talent (like Virginia's Malachi Fields or Troy's Devonte Ross) in the portal?
Eric Hansen: Happy Holidays, Don. What strikes me when I see CJ Carr leading the offense is confidence, command, precision, the ability to read defenses and coverages, lots of intangibles, enough mobility to be a threat to run and extend plays. Just really impressed with him. I do NOT believe he is a lock, but if you asked me who I think will win the job, I would say CJ Carr. I think it's more Mike Denbrock talking to portal and 2026 high school prospects and sharing his vision that will influence WR recruiting the most during portal season and in the current recruiting cycle for high school recruits. But Carr is an impressive guy to talk to and a willing aide to recruiting.
Bill from the Jersey Shore (also): Good tidings, and thank you for the good work!!! Very happy to see Marcus Freeman extended. What is the status with Al Golden and Mike Denbrock? I know Mike Denbrock was just added this year. I was wondering if there is any additional money in the works to ensure that our lead assistants remain. Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi Bill and thanks for the compliment. Maybe you and Len can invite me out sometime! Yes, as you noted Golden received a lucrative extension last winter and Denbrock was given a four-year contract that made him the highest-paid OC in the FBS last December. I don't know that more money is coming their way necessarily this winter, but athletic director Pete Bevacqua mentioned on Tuesday that he made a commitment to keeping up with that ... here's the quote:
“The conversations I had with Marcus were never about Marcus,” Bevacqua said. “It was always about his staff, which tells you a lot about him. The good news is we have been incredibly competitive with his staff, and it wasn't a question of catching up, because we're there.
“It's more a question of, ‘Hey, do I have your commitment — me, Pete — to stay there and to respond to changes in the marketplace?’ And I said, ‘Yes, 100%.’ I don't think it's any secret that we're keeping our foot on the gas."
Scott from Greenville, S.C.: Eric! Hope all is well for you and the family and happy holidays. Are you going to include ugly sweaters this week? Big week and I have to believe this team is focused and ready for IU. While I don't think the cold weather will impact either team, if the wind kicks up, do you see an advantage for ND with the run game and ND's pass defense? Do you feel NDs lines are strong enough to carry the day? Do you think MF should get Coach of the Year? With all the key injuries, coming back from a devastating loss, and all the one-sided wins, he certainly has the resume this year! And lastly, Merry Christmas to you and your family. All I want for Christmas is 4 more wins. Is that asking too much?
Eric Hansen: Hi Scott, and Happy Holidays to you and your family as well. I am NOT going to include ugly sweaters, because I don't have ANY sweaters at the moment for a good reason. I do think gustier winds than are being predicted would favor ND, but I don't think either team would wish for those. I think if ND is going to advance to the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl quarterfinal, we'll be talking about the Irish lines on both sides of the ball. ... I think Marcus should be considered and is a strong candidate. Four more wins, is that asking too much? You better not ask for a PlayStation 5 on top of that.
Tom F from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hey Eric, what better place than ND's historic stadium for the first on-campus playoff game!!! I'm excited and nervous. We could have a really good run if we continue to play to our potential and don't beat ourselves with silly penalties or turnovers. Questions: 1) It has been since November 16 against UVA that ND played in the Stadium. Any idea if they will hold any practices before Friday in the Stadium?? I would think it would make sense, especially Thursday's walk-through. 2) By my count ND has worn 6 different uniform combinations so far this season. Do you think they will come up with number 7 on Friday or wear one of the previous uniforms??? Since this is a Playoff game I'm guessing something new. We will have plenty of time to discuss the Transfer Portal but we have had great success with finding a nickel back the past two seasons so hopefully that will continue with the Smith kid from Alabama. Go Irish!!!!!!
Tom F from Kennesaw, Ga.: Eric, regarding my previous post about practicing in the Stadium, I would think that could be extremely beneficial for Mitch Jeter who is already having some uncertainties. He very well could be the deciding factor in the game. Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. If exclamation points count toward winning, IU will be in trouble! I asked Marcus Freeman the stadium practice question on the Zoom call right before I started the chat (thus the time slot change this week). I know Brian Kelly put a premium on that later in his time at ND. Marcus Freeman did not see it as a necessity, so they did not prioritize it. As far as the uniform question, there's several of them in the queue and normally I would threaten you all with buying you and your families matching PJs for posing such a question to me, the non-fashion plate. But Marcus Freeman was asked that as well in his Zoom. And he did admit ND will have special jerseys for this game. As to what color? He said "I haven't seen them." But the rumor is black jerseys, which would play way better than white if it snows. And I have to say this is one time I am kind of curious ... If anybody wants to know what the media is wearing, it's also kind of a secret. Spoiler alert: Nobody cares about that one.
Jack from Strongsville, Ohio: Hi Eric. Merry Christmas to you and your family. You and Tyler are the best in reporting on Notre Dame. Here is hoping that you have 3 more games to cover after Friday night.
Eric Hansen: Merry Christmas, Jack. I think that would be fun. And I am not ruling it out.
Johngipp from Lititz, Pa.: Hey Eric In your opinion who has the head coaching advantage ND or IU?
Eric Hansen: Look, Curt Cignetti is very good. Just ask him, or better yet, Google him. Seriously, he deserves a lot of credit for getting Indiana into the playoff. He is the much more experienced coach. Marcus Freeman has coached in bigger games. And if you asked me who I'd want to lead my program, I'd say Freeman. But how it will play out in a playoff game also includes coordinators. And while I think IU's are very good, I think ND has the best. So overall coaching advantage to ND.
Brian from Nashville, Tenn.: Avid reader and admirer of your coverage!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that ND has reached the playoff we can assume that a mostly one dimensional offense (albeit potent) is not likely to hold up. Do you believe that the staff has a plan to get any sort of vertical passing game going, or even a (non bubble) screen game going to balance out the running game? Perhaps they have been holding some of this back over the last 10 weeks in game situations and have kept the new wrinkle for the playoffs.
Eric Hansen: Strong punctuation game, there, Brian! Thank you. Brian the passing game, offensive line development, overall offensive prowess has been an evolution. So, when you talk about one-dimensional, you're talking about the September offense. Riley Leonard is 47th individually in passing efficiency. Take out the two MAC games, an awful Purdue team and Texas A&M -- the first four games -- and he's 14th. Efficiency matters most this year, last year, every year. Michigan last year was 81st in passing offense, but 8th in pass efficiency. The four teams constructed like ND the lean way into the run over the pass are the Irish, Boise, Az State and Tennessee. Georgia is the most imbalanced in the other direction.
Yes, the teams in the playoff field in general (not all) are better positioned to force the Irish and the other teams they face to at least be competent in the weaker parts of their respective offenses. But if Riley Leonard doesn't go bombs away Friday night, that doesn't mean it's the end of the road for ND. I think it's reasonable to expect the passing game to continue to improve as long as ND is alive in the playoff.
Roger from Peoria: Eric: Do you know if the Stadium will include the typical ND Student Section?
Eric Hansen: Yes it will. In almost every way, with few exceptions, this will be very very much like a Notre Dame home game .., but hopefully with minimal golf claps. More like the electric atmospheres you come to expect at ND night games.
Mike McFadden from Williamsport, Pa.: Hi Eric, When a player enters the transfer portal, by rule, is he officially off the team and cannot play the rest of the season? IE. psU backup QB Pribula. Or did Franklin simply not allow him to finish the bowl season by Franklin’s choice? Or is it the players choice? PS I cannot follow today’s chat bc I’ll be at the movies watching ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ with my 95 yr young mother-in-law … who loves Rolling Rock beer since teenager! GO Irish !!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. Well you can catch up on the transcript. Happy Holidays and your mother-in-law obviously has good taste! There is no template for that portal situation. The player can stay on the roster if the coach allows AND the player wants to. In this case, I believe it was the player who made the choice not to play, but it's a little bit out of my tunnel vision this week.
NWI_Irish96 from Munster, Ind.: Do you know what the actual kickoff time will be Friday? ESPN says 8 pm but their games tend to actually kick off quite a bit later than listed. I don't want to sit out in the cold more than necessary.
Eric Hansen: 8:10, I am told.
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: Tyler mentioned avoiding Jeter kicking in any meaningful manner on Friday night. Would it benefit the FG kicking team to practice on Wednesday/Thursday night in the stadium?
Eric Hansen: Hi Sean. I mentioned earlier, Marcus wasn't going to make that a priority this week. Again, BK made it a big deal later in his career. Marcus point was they didn't even do it Virginia week, because the weather conditions were going to be much different on Saturday for the rest of the week. And I think that's his thinking this time ... When we saw Jeter kick, it was 50+ degrees and misty. Wind, temps, precip will be different on Saturday. I think it's a legit question. The one thing I can tell you is leg strength was not an issue. Accuracy? We'll see.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week and I’m sure you’re excited for the game on Friday. Are you more concerned about Indiana’s offense or defense and why? What matchup is it imperative that Notre Dame wins to win the game on Friday night? Off-topic from the game, can you give your thoughts on Devonta Smith? Does he have one or two years remaining? Finally slightly off-topic, is the press box heated at Notre Dame and what will be your hot beverage of choice? Enjoy the game! Thanks for hosting the chat and all the great insights.
Eric Hansen: Marie, by my count, that’s a 5 1/2-part question. So, you made it under the limit and I'd probably let it slide anyway. I am having a great week, thanks to my Keurig machine. I think the tougher matchup for Notre Dame is IU's offense, but it's also the most tested unit of the two. And ND's defense is better than ND's offense, so I think this is kind of a wash. I think it's a game that will play in the 20s if that helps. ... I think it's imperative that ND win both lines of scrimmage and at least break even in turnovers ... I like the Devonta Smith pickup and I trust Mike Mickens familiarity with him and their scouting of him. He has one year left. 2025 will be him using his redshirt year. .. .Heated press box, yes. The old one was not air-conditioned, however, in the first few years after the stadium was expanded in 1997. ... Favorite hot beverage Friday night and always ... black coffee. I'm drinking it now. God Bless Mrs. Olson. Happy Holidays.
Bill from St Joe, Mich.: Hi Eric!!!! So is that $20 plus million cap funded directly by the University or is it thru the various contributions from NIL? And if it is directly from the University, can NIL supplement that pot of money?
Eric Hansen: For those of you who are lost in this question, you can read more here: Key takeaways from AD Pete Bevacqua's big picture for Notre Dame football and here: Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua's press conference transcript ... But for chat purposes, I'm going to keep this short for Bill. The university will make direct payments. NIL will still exist but it will be more in the way it was originally intended, for market-driven revenue outside of the university's direct payments.
Patrick: Could the black jerseys be the ultimate pairing with your white sunglasses?
Eric Hansen: Patrick, if you had ONLY included your hometown (and your address), I'd send you something nice in the mail, That made my day. Well-played.
Ryan from Frankfort, Ill.: Good afternoon Eric i think the Irish win 35-21 or something like That What do you Think GO IRISH ☘️☘️☘️🏈🏈🏈
Eric Hansen: Ryan, you have been strong at picking winners all year. And I do have my score prediction ready this week. I'm picking ND 27, IU 20. So we can compare our picks in the next chat.
Mike McFadden from Williamsport, Pa.: … Just joined ya Eric.
Eric Hansen: Welcome. Have a Rolling Rock for me.
Adam from Dayton, Ohio: Eric, Friday can't get here soon enough! Here's a (maybe dumb) question. If everything goes to plan according to the House ruling, and the schools can pay athletes directly, capping around that $20 million mark, does that render the collectives obsolete? Or will they still have some purpose/will athletes be able to get paid in addition to the caps that the schools have? Also, can Title IX still put a wrench in this whole thing?
Eric Hansen: Not a dumb question, but Bill just asked part of it. The part he didn't. It is not anticipated that Title IX will throw a wrench in this, but there are other things that could sidetrack the trajectory ... again not expected.
Steve from Toledo Ohio: Hi Eric. Is it obvious to you Curt Cignetti will load the box and force Riley Leonard to beat him through the air? How do you see our defensive rush ? Will we get to their QB?
Eric Hansen: If I were IU, that is what I would start with defensively. Riley Leonard running the ball himself in the run game can also make IU change out of that. But I think that is IU's best chance to win, to try to limit ND's traditional run game. Keep in mind that IU run defense has only faced two rush offenses ranked higher than 90th and no one in the top 50. ND is 10th.
Mark Czar from Grand Rapids, Mich.: I cannot wait till Friday! The excitement in South Bend must be electric. Is QB Rourke a threat to run? How well has the O-line protected him? Can the D-line get pressure rushing 4? Warm up your crystal ball - who are your pre game picks for game balls?
Eric Hansen: Hi Mark. This week does have my days messed up, but can't wait. .. Kurtis Rourke netted minus-25 yards this season, but he ran much better and more often during his time at Ohio University (3.3 yard per carry in his last season there). And he certainly has the size to run (6-5, 223) in short-yardage. .. .Can the D-line get pressure? IU’s O-line was a Joe Moore Award semifinalist (one of 10), just like ND was. But they gave up more sacks. ND is 24th in sacks allowed, IU 45th nationally. Howard Cross III and how he plays is a HUGE factor in answering your question about rushing four and getting pressure. If he's in true Howard Cross form, that bodes well for ND. If the Irish win the game, a stab at the Crystal Balls would be Riley Leonard and Howard Cross.
Bill from St Joe, Mich.: Eric, how long of a walk is it from your parking spot to the front door of Corbett Family Hall on this chilly Friday afternoon and night? I bought a lithium powered vest from Costco earlier in the week to keep me warm, but I’m not sure I’ll make it thru the detectors. My backup is several airline size bottles of bourbon, which they also might seize.
Eric Hansen: Bill, come find me. I want to walk with you to the stadium LOL. It says 15 minutes on Google Maps. It doesn't feel like that long. I enjoy the exercise and will Friday night. Now for some of the women's basketball games, I am glad I park closer. Brrrrr.
David from New York: Hi Eric - Thanks as always for the chats! I saw Jackson Arnold committed to Auburn in the transfer portal. I know Deuce also got a nice NIL package, but my understanding was the real tiebreaker was ultimately the path to playing time. Am I right in this? If so, I wonder how honest the Auburn staff was with him that they'd be looking in the portal. And more broadly, what do you think of the calendar in college football right now? Season ends, coach movement, early signing period, portal, playoff, late signing period, spring ball and spring transfer window. I get why coaches are complaining. What's your ideal calendar look like?
Eric Hansen: Hi David, and thank you! I haven't followed the Deuce Knight situation very closely since he decommitted. And the numbers still favor him there. I believe Auburn doesn't have any QBs back between expired eligibility and the outgoing transfer portal. But besides Arnold, Stanford's Ashton Daniels is headed there as well. So that still feels like a path of less resistance. As far as the calendar, I think moving the signing period up to before the portal opened helps. I'm not sure I can fix the other challenges with the calendar given that school restarts in January and a lot of kids want to be settled into their new schools for the spring semester. I will give it some more thought, but if I do come up with a brilliant answer, I want some NIL money of my own.
Kevin-Sleepy Eye,MN: Eric:):):):) Let’s talk defense. I feel our passing and rushing rankings are a bit skewed due to playing Army & Navy...especially our pass defense when we all watched what USC did. Then I heard Al Golden talk about how he failed to mix up coverages against USC and really blamed himself for a lot of what went wrong against USC. So now we have Indiana with a QB who has -25yd rushing on the season; should be easier to defend I feel. Will we drop 8 and rush 3? He's not a running threat. Can we pressure him all night long? Can we force multiple turnovers? Can we keep them under 100yd rushing on the night. If our defense dominates and offense doesn't turn ball over we will win Friday I feel. We should have 5+ sacks Friday and if our offense has no turnovers then we should win. How much will Rourke's mobility hurt Indiana Friday night? Go Irish!!
Eric Hansen: Kevin I tried to splice your questions together into one mega-question. At least as I formulate my answer. Marcus Freeman brought up a good point in his Zoom on Wednesday. It's not just about watching what IU does on film, it's anticipating what IU might attack, thinking you don't do that well. So, with the extra prep time, Rourke, who ran for roughly 800 yards and 11 TDs during his last three seasons at Ohio, could be used that way. But you said it yourself, ND needs to mix it up on defense. Not give them the same consistent look all night. What is really intriguing to me is how ND defends IU's run and tries to get them in third-and-long. Golden doesn't often put an extra safety in the box. But to your prediction-like question, if ND has 5+ sacks and zero turnovers, I'd feel pretty good about you having a fun ride home (or celebration wherever you're watching from).
Ced walker from saginaw michigan aka sagnasty Saginaw pride how many freshmen do u see playing next year 2025 season prediction for the game Friday night nd 24 ind 17 god bless this football team 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: Ced, you threw me a big curveball during playoff week. Not even on my radar, so let me do a quick calculation. And we don't yet know all who's coming via transfer... so doubly hard. When you say PLAY, I am not talking four games/redshirt playing or special teams only ... so here goes …
Most likely not just with talent but OPPORTUNITY ... CBs Dallas Golden and Mark Zackery, S JaDon Blair, LB Madden Faraimo, WR Elijah Burress, DE Chris Burgess, TE James Flanigan. Check back with me in January. I'll have a better list.
Brendan from Pittsburgh: Is Indiana (particularly their defense) the worst possible first round matchup given the options available? Not excited to go against the #1 run defense and a defense that played really well against Ohio St. given what IU's offense and special teams did in that game.
Eric Hansen: Hi Brendan, if I didn't think some of IU's numbers were skewed by their schedule, I might be tempted to say yes, But for me, the three worst would be Ohio State, Tennessee and Oregon and all in the other part of the bracket. Penn State and the way its playing looks on paper to be another, but I'm not sure about the Nittany Lions.
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: If Love can't go, if I remember correctly on FNS he was in some sort of boot/cast, who becomes the second option behind Price in the RB rotation? Isn't a 100% RB option better than a diminished Love?
Eric Hansen: Love was in a brace and not in a boot. And he was participating in drills and came up for interviews without taking the elevator and I think ND feels good about having him at or near 100%. But let's say that is not the case and play the hypothetical. Then I think the bulk of the carries go to Jadarian Price and Aneyas Williams. And I would not rule out Kedren Young maybe having a role in that scenario, a situational role.
Doug from Sunny Florida: Eric, will ND be hosting recruits for the playoff game? This would be an incredible game to host some top recruits if allowed!
Eric Hansen: Hi Doug. By rule they can't host recruits unless they buy their own tickets.
Matt from Austin: Hi Eric and a very Merry Christmas to you and your entire family! Great extension with Coach Freeman! Do you know where we stand with potential extensions to Coaches Golden and Denbrock? Secondly, most of us have not seen much of IU I would assume. I know their defense is highly rated, albeit against lesser foes. Give us three match ups that ND will have to win for us to prevail! I know that I mention this each week, but thank you so much for your kindness, insights, and thoughtfulness! A lot of !!!!. Sorry. Be well Eric.
Jim, Oakwood, Oh: Eric, Wishing you and your family a very Merry and Joy filled Christmas! Thank you for your excellent reporting all year about ND football and for the insightful and nuanced opinions you share in each Chat. All good! What is one important way for ND to attack what IU does best on defense and with its offense - the keys to the game on each side of the ball?
Eric Hansen: To both Matt and Jim, I've kind of answered both of those, but with those compliments and Christmas greetings, I wanted a chance to reciprocate, so thanks for being part of the chat and Happy Holidays to you both AND thanks for not charging me for the positive PR!
Guest: Hi Mr Eric, I cannot find answer for this question but I know you can answer Eric, and thanks.
Eric Hansen: Thanks for the vote of confidence, but my crystal ball is in the shop after straining it on an earlier question, so what is the question you are confident I can answer?
Michael K from Costa Mesa, Calif.: Can you please address the rumor about the team wearing BLACK UNIFORMS FRI NIGHT ? .Thank You & Merry Christmas
Eric Hansen: As I mentioned earlier, there will be special jerseys on Friday night and there have been lots of hints dropped they will be black jerseys, but not confirmed. As for me, I will pick out something that's not too wrinkled and doesn't have any spaghetti sauce stains on it.
Steve from Toledo Ohio: Hi Eric, it’s my understanding Marcus’ new contract has no escape clause for say Ohio State should Ryan Day be let go Monday morning. Do you feel Marcus is here long term? Another report was the Chicago Bears last week.
Eric Hansen: I do feel Marcus is here for the long term, which is why he agreed to the extension.
Jeff from sunny Phoenix: Eric! Had to jump in with a rapid fire; if ND wins the toss, should they go offense or defense? I say D
Eric Hansen: I'd be willing to defer, play defense in the first half, and take the ball to start the second half.
Francis Carideo from Chicago: Hi Eric -- thanks for doing these chats, and Merry Christmas!! 🌲 If Notre Dame loses the turnover battle by even one turnover, do you see Notre Dame beating Indiana? 💔 Also, while there are a couple suspect Indiana secondary members back there, do you think the weather will be enough to neutralize ND attempts to pick on those folks, especially given Leonard's lack of proficiency with the longer ball? 🌨 Relatedly, does ND wear different cleats when it's below zero ❄, and while you're not into cosmetics like uniforms, nevertheless have you heard (*dependable*) chit chat from folks typically in the know, indicating we'll see some sort of flea flicker in that regard 🤐? Finally, what's your favorite Christmas meal SIDE dish? 🍴 God bless..............
Eric Hansen: Francis, I'm loving your emoji game. Mine is super lame, so I am envious. And thank you and Merry Christmas and God bless. I don't think losing the turnover battle by one guarantees a loss, but it does cut into your margin for error in other facets of the game. And when you are playing the best team you've played all year ... and will continue to if you win ... turnovers, penalties, special teams play all get magnified. ... Unless the wind really kicks up, I don't think it will be a MAJOR detriment to either passing game, but ND is the better running team and IU the better run defense. ... It won't be below zero, so we won't have to do the calculus on the cleats. ... Wow, that was a clever way to ask about the unis. I love it. ... Favorite Xmas side dish. Not sure what we're having this year. We usually have kind of something similar to Thanksgiving fare one night and Italian on Xmas Eve, but we have a new chef this year. And when I did Xmas with the grandkids this past weekend, they requested a menu or pub burgers and pizza. So, that's what we had. And I had onion rings for my side.
Bill from St Joe, Mich.: Eric re uniforms: with the exception of all white road uniforms on very rare occasions, and very occasional green jerseys, but never green pants, count me as one always in favor of gold pants and blue jerseys! TRADITION!!!
Eric Hansen: OK, I will put you down for that, but Marcus Freeman left it to a vote of the captains. ... And it looks like you got your wish.
Patrick from Boston, Mass.: Glad to make your day. I’d settle for a signed photo of yourself wearing said white sunglasses in the mail.
Eric Hansen: Patrick! Email me your address and I'll do that and send you a (wicked) bonus.
Eric Hansen: OK that's going to do it for today. Thanks for accommodating the schedule change. Thanks for all the great questions. And the chats will continue. HOWEVER, next Wednesday is Christmas. So let's pencil in Thursday, Dec. 26 at noon ET and once I know what my schedule looks like we'll confirm it at insideNDsports.com and by Twitter, Facebook and Blue Sky accounts. Happy Holidays/Frostbite prevention.
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