ND Insider and South Bend Tribune Notre Dame football beat writers Fernando Ramirez and Mike Berardino break down Notre Dame's 93rd annual Blue-Gold Game with South Bend Tribune Columnist Tom Noie.

ND Insider's "Pod of Gold" podcast makes it return with new hosts Fernando Ramirez and Mike Berardino. Meet the team as they talk Notre Dame Spring football practice with ND Insider and South Bend Tribune columnist Tom Noie.

Former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis joins the podcast to discuss the significance of Marcus Freeman winning his first game in the Fiesta Bowl, what challenges await him as a first-time head coach, the importance of recruiting and how to balance that workload, if he was surprised by Brian Kelly's move to LSU, Ian Book's future in the NFL and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make Fiesta Bowl predictions in the "Place Your Bets" segment (25:56) before answering questions from Twitter (34:19).

Jaden Mickey, a four-star cornerback recruit from Corona (Calif.) Centennial, joins the podcast to discuss his reaction to head coach Brian Kelly leaving Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman becoming the new head coach, why he decided to stick with his commitment to the Irish, playing against former ND commit C.J. Williams and other talented players in California, his expectations as an early enrolled freshman and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen answer questions from Twitter (15:20).

Tyler James and Eric Hansen catch up with a wild few days for Notre Dame football as head coach Brian Kelly departed for LSU and defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman is expected to replace him. Was Freeman the right choice? Why did Kelly leave? What does so many assistant coaches staying mean for the Irish?

Then 247Sports director of recruiting Steve Wiltfong joins the podcast to discuss the recruiting ramifications of Freeman's promotion and the road ahead for Kelly (24:39).

Finally, James and Hansen answer questions from Twitter (43:10).

Former Notre Dame left tackle Mike McGlinchey joins the podcast to discuss watching the 2021 Irish, how the program and Brian Kelly evolved during his time at Notre Dame, former teammate Hunter Bivin's impact on the program, Notre Dame's offensive line play this season, McGlinchey's recovery from a season-ending injury, the legendary tackles he's played with for the San Francisco 49ers and more. 

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make ND-Stanford predictions in "Place Your Bets" (31:35) before answering questions from Twitter (42:20).

Bruce Feldman, a college football reporter for FOX Sports and writer for The Athletic, joins the podcast to discuss where Notre Dame fits in the College Football Playoff discussion, what the playoff committee should focus on with the top teams in the country, how head-to-head games should matter, what the head coaching market for ND defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman will look like this offseason, if schools are gaining an advantage by firing their coaches early, how much he tracks his "Freaks List" during the season and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen and make ND-Georgia Tech predictions in "Place Your Bets" (26:55) before answering questions from Twitter (34:51).

Eric Mac Lain, college football analyst for the ACC Network, joins the podcast to discuss Notre Dame's improvement this season, how to slow down Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong, why the Cavaliers have struggled on defense, who he thinks will win a wide-open ACC, what's wrong with Clemson this season, which team he'd nominate to play the Irish in the Peach Bowl and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make ND-Virginia predictions in "Place Your Bets" (24:55) before answering questions from Twitter (34:51).

Rick Minter, a two-time defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, joins the podcast to discuss the challenges of stopping Navy's triple-option offense, how a defense can create a scheme specific for this week, if it's harder on defensive linemen or linebacker, how Marcus Freeman has done in his first season as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator, the impact of safety Kyle Hamilton's injury, what it takes to improve two-minute defense and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen makes ND-Navy predictions in "Place Your Bets" (31:13) before answering questions from Twitter (40:12).

Dane Brugler, NFL Draft analyst for The Athletic, joins the podcast to discuss if safety Kyle Hamilton has secured a high draft position, why he anticipated a big season from defensive end Isaiah Foskey, what makes Jarrett Patterson an attractive center prospect, why running back Kyren Williams will be coveted, which Notre Dame player has surprised him, what the Irish are facing in North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make ND-UNC predictions in "Place Your Bets" (30:05) before answering questions from Twitter (39:01).