Pod of Gold: Notre Dame Football

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).

Former Notre Dame quarterback Rick Mirer joins the podcast to discuss how Tyler Buchner has played as a freshman quarterback, his expectations for Buchner as he continues to develop, the difficulties Mirer faced as a young quarterback and the challenge of playing on the road, how the Irish can be successful playing multiple quarterbacks, what's keeping Mirer busy now and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make ND-USC predictions in "Place Your Bets" (24:33) before answering questions from Twitter (31:15).

ESPN's Mike Golic Jr. joins the podcast to discuss Notre Dame's offensive line improvement against Virginia Tech, if it's sustainable for the rest of the season, how Tyler Buchner helps the Irish offense, who he'd start at quarterback, how his offensive line in 2012 managed shared time between QBs Everett Golson and Tommy Rees, the impact Chris Watt made as a graduate assistant last season, what a team gains from winning so many close games and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make predictions for the rest of the season in "Place Your Bets" (27:47) before answering questions from Twitter (37:42).

247Sports director of recruiting Steve Wiltfong joins the podcast to discuss Notre Dame's loss to Cincinnati, the quarterback talent on ND's roster, how the Irish can improve its quarterback room, if the efforts in the 2022 and 2023 classes at the position are encouraging, how high ND's 2022 class can finish and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make ND-Virginia Tech predictions in "Place Your Bets" (32:07) before answering questions from Twitter (39:29).

Aaron Taylor, a two-time All-American and Lombardi Award winner as a Notre Dame offensive lineman, CBS Sports analyst and founder of the Joe Moore Award, joins the podcast to colorfully discuss what has surprised him about the way the Irish have played on the offensive line, if the issues are fixable this season, what will be required for the line to improve, how the quarterbacks' athleticism impacts the offensive line, why the right side of the offensive line hasn't been able to carry the unit, how to prepare younger players, Jeff Quinn's ability as an offensive line coach and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make ND-Cincinnati predictions in "Place Your Bets" (33:18) before answering questions from Twitter (42:28).

Barry Alvarez, former Wisconsin athletic director and Hall of Fame coach, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of the Notre Dame-Wisconsin series, former Wisconsin QB Jack Coan playing for the Irish, the success of defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, Alvarez's decision to leave Lou Holtz's staff at Notre Dame to become head coach at Wisconsin, why the program has sustained its winning ways, his grandson Jake Ferguson playing tight end for the Badgers, his thoughts on Brian Kelly's tenure at ND, the College Football Playoff and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make ND-Wisconsin prediction in "Place Your Bets" (27:50) before answering questions from Twitter (37:10).

Gary Godsey, who stepped in at quarterback for Notre Dame's upset victory over No. 13 Purdue in 2000, joins the podcast to discuss how he learned he would replace injured starter Arnaz Battle, his preparation to play against Purdue QB Drew Brees, his most vivid memories from the game, how the the rest of his career played out, what he thinks of ND's current quarterbacks, what he's doing now and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make ND-Purdue predictions in "Place Your Bets" (15:42) before answering questions from Twitter (23:53).

Former Irish offensive lineman Bob Morton joins the podcast to discuss Notre Dame's 41-38 victory over Florida State, the Irish offensive line struggles, how freshman Blake Fisher fared in his first start, the challenges Michael Carmody faced in replacing him, the difficulties of playing in an environment like FSU, how much improvement he expects to see on the offensive line and more.

Then Tyler James and Eric Hansen make ND-Toledo predictions in "Place Your Bets" (28:49) before answering questions from Twitter (35:37).