Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, post-Apocalypse Edition.
Some quick programming notes from insideNDsports.com:
► 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 are back in our normal Monday at 7 ET time slot. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube. This week on our YouTube channel, we’ll bring you two postgame shows, the first immediately after the game — Into the eNDzone with former Notre Dame offensive lineman Bob Morton. After every road or Shamrock Series game this season, Morton and I will have our instant reactions from the game and then take a lightning round of questions live from viewers. Our Postgame Takeaways show, with Tyler James and me, will drop later, after we’ve done interviews and pushed out our written content.
Related Content
► Mike Denbrock breaks down his message, plan for Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard
► Source: Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard still expected to play vs. Purdue
► Notre Dame football depth chart projection for road game at Purdue
► Film Analysis: What went wrong for Notre Dame's offense against NIU
► Coordinator Transcripts: OC Mike Denbrock | DC Al Golden
► The Inside ND Sports Podcast will drop on Thursday afternoon. On the most recent Inside ND Sports Podcast, we invited former ND head coach Charlie Weis Sr. (2005-09) to join us. Weis discussed the keys to keeping players locked in for a home opener, evaluating quarterbacks on potential, the value of seeing a transfer quarterback handle a new situation, if he would have enjoyed coaching in the current college football climate, how he watches a game, his connection to defensive coordinator Al Golden, his relationship with current ND head coach Marcus Freeman, how much ND's offensive line can improve, his weight-loss journey, his continued ties to South Bend 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 all bearing down on Notre Dame’s road test Saturday at Purdue. And Darin Pritchett and I are together each 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 that pregame show runs Saturday from noon-2:30 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).
Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: As I mentioned on my Twitter/X account, I am relaxing the "no drinking" rule today. PLEASE don't make me turn this car around.
Also, I get people are beyond disappointed and I'll allow limited whining, but let's stay on topic and talk some football as well. Dr. Laura can handle the other stuff, deal?
OK, off we go ...
Jeff: Bowling Green, Ohio Question is- If things aren’t improving in the first half this weekend, will we see one of the other QBs?
Eric Hansen: Jeff, I love the get-to-the-point approach here. Incredibly uncomplicated. I'll try to match that energy with my answer. But the complicating factor is Riley Leonard's health. We, at Inside ND Sports, are reporting that Leonard is still expected to play Saturday and he did practice on Tuesday afternoon. That after suffering an injury to a labrum in his non-throwing (left) shoulder on Saturday. IF he is healthy to the point he can fully function in the offense, I don't think this is the game to have a short leash. The coaching staff still feels this is the guy who gives you the best chance to win. And the players, voting him as the only captain on offense, are in sync with him being the best QB and the best leader. If there's a regression or a health issue, then that's a tough conversation you have to have after the game.
Had Blake Fisher and Joe Alt returned to ND for their senior seasons and were part of this offensive line, I think Steve Angeli's viability as an alternative would have made the thought process more complicated for the coaches. Steve Angeli behind this line, until they progress to a certain standard, does not give your team that best chance to win, in my opinion. If Leonard isn't able to fully function, then one of the other QBs needs to be in the game. I haven't seen CJ Carr much since spring, because Angeli and Leonard were getting the reps when the media was in practice. But I wouldn't rule him out, even though Angeli's experience really gives him an edge as an alternative at this point.
Dave from Ponte Vedra, Fla.: Well, tough pill to swallow. I know many of today’s questions will concern Riley Leonard. Since television doesn’t afford us with the all 22 player view of the field, I wonder if the old problem of receivers not getting separation is still true. Leonard frequently seems like he can’t find anyone open. Your thoughts?
Eric Hansen: Hi Dave. I would say most times the receivers were getting separation. Not always, but for example on the interception/underthrow to Kris Mitchell on 2nd-and-1 late, there were a couple of other receivers wide open on shorter throws. The challenge for Leonard is not just playing in a new offense and with new teammates, it's processing playing quarterback in a whole new way. His default button has long been to tuck and run. He's not used to using his footwork and legs to extend pass plays and to consistently go through long progressions. The inexperience of the offensive line makes that line much thinner for him. But at this point, that's a rite of passage he must pass through to become the QB Notre Dame thinks he can be and he thinks he can be.
Mike from Phoenix: Eric!!!, Do our coaches know that J. love is the best player on the team? Last year vs. OSU, Audric didn’t get the ball late in the 4th. This year, after Love makes an incredible run, he gets 1 more touch. Can I sue for coaching malpractice? When do we see these 70 yards punts we heard about in practice? Can players can timeouts? Especially when you have only one defender covering 2 WR’s? Does ND have anyone look at tape to see why 2 field goal were blocked? What setting is Freeman’s seat warmer set at right now? 1,2 or 3? Is Freeman trying to be a coach or a friend to these players? Why is Leonard smiling on the sidelines after throwing a pick? Tried to keep it under 18! Cheers Eric! Great coverage as always. Let’s beat Purdue, Go IRISH!
Eric Hansen: Mike!!!! They lauded him enough in the offseason that I think they know what Jeremiyah Love brings to the table, but I can see why you'd ask that question. Especially in this game (NIU), I don't think we saw enough of his skill set and usage. And I'd say the same for Jadarian Price. ... We had Marty Biagi at coordinator/player availability Tuesday night, so I can answer the special teams questions. And I do think you kept it under a 17-part question, but in fairness to everyone else and to keep my head from exploding, I'm going to pick and choose here. Let's get to Marty Biagi on your special teams questions:
Q: What happened on the blocked field goals?
“Looking back, we had some leakage that we’ve got to clean up along the line. Can’t have penetration through. Anytime you get knocked back, that’s critical. And they [Northern Illinois] were able to get some. Mitch [Jeter] has to make sure he hits the ball clean — he didn’t feel like he did. So, again, we go back and look at all of it. And we’ve got to make sure we stick to our techniques, with all 11 people doing their job.”
Q: What’s the key to helping James Rendell feel comfortable?
“Basically, just trying to get him acclimated to the game, to the rush, to the environment. Just talking with [our staff], Purdue likes to bring a lot of pressure. They’ve blocked punts. So, getting him to understand and feel comfortable with the window of time that he needs to get it off in. It can’t be too fast, or else it’ll be poor technique, but it can’t be too slow or it allows for block opportunities. He’s had, so far, his best week of practice since fall camp, so at least today was really, really good. Now it’s, ‘OK, can we take the next step and execute when the play is called.’”
Scott from Greenville, S.C.: Well Eric, this is worse than a Sonny and Cher rerun! Marshall, Akron, South Florida, Navy, the 2016 season... I've seen over 55 years of ND football but NIU may be the lowest point. There are too many areas to call out for last week. But the consistent theme is inconsistent play calling on offense, a line that now has 16 starts total, and a QB that is truly struggling. The defense will bounce back. Special teams will work out the kicking, I think. But the offense has no identity, Riley has shown in the two games he cannot throw past 20 yards, and I cannot understand why we aren't running the backs more. Even with a very green line, they make plays. I do think the team will show up for the next two games, but the Louisville and GaTech games are concerning. How does the offense bounce back? Do you see Dembrock using more 2 TE sets and running more? The sky isn't falling, but the sun is fading.
Eric Hansen: OK Scott, the Sonny and Cher reference was a good tactic to get my attention in a very, very loaded question queue today. Thanks for the creativity. I'm going to let the comments stand, but I'm not fully endorsing them … and let me get to your questions. How does the offense bounce back? I do think if Riley Leonard is healthy enough to be his best self, you ride with that investment this week. I fully expect Purdue to load the box on defense and try to force Riley Leonard to be a dropback QB to beat them. So as much as we'd all like to see deep shots, I think they will be outliers in the game plan and it'll be more quick-game passing and striving for offense balance. That doesn't sound exciting, but I think that's the best approach. And when Purdue brings pressure, ND has to have an answer, with slants, and draws and screens.
I'd like to see a little more misdirection this week. .. As far as two-TE sets, I think you'll see more of that as Mitchell Evans gets more reps. He went from 10 to 22 in week 1 to week 2 and was ND's second-highest graded player per Pro Football Focus. The other two TEs were 17th and 19th out of 19 offensive players who played in the game.
CD from Cleveand: Happy "Do Over" Week. Kudos to you, Eric for maintaining a high degree of professionalism in a shocking weekend. Three things: 1) Defense 2) Rylie 3) Denbrock. 1) Am I wrong to blame the D totally for the loss? Despite the overall ineptitude, remember that the score was 14-13 when the D had to make ONLY ONE STOP and failed miserably. 2) Where is Rylie, our "freak"? Am I missing his excellence or is he overrated? Thought that he would be a monster this year. 3) Denbrock's questionable play calling - is it a result of a) Coach Freeman reins, b) O-Line distrust or c) Again...W/R's that cannot get open? Sorry about being over quota on the questions but I am remaining positive,sober and hopeful here...thanks, Eric.
Eric Hansen: CD, I really appreciate you -- and not just because you live in the city in which I was born. 1) I wouldn't say totally to blame, but it really played a big part in it. I don't buy 16 points on defense should win every game. This isn't a video game. It's about team dynamics and playing complementary football and this offense isn't ready yet to play to a high standard. The defense should be and didn't and you provided a great example. I wrote about this earlier in the week, fixing the run defense is an urgent issue and one of the quickest potential fixes on the team. Notre Dame is 100th out of 133 FBS teams. 100th. The Irish face six teams (out of 12 on its schedule) ranked in the top 25 in RUSH OFFENSE.
2) Rylie Mills should have a monster year, and he'd be the first to critique his performance on Saturday. I think he's part of the solution, moving forward. 3) I think the biggest factor here, again, is getting Riley Leonard not only comfortable with the new scheme and new teammates (chemistry, timing, trust) but trusting himself to process playing quarterback differently than he ever has. His evolution is to go from elite running quarterback to an elite dual-threat quarterback. Obviously, there's plenty of work to be done. ... You were perfect in keeping the parts of your question to a good number. Carry on.
Jim from Oakwood, Ohio: Hi Eric, My question concerns your rationale for excluding the Irish from your recent AP ballot. I was surprised as it's not your style to be harsh or hasty. You said in your "ND Remains in the Polls" column: "what sealed it for me - ND's exclusion - was that CMF "provided (at his post-game press conference) little in the way of how and why it happened or solutions to make it stop." Were you expecting a full analysis of the how and why it happened so shortly after the end of the game? Isn't it reasonable to give the coach time to analyze and discuss the "how and why it happened" before giving detailed opinions to a feeding frenzy of press immediately after the game? When I read the transcript of CMF's Purdue week Monday press conference, CMF stated "I needed some time of solitude" to think through the how and why and what we need to do to correct the deficiencies...and then he gave thoughtful answers on Monday. Any regrets for using that rationale to justify your vote? Thanks as always.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jim. I won't bore you and others with relitigating my thinking. It's all HERE if anyone would like to read it. And as I mentioned, it wasn't being punitive. So let me get to your follow-up question about Marcus Freeman's handling of the press conference. I do agree he had a much better handle of what went wrong and how to fix it on Monday than he did in the heat of the moment on Saturday evening. However, the lack of even some semblance of that on Saturday, to me, was troubling for a third-year head coach at NOTRE DAME. The lack of being able to provide more made me question then whether he could do that while the game was going on, which was his job -- both to assess what was going wrong and adjust to it. Perhaps unfairly, perhaps not. But that was the impression it cast.
No, I don't have any regrets about it. That wasn't the sole reason or even the main reason, but it was A REASON that factored in. I’m OK if you disagreed with me, and enough fellow voters did that the Irish were ranked 18th, seven spots ahead of the team that just beat them. As I mentioned in the story, the only poll that is predictive for me is the preseason one. Then it's a snapshot in time. And results on the field HAVE TO matter. It can't be all about projection and potential. And the great thing is, Notre Dame can earn its way back in, but with what it does on the field. Having said all that, I have a lot of faith in who Marcus Freeman can become as a head football coach. Saturday didn't change that. But as a third-year head coach at a program like Notre Dame, losses like Saturday's can't happen in your third year. And this Saturday, he has a chance to show what he learned and start evolving again toward that potential.
Tom F from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hi Eric. Well, this week's chat should be very interesting!! Trying to stay away from a Manifesto: Who is the analytical looking person that MF kept looking to throughout the game? What is his role and how much does MF rely on him? 2) Is this failure to stop the run a blueprint for other teams to beat ND? 3) Yards after contact seemed very high. We looked to be pushed around. What was YAC and what percent was that of NIU's total rushing? 4) Your thoughts on the percentage of the following reasons for our poor passing attack: A) No Spring for RL with WR's and OC. B) Young OL. C) RL's limited ability to throw downfield and/or his hesitation to make the right throw???? Still hopeful. Go Irish!!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. It is interesting, and I appreciate everyone who's shown up this week. ... The director of analytics, new this year, is Anthony Treash. I asked Marcus Freeman about him just ahead of the season when Anthony was hired, and this is what he had to say about his role:
“Obviously, the director of analytics would be a guy that helps you out, using the book during the game, but also a guy that can evaluate trends of prospects, trends of your current team, looking at numbers. And I think he's a guy that’s going to be very beneficial as an addition to our recruiting and our support staff. It was a position we felt that we didn't have, that we needed to have to really be able to maximize this football program.”
Eric Hansen: As far as the run defense's shortcoming on being a blueprint ... it can give other teams ideas and concepts if ND doesn't make adjustments, which surprisingly they didn't in-game on Saturday. 3) Yards after contact is what I'm guessing you're interested in from the run game and not yards after the catch? So if I guess wrong, I am sorry, but of the 190 yards NIU rushed for, per PFF, 160 were after contact. That's a staggering 3.56 per carry. 4) Not sure I can break it down into percentages for you but I think you hit on three out of four. The one I don't agree on is Riley Leonard can't throw deep (even though it looked like it). Perhaps the shoulder soreness affected that throw, even on the non-throwing shoulder.
Jason from Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wow, highs and lows back to back. I am an optimist (at least until Saturday and maybe it's doom and gloom). Hats off to NIU for playing a pretty physical game and winning. The game was winnable and the 2nd guessing is easy, especially in the 2nd half. What do you think is most pivotal for a week 3 win and general overall growth for the team. Is it staying focused on the big play run game? Leonard gaining confidence in the new offense? Better play calling in general to support the OL, new QB, etc based on the score/time in game or something totally different. Thanks Eric!!
Eric Hansen: Jason, wow, you get an A for insight and attitude. I think you came up with some of the keys in your multiple choices for me ... So let me keep it simple and put them in order. ... The defense needs to set the tone in this game. If they play to their capability and their standard, it takes a lot of pressure off the offense. This is similar to the 2012 team in that regard, though this offense I think has a much higher ceiling down the road (yet still this season). Special teams fixes. Notre Dame has two of the best specialists in the nation. Mitch Jeter in one game had as many field goal misses/blocks as he's had in his entire career coming in. And James Rendell hasn't been the field position flipper he showed in August. ... Offensively, I still believe in Mike Denbrock. He's got a long track record of success AND digging out of holes like this one. But he knows he has to call a better game and one that enhances Riley Leonard getting comfortable in the offense.
And then Riley Leonard getting comfortable in the offense, sore shoulder and all.
Richie D. from Melbourne Fla.: Eric, love everything you bring us and really like the LIVE stuff with WSBT radio and TV guys.. Manifesto, But I sat in uncomfortably cool conditions (for a Floridian) watching both our lines get beat by a 28 pt underdog NIU team. Simply stated I felt that was the worst loss in ND history vis a vis expectations / pt. spread...find a worse one...But after making him Saint Marco last week , many are now calling for his head...really?? We all thought Mike Denbrock was the answer to prevent future dumb losses...And Al Golden's experienced group (making adjustments each possession) would be elite. They're in charge of tactics.. make all the play calls, right? So here's the Q. What Strategic input should Marcus give them to right their respective ships...Sorry for the excess cynicism
Eric Hansen: Hi Richie and thanks for the kind words and for watching/listening. I think this is a really great question, and the reason why is I do think it's part of the solution. Marcus' area of expertise is on defense. And while he and Al Golden run different systems, I think he can be helpful for adjustments, blind spots, personnel decisions. With Denbrock and the offense, I think it's important for Marcus to grow in his knowledge on the offensive side of the ball, but not at the expense of the bottom line. I think the best approach at this point is to provide the guardrails and concepts of who you want to be on offense and let Denbrock take care of the details. So it's more in the planning, meeting phases than it is in the heat of the moment.
Marcus Freeman still needs to decide to go or not on 4th-and-2, but not get too far into the weeds beyond those types of decisions.
J Buck from San Diego: Hello again, I forgot to mention the TV broadcast with Jason Garrett (Mr.Capt. Obvious) holy cow, he is awful, having to watch the debacle of ND football, then having to listen to him, I'm looking for the Dali Lama to calm me down. I'm wondering if I'm alone in these thoughts? Alright, I Need to go turn on some ambient calming noise, and/or call up my friend Mr. Jameson.
Eric Hansen: JBuck, thanks for your insights and perhaps other chat-heads can jump in here. Tyler James rewatches the game in great detail, but not listening to the broadcast voices when he does so. I don't rewatch the entire game, but I will go back and watch certain plays I need a second look at. Again, that makes me a bad resource to ask about the broadcasting crew. Just like I'm no good about which hotels to stay in locally. I don't have that frame of reference. I was amused by your solution, so I endorse that.
Jack from Strongsville, Ohio: Hi Eric. I attended last Saturday's game and listened to MF postgame press conference. He stated the team had good practice sessions during the week. 3 questions for you. 1. How can one explain growth from the head coach after a loss at home in year 3 to a MAC school, after similar losses in season 1 to Marshall and Stanford also at home. 2. Is the lack of a downfield passing attack attributable to the QB's lack of arm strength, a young and inexperienced offensive line, a lack of speed in the wide receivers or a combination of all. 3. Does this loss and the perception of a week schedule make it necessary that ND has to win all the remaining games to qualify for the CFB playoff? Thanks as always for all your great work.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jack, thank you for being here ... and I have to tell you, you guys are on top of your game today. Big-time props to you.... I hit your question 2 earlier, so let me go to 1 and 3. Let's start with 3. ND, its players and coaches, can't even think about that. It would be detrimental, but you and I can do it all day long. So, let's do it. Yes, I think Notre Dame needs to run the table to make the playoff. Yes, I still think they can make the playoff. They also need USC to be ranked high when they play them at the end of the year.
OK, to question No. 1 ... Letdowns with close class happen. Letdowns with losses to 28-point underdogs should never happen in year 3. So, I'm going to sound like I have whiskey in my coffee, but I'll say it anyway. There's a lot about Marcus Freeman as a head coach that's ahead of the curve for a third-year guy. But he's got to get a better handle on reading his team during the week and then addressing that read BEFORE game day and during game day.
Eric Hansen: Ok here are a couple of rants/non-questions as I refill my coffee cup. And I'll stay a little later to try to get to all the questions, or as many as I can that don't repeat earlier ones.
Lorne from Reno, Nev.: "Freshman sensation Izzy Engle simply cannot be stopped." So how does women's b-ball pick a starting 5 with 10 starters on the roster? Okay, despite some whining to the contrary, football season is not over. The people who went from "national championship this year!" to "fire everybody!!!!," should remember a couple things. First, it is a GAME. Second, the people who feel the worst about Saturday's game, without a doubt, are the players and coaches who have worked their butts off trying to improve themselves and the team. Read what the coaches and the talented and knowledgeable sports writers say about what we need to do to improve (I assure you that they know better than you do) and, if you are really a fan, do what I am going to do at the game on September 28 and on every game day for the rest of my life: cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame. If a team is representing the school, I'm cheering for them (so many excellent players on the women's soccer team are frosh and sophs!).
Rick from Seattle: This isn't directed at you, Eric, specifically, but more at all the media and fans that think coaches should be fired or put on the hot seat for what we saw last Saturday. That game was certainly abysmal to watch but we shouldn't have been surprised. But, I'll ask this: if you were previewing an upcoming opponent and saw they had a new offensive coordinator who was bringing in a new offensive system, a one-year transfer QB who missed the last third of his previous year with an ankle injury requiring 2 surgeries and wasn't able to practice until June, a receivers room completely rebuilt from the previous year mostly with transfers, and a completely new offensive line with only 6 prior starts between them total and minimal game experience at all, what would you say their chances of success were? This offense looks disjointed and confused. We should be amazed they functioned as well as they did against A&M...but they certainly weren't great in that game, either. But, I still believe better days are coming.
Ed from Sayville, N.Y.: Hello Eric. It’s amazing how blue one can get following a game like the debacle we saw last week. I know the Irish are fortunate to have some experienced players, but NIU had so many upperclassmen, that while watching I got the sense that what was developing felt like a March madness moment when a senior laden low seed basketball team was about to take down a more talented but somewhat inexperienced high seed. Not exactly apples to apples, but nevertheless a thought. Now finally a question. Does my theory have any merit or should I stay off the second level of a two decker bus because there’s no driver on the top? Thinking we could all use some levity and trying to keep the faith. Go ☘️ beat Boilers!
Eric Hansen: Love the levity and insight, Ed. And I think there's definitely something to your analogy. Now, that should make them a tough out, not a loss on the schedule. Here are some numbers that play into your theory. NIU had 18 starters returning on offense and defense out of 22 and four specialists. Their 32 seniors is the 6th most among FBS teams and the 21 seniors who have spent their entire career at the same school rank third nationally behind two other future ND opponents, Stanford and Navy (23 each). But again, good reason to be a tough out ... not enough or a reason to lose to that team.
Gene from Wyckoff, N.J.: Eric! Help! 2nd and 1 at midfield. 5 minutes plus to go. Haven't completed a long pass all year, and we have the lead. I suggest this is not the time to be aggressive. It's the time to win the game. Run the ball. Use clock. Force their timeouts. Worst case we punt and they start inside their twenty with no timeouts and very little clock left. ND likely secures the win. Reminded me of Ohio State last year when we tried to get cute on our last drive and tried a screen pass which went incomplete, saving Ohio St. from utilizing a timeout. I'm confident Marcus will figure out how to instill a championship mindset in these types of games. Just hoping the game management issues get worked out. Thoughts?
Eric Hansen: Hi Gene, you were first in the queue and there were other questions about this play, so I circled back to you. Not having thrown a deep pass like that all year is not enough to convince me not to do it. Maybe chewing some more clock and the fact that there were other receivers wide open with easier throws WAS a good reason not to make that read and chuck it deep. I think both your optimism and concerns, re Marcus' in-game management and other things, have a place in this discussion. And despite the whiplash, I'm more optimistic than not about the short-term and long-term prospects.
Ken from Steel City, Pa.: Hi Eric! Hard to avoid manifestos this week. But, in all seriousness, thanks for what you do and the insight you provide, especially after a tough loss. I read in the ESPN article that Freeman felt the team wasn’t mentally prepared for the game and fell into the “hype”. I find this hard to believe after Coach Tressel called him following A&M and after all the jokes about the rat poison made famous by Saban. My questions are: what do you make of this and how could a loss like this have happened? And, is the seat that HCMF sits on starting to get a little warmer? In a season with high expectations this is a tough one to swallow.
Eric Hansen: Hey Ken, it's funny, I did think about the Nick Saban "rat poison" schtick this week. I do think the loss resulted more from a mental state of mind than X's and O's, but ND had a chance to adjust the latter in the second half and didn't. I don't want to oversimplify here, but I need to keep this shorter than one of my long columns in the chat format. As far as the hot seat, let me say this. The coaches that are in trouble are the ones when the anger stops and it turns to indifference. And people don't care anymore ... or believe. That's when the seat is hot and dangerous.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you are surviving the week. So many many questions to be asked but I’m going to try and limit mine to three. I know he had a very bad day on Saturday, but clearly Riley Leonard is probably not going to reach the ceiling we all hoped for in the preseason. I was shocked that Denrock could not at least scheme up something to get some momentum for the team. Taking all that into consideration, how short of a leash do you think Leonard will be on for the Purdue game. If the first couple of drives stall out, do you think they will play a different QB just to try and get some momentum? Do you think they should design some packages for the other quarterbacks, again to be used during games when the offense stalling out and a momentum spring is necessary like they did with Buchner and Coan? All the coaches were badly out coached this game, but the players also played poorly. Much of the poor play by the players was an attributable to mental mistakes. Since he has been at Notre Dame Freeman has tended to deemphasize the sports psychology aspect of the program. Is it time to bring back a full-time sports psychologist similar to Amber Selking to help this team? Finally, I think everyone really wants Marcus Freeman to succeed, but it is starting to look a little bit like he is in over his head. If you were the A.D., would you consider bringing in either publicly or privately an experienced head coach, not named Tressel, in a consulting role. I am speaking of people who have coached within the last 15 years, someone like Stoops , Saban or others in that vein? As always, thanks for all your great insights and for hosting the chat. I know it can’t be easy this week.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. Some of this I've answered, but what would a live chat be without some great questions from Marie from Atlanta? So let me get to the parts I haven't answered. Let's assume Riley Leonard is healthy enough to keep evolving in this offense. It's easier to answer the questions that way, because the answers might be different if he is not. If he's not healthy enough to be effective, ND has to make a change. So to your other questions ... Riley Leonard, having missed spring, needs all the practice and game reps he can get to become the quarterback the Irish coaching staff needs him to be. Especially given the state of the O-Line (which should improve each week), playing another QB with a narrower skill set doesn't advance the offense and only introduces a QB who needs to work on timing, chemistry, etc. (more)
Buchner and Coan had such divergent skill sets and neither was complete that in that situation it made sense. Even in 2025 if Angeli were the starter and you wanted to use Minchey as a changeup, that might make sense (I think Carr is the 2025 starter). ... I think Freeman did de-emphasize it in 2022 and 2023, but put Joey Ramaeker front and center this offseason and season, and perhaps I've done a poor job of bringing that to light. But he's there and the players have talked about him in interviews. ...As far as a consultant, I think Marcus has those kinds of resources already. I think it's a good idea and just one that maybe isn't to his benefit to talk about using. He also has some really good assistant coaches, though I know this week I'll get pushback on that.
Larry from Topton, Paa.: Hi Eric. No exclamation points this week; just lots of ????? I am sure that you are getting lots of big picture questions, so I will throw some small picture questions your way, regarding last week’s game: So many times, it looked like ND defenders had ball carriers surrounded on the edge, only to have the runner put his head down and gain 6, 8, 10 yards. How does that happen? When an offense lines up in the wildcat, they are telling the defense what the play will be. How does a defense now know that and stop it? After Jeremiyah Love’s superman-like touchdown run, he touched the ball only once more the remaining 23 minutes. Why did that happen? And lastly, how can ANYONE really believe ND is one of the top 20 teams in the country? Certainly not based on merit… Eric and Tyler – please keep up the outstanding work. We really need your balanced and fair coverage now.
Eric Hansen: Hi Larry, and thank you. I hope none of these are rhetorical questions, because I'm going to try to answer them. NIUY was successful in the running game, in part because ND was reacting and not being aggressive. They were moving laterally instead of attacking (again I have to oversimplify and not hit all the nuances in chat format). Why not be able to stop the Wildcat. My guess is they weren't ready for it, and they better be, because they'll see it again until they stop it. Don't have a good answer for you on Love, and neither, I would imagine, does he.
Terry Huron SD: Hi Eric. I am still angry, but mostly embarrassed with last week’s lack of focus!!!!! As a ND fanatic, I have zero ties to the university but have been to 12-15 games in SB, Dallas, Phoenix, Dublin and LOVE ND. I am retired and still get jacked up to attend a ND game. How can this staff allow 18-22 year olds take a game for granted, play with no emotion, then say they lost because they fell into the hype after the A&M win. I don’t blame the players. Most are teenagers. This falls on the coaching staff and I have supported Marcus Freeman before he was named HC. My biggest issue is this just happened vs Marshall two years ago. I know he is a great recruiter. Can he really bring ND back to elite status? Than you for your continued coverage of Irish football.
Eric Hansen: Hi Terry. Saturday's loss made me hit the pause button on Marcus. But I still like so much of what I see. But what I need to see this week is real growth from him in terms of turning that experience into a rallying point and not repeating past coaching mistakes. Again, I still like his potential. And thank you for hanging with us.
Stan formely from Chester but now in Glen Allen: What with the angry mob screaming for Steve Angel, I wonder why, if we are looking for a replacement for RL, the name of Kenny Minchey isn't floated about. I thought he could move about with the best of them and his arm is highly capable.
Eric Hansen: Hi Stanley. I'm sure there are some Notre Dame fans that wish I moved to Glen Allen this week. ... As long as Riley Leonard struggles, people are going to suggest alternatives and it's going to be futile for me to try to slow that roll. I do think RL is the best option ... if fully functional. Why not Minchey? My pick would be Carr, but I really like Minchey's game. Why he is No. 3 at the moment and not 1 or 2 is while he can make the great play occasionally, he too often makes the opposite play that can lose a tight game for you. So, he needs more time in the oven.
Jeff from Phoenix: Hey Eric, thanks for keeping the balance through fan frustration. Here goes, and I know this is a BIG enchilada....having digested a lot of ND/NIU content in the last 72 hrs, my head is spinning. Seems like 50% of fans say 'why don’t we throw more, open up the offense, use RL skills'... and the other 50% say 'why did Love/Price only have 15 carries given their talent and production/run the rock...? I can be swayed either way as to where the improvement lies, where do you think ND needs to shift? Much thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff and I like the question, and now that you brought up enchiladas, I'm hungry. I don't think it's about opening up the offense more AT THIS JUNCTURE of the season as it is, being more efficient and productive with the passing game. And that includes dropped passes, and holding calls when the runner is already past the blocker and missing open receivers. Flipping to the run game, Love averaged 7.2 yards a carry and Price 6.0. Love was on the field for 31 snaps, Price 13 Williams/Ford 18. Too low for Price. But each week is different, Jeff. I am confident Purdue will load the box and make it harder for Love and Price to get those averages without showing an efficient passing game to pull them out of it. So I don't think it's a shift one way or another, just better efficiency in the pass game that will open up both sides of the offense.
Hope that made sense. I am fully caffeinated, so no excuses.
Chris from Bloomingdale, Ill.: Hi! Dad! Hope all is well in your world. How? Why? Who? Where? When? Those are just some of the questions I have. Another one is, What is Marcus Freeman's coaching identity? He says he wants to be a team that runs the ball, and then at times seemingly abandons it. If you "question everything", then on what do you stand? Does he have conviction in the things he espouses, or are they just pretty words? There have now been far too many instances of his teams playing down to their competition that contradict the reset/reload, play to the standard, one-play one-life mantras. In addition, do you think that he has too many outside voices to which he listens? He seems to be a fairly impressionable guy, perhaps something of a pleaser, almost to the point of being deferential.
I broke up my questions so as not to be accused of a rant or a seventeen part question. Also, the only time that I am barefoot is sometimes in the shower!!!!!!! Maybe if you have time in between all the "fire Freeman" and "bench Leonard " comments you could also attempt to answer this. Why does it seem that the version of player/ coach that ends up on the field at Notre Dame is nowhere near the version that was successful at their previous schools? I am referring specifically to the last two Quarterback transfers, and the new OC. The latter of which we were told would be able to change directions during a game, and make the necessary adjustments. I know it's early, returns, but he didn't seem to have any answers in a game that you cannot lose. After two games Notre Dame is no closer to having an offensive identity than they were last year. Say "hi" to mom (Tyler). Almost forgot...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eric Hansen: OK I almost got a cramp from laughing, and I needed that. For those who don't remember last week's chat, Chris asked Tyler and I to adopt him, and I believe he's a 50-some-year-old man. And apparently I said yes or he said yes for me. But let me dive into your second question, because I think it's one a lot of people have. As far as the generic transfer QB thing, I know a lot of people don't like that at all, despite the fact three out of the top five teams in this week's AP poll and five of the top 10 have transfer QBs. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was a transfer QB and one who played in a Mike Denbrock offense. Three of the past five national champs were quarterbacked by a transfer.
So why isn't this working at ND the past two years (after working in 2021)? I think the biggest thing holding Sam Hartman back way playing for an inexperienced OC and with a team and a QBs coach that was learning the offense along with him. Remember, he transferred in before Tommy Rees left. With Leonard, missing spring delayed the timetable for him getting comfortable with all the newness ... even though he worked very diligently this summer to get himself ready. I think had he had the full spring, we would have seen him further ahead.
As far as your first part, assertion. I don't think Marcus is a people pleaser and listens to too many people. I think he's authentic and open, and I like that about him.
Guy from Lakeside Park,Ky: Isn’t a healthy Steve Angeli a better option than a banged up Leonard?He has shown well in his limited opportunities. Steve Angeli has shown a lot of loyalty to ND by staying put and not jumping into the portal.In lieu of Riley’s struggles and health issues,shouldn’t that loyalty be reciprocated.? Steve A has looked good in his limited chances and particularly in the Sun Bowl.
Eric Hansen: Guy, it depends on the extent of how banged up and how that would limit him. I think that's a legit question.
Chris from Louisville,Ky: Eric, I suffered the same fate, having to watch the game from my stadium seat. I’m wondering if Leonard’s ankle issues aren’t fixed. Seems he lacks velocity to get the ball down field. He just seems to have regressed from a throwing standpoint from last year at Duke.
Eric Hansen: Chris, again a legit question and ND's new injury policy doesn't allow for answers to those questions during the week unless Marcus volunteers that info. We can ask all we went and did. But what I can tell you is the two games in which Leonard played with the bad ankle post-ND in 2023 were the two worst pass-efficiency games of his career. Now they came against Louisville and Florida State, two pretty good defenses in 2023. So there might be something to your concern and one I trust the coaching staff to accurately assess through practices this week.
John from Chatham, N.J.: Hi Eric- A summary, a statement, a question: Perhaps what is most disappointing about Saturdays game is that it did not look like an upset in any way, shape, or form. A very experienced team with senior led leadership came into ND and executed their plan. Perhaps it plays out differently if ND makes a stop on NIU first drive and gets ball back to make it 14-0 early? Giving a team like this any oxygen is the worst thing possible. We will never know. … The Statement and the question: The most glaring thing to me about the game is we all should be realistic that the ND offense is still a work in progress and the D needed to clamp down to win this game. I thought the defense made glaring errors on the edge with not defending jet sweeps, swing passes, QB runs and the like on the flank. Not to say there were not any other problem areas but this seemed pervasive. My question: ND is struggling with protection, has a QB making dubious decisions, and still seems to lack anyone in WR group as a vertical threat that the opposing team fears. Purdue knows all this as well. How do we counter it on Saturday? Thanks....hope this was not a manifesto!
Eric Hansen: Hi John. Given what I think Purdue is going to do defensively (and that they have one of the best safeties in college football), I'm going to hit them early with quick, high-percentage stuff. And if I'm going to use Love at all split out wide, this is the game I think I can find a mismatch with that. Defensively, ND needs to load up against the run and make Purdue one dimensional and then trust what was the nation's No. 1 pass defense in 2023 to rise to that occasion again. They HAVE to get Purdue in way more third-and-long situations than they did vs. NIU.
Jeff from Phoenix: To paraphrase a certain NBC broadcaster, "Eric has started chats in the past but this is the first time he's started a chat when he was the starter, and he'll respond well"
Eric Hansen: I did hear/see that.😀
Jim from Oregonia, OH: Eric!!!!! Oh boy, this is not going to be a fun week for you! The NIU game was not the hardest I have ever seen, that is reserved for the loss to Boston College in 1993 because that ND team was NC caliber and our current team is not! This loss was an embarrassment! I love me some MF but you CAN NOT have this kind of effort in year 3 of your program.
Eric Hansen: No argument here.
Ryan Frankfort Illinois: Good afternoon Eric what do you think about the play of Copper Flanagan he looked good vs Am this Is Ryan From Mars but i moved to Illinois I think we win 28-21 this weekend GO IRISH ☘️☘️☘️🏈🏈🏈
Eric Hansen: Hi Ryan, congrats on the move. I hope it suits you. Cooper started and played 36 snaps and really struggled. That was especially true with his pass blocking. He can and will play better.
Jim from Oregonia, Ohio: Hi Eric...I think I inadvertently hit the send button before submitting my question(s). How serious is the labrum tear to Riley's shoulder? Unfortunately, I think MF and ND have shot themselves in the foot with the whole NIL QB deal and are being handcuffed into starting Riley. Angelli has shown himself to be a way better passer than Riley. Take Leonard's ability to run out of the picture and he becomes a total liability. MF needs to swallow his pride and give Angelli a chance I believe. This offense is horrendous and with no threat of a passing game, teams are going to stack the box and force us to beat them through the air, which we are not able to do with Leonard. Why won't MF consider giving a backup a shot in a game where it is obvious the starter is struggling so bad? I unfortunately think Purdue is going to beat us, and fairly soundly, Saturday...hope I am wrong but.... Thanks for all you do and sorry to vent.
Eric Hansen: These false starts are killing me LOL. I think I've answered this earlier, so I'll let you vent without a response.
Don from Cincinnati: Eric thanks for your great expertise. Such a disappointing loss. so many flaws were exposed in the A&M win and NIU executed accordingly. They attacked our O-L,pressed our receivers,and made our QB beat them through the air,executed a short passing game and attacked the edge in their running game. I feel it is time for some real soul searching on our QB and personnel decisions in the offensive line; they have not executed well in either game. Also question why we didn't request a review on the 4th and 2 first down on NIU field goal drive as the QB was carrying the ball in his right hand when he went out of bounds. That spot would have turned the ball over to ND. However it should never should never have gotten to this point. Too many problems to enumerate; totally disenchanted but I have not lost faith. What is your take? I value your excellent expertise.
Eric Hansen: Hi Don, thanks for the kind words for me. Let me get to the elements that haven't been addressed. With Tosh Baker out, there's not a lot of viable alternatives at tackle. Having said that, the two tackles were the No. 3 and 4 highest-rate players on offense in the game for ND, of the 19 who played. And swapping out linemen like new underwear is risky. Very different from say a wide receiver in that you have to kind of start over with cohesion and continuity. But when you're hovering near the bottom of the FBS in offensive statistics, I get why there are those types of questions. I wasn't watching on TV, but I thought the NIU QB got the first down. And the venting was well within reason.
Adam from Dayton, Ohio: Eric. Goodness, Thank you for being amongst the best in the biz, and for doing these great chats. That loss got me good. Concerned about ND's offense. Freeman gets the coordinator he wants, he gets the qb he wants, yet he is on camera interviewing before a game, saying "we don't want to be throwing the ball downfield and making plays, that's not our identity". Then, he says Purdue will load the box and "we have to throw the ball downfield". So, three years in, I ask, does Marcus Freeman even know what he wants his offense to be? I've brought this up before, but the Tressel conservative influence frightens me. Question 2. Al Golden has been great. But, if there is a consistent weakness through 3 years, it is a propensity to give up rushing yards right up the gut. I have heard a former ND player turned podcaster say it's Golden's scheme. Is there truth to that? Is Golden just willing to concede yards that way in order to have a great pass defense? NIU's success on second down runs was infuriating.
Eric Hansen: Hi Adam and thank you. In Marcus' defense he's had three OCs in three years, and I don't think an identity has to stay the same. Just because Jim Tressel is a mentor doesn't mean he's taking tips on how to play offense X's and O's wise. It's more how to handle decisions, big-picture dynamics of handling adversity and success. ... 2) I do think there's some truth in there being a schematic tendency against the run that can be exposed ... and now has to be fixed.
Sean from Portland Ore.: In terms of transfers, I think we can all see how the punter, kicker, QB, and WR (Kris Mitchell) are doing. How would you evaluate those on defense? I barely see Oben play. What about Heard and Clark?
Eric Hansen: Hi Sean. Oben has been slow to come around. He played only 11 snaps last game. And if Josh Burnham can make it back from an ankle injury, I would expect Josh to start on Saturday. More of Bryce Young goo. Clark has been really good, but only played 16 snaps on Saturday. He was ND's highest-rated player, per PFF's film grades, on either side of the ball for the Irish against NIU. Heard has been OK. Really good tackler, so-so in coverage in two games.
Scubavt from Jamestown, Tenn.: As banged up as we are on both sides of the ball do you think we will beat Purdue?
Eric Hansen: I do, but haven't calculated a score prediction yet. I want to get the Thursday update from Marcus Freeman before I do that. And keep in mind, I was way off last week, so ....
Tom Rosenberger: Hey Eric; I have another question. The NBC announcer stated that NIU's OL had 119 combined starts, WOW. Our OL had if Im' not mistaken 11. I assume their DL had a similar number by doing the eye test. Antario Brown, the running back is an absolute beast who we could not contain. Did ND simply get beat by a very, very good team, and if they continue to dominate, how will that affect ND's playoff standings at the end of the season (assuming no more ND losses)?
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. We got a version of this earlier, but this has a different spin. NIU was picked to finish third in the MAC, so probably a better team than the Toledo team that almost took down ND at home in game 2 of 2021 and way better than the Ball State team that scared the 2018 ND playoff team in game 2 of that season. NIU plays NC State on the road in two weeks. I'll give you a better answer then.
Andy from Wilmette, Ill.: Thank you for chatting. As I saw it, the Defense sort of bounced back from 1st QTR blunders however NIL was able to chew up the clock all game (and it killed us). The +8 minute Time of Possession advantage for NIL was nerve-racking. The offense (with a little "o") could not seem to adjust to what was going on. 3Q's: Do you think that being in the press box (at ND Stadium) is an advantage for the offensive play caller? Were there any NIL play callers (offense or defense) in the press box? In my opinion, standing at ground level does not give you a great overview of what is going on. Do you think Coach Denbrook may consider sitting in the press box next home game or is he dead set on standing on the sideline? Go Irish!
Eric Hansen: Hi Andy. There's been coordinators who have won national titles calling games from the sidelines and ones who have called them from the box. And Mike Denbrock and Marcus Freeman put a lot of thought into it. And Mike has done both during his career. And they decided that the sidelines was the best in-game location for THIS team. And next year the best option may be upstairs.
Johngipp Lititz, PA: Hey Eric, I know a lot of questions will be about QB play so I''ll add my three cents. 1) Have you seen evidence that gives optimism that RL can be an accurate passer given Sat he looked like Chuck Knoblauch at times. 2) If optimism is there, at what range would he be most comfortable? 3) It seems that the pass patterns being run are constricted. Is this due to accuracy, range, receivers not able to get open, or me being all wet? Please don't treat me harshly as if I just fell off an Amish wagon.
Eric Hansen: I loved your creativity, so I had to get this in before the final buzzer. 1) Yes I have, but no in an ND games so far. 2) Not sure I understand what you're asking me on this one, sorry. I'm too old or too dense. 3) Not sure they're constricted, but it might look that way on TV.
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: How? How did this happen? I'm distraught. Two questions-will an 11-1 ND get into the CFP? I'm of the belief it could prevent it. Does this bring job security into question now? You can't lose to a MAC team as the HC of Notre Dame football. Thoroughly outplayed in every facet of the game. 3rd down defense was abysmal. 6-25 on 3rd downs on the season on offense. Do you have anything of a positive nature to add? I'm in shock.
Eric Hansen: Sean, I knew If I didn't get to you, I'd get an email. What I would add that you could interpret as positive is this is a team that has a top 25 roster and then some. But it needs to turn back into a top 25 TEAM.
Eric Hansen: OK, I went the extra 35 minutes and failed miserably to get anywhere close to answering all of them, but I tried to get to the ones that didn't repeat. Thanks for being classy, for not abusing the revoking of the "no drinking" rule, for some really GREAT discussion. You all made my week. And we'll do it all over again next week at noon ET on Wednesday.
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