THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish

On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana react to the College Football Playoff Rankings and our Notre Dame Fighting Irish being ranked 10th.

On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down Notre Dame’s sixth straight win — a 25-10 victory over rival Boston College in Chestnut Hill.

As usual, Heisman hopeful Jeremiyah Love stole the show with a 94-yard touchdown run, all while chatting with the Irish sideline mid-play. Mike and Jess discuss what Love was saying and who he was saying it to.

Later, the hosts tackle the elephant in the room: the struggling kicking game. Notre Dame missed three more kicks last weekend, and Coach Marcus Freeman said the team will continue rotating kickers to find a hot foot. Mike and Jess agree this issue needs to be fixed fast if the Irish want to remain contenders, calling it “crisis mode” for the special teams.

In the second block of the episode, Notre Dame linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa joins the show to talk about the win over Boston College, the defense’s improvement, his world-famous mother, and what life is like in northern Indiana after growing up in Southern California.

Finally, the crew looks ahead to Saturday’s matchup against Navy in South Bend and previews the upcoming College Football Playoff rankings. Plus, they give an update on Love’s Heisman chances.

Where do you think the Irish will be ranked? Can Jeremiyah Love win the Heisman? Let us know in the comments — and make sure to follow The Echoes across all social media platforms for more Fighting Irish content.

Go Irish ☘️☘️ #sports #football #notredame #usctrojans #nfl #nfldraft 

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On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana guide us through the bye week and get us ready for the rest of the season — starting with this week’s matchup against rival Boston College.

The show kicks off with our midseason superlatives — plus Jess’ review of a recent wedding’s cookie table — as Mike and Jess hand out awards for the biggest surprises, team MVP, best plays, touchdowns, celebrations, and more. Drop your favorite moments from the first half of the season in the comments!

In other Irish news, former Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly was fired over the weekend. Mike, who played for Kelly, shares a firsthand look at what it’s like to play for one of college football’s most polarizing figures. Let us know in the comments what you think about the move — and where you think Kelly might land next.

Later, Mike and Jess preview the upcoming game against Boston College. Despite being heavy favorites, the Irish know better than to overlook a rivalry game that’s brought surprises before.

In the spirit of Halloween, the duo also look ahead at Notre Dame’s remaining schedule and pick the games that scare them the most 👻. Finally, they reveal their Top 5 teams in the country as November kicks off and the playoff race heats up.

Go Irish ☘️☘️ #sports #football #notredame #usctrojans #nfl #nfldraft

Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's

Wake up with Wendy’s breakfast https://www.wendys.com/breakfast

Limited time only during breakfast hours. U.S. price and participation may vary. No substitutions. Not valid in a combo. Single item at regular price.

Google - No matter what question comes next, you can just ask Google.

On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana recap an incredible weekend in South Bend as Jeremiyah Love and the Irish took down their rival USC Trojans — possibly for the last time ever.

Mike and Jess open the show in near-celebration mode, knowing Notre Dame was staring at playoff elimination with a loss to their longtime nemesis from Southern California. But Jeremiyah Love clearly wasn’t having it. The friend of the pod exploded for a record-breaking day on the ground, giving Irish fans a game they won’t forget anytime soon.

The duo breaks down Love’s dominant performance, celebrating in their trademark way while giving major credit to defensive coordinator Chris Ash and a defense that has completely flipped the script in recent weeks. They shout out standouts Leonard Moore — arguably the best defensive back in the country — and Christian Gray, who continue to anchor an improving secondary.

From there, the conversation turns to USC head coach Lincoln Riley, whose strange play-calling decisions in key moments left everyone — including our hosts — scratching their heads.

Mike and Jess also dive into the uncertain future of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry and why college football needs these kinds of traditional matchups to survive realignment and conference chaos. Rivalry games like this are what make the sport special — and neither side should want to lose that.

Finally, the hosts answer fan questions about the upcoming bye week and whether it’s time to worry about Boston College (IYKYK). Plus, Mike makes a BOLD prediction on the remainder of the season.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and drop your comments below — Mike and Jess always do their best to respond!

Go Irish ☘️☘️ #sports #football #notredame #usctrojans #nfl #nfldraft

Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's

Wake up with Wendy’s breakfast https://www.wendys.com/breakfast

Limited time only during breakfast hours. U.S. price and participation may vary. No substitutions. Not valid in a combo. Single item at regular price.

Google - No matter what question comes next, you can just ask Google.

On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana recap Notre Dame’s dominant 36-7 win over North Carolina State.

After a slow start to the season, the Irish defense has found its rhythm, allowing 13 points or fewer in each of the past three games. In a twist, it was the offense that struggled to finish drives this week — even while putting up nearly 40 points.

Mike and Jess break down the comfortable win over the Wolfpack and turn their attention to the week’s biggest storyline: Notre Dame’s upcoming matchup with the University of Southern California. This could be the last meeting between the longtime rivals for a while, making this year’s game even more meaningful — and possibly a playoff eliminator for both teams.

The hosts also dive into USC’s uneven season. The Trojans have faced limited competition and dropped their only tough test to Illinois. Mike and Jess analyze how the Irish defense can contain USC’s explosive offense and how Notre Dame can take advantage of the Trojans’ shaky defense.

As the biggest game of the season approaches, Mike and Jess share favorite memories from the historic Notre Dame–USC rivalry. They close the show by reacting to Penn State’s firing of James Franklin and discussing what it could mean for Marcus Freeman’s staff — and the wild coaching carousel that’s just getting started.

Tune in to The Echoes each week for Notre Dame Football recaps, player interviews, and reactions from two of the most entertaining voices in college football.

On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down Notre Dame’s 28–7 win over Boise State.

The Irish defense looked revitalized with Leonard Moore’s return, holding the Broncos to just one touchdown and making a statement in South Bend. From Jadarian Price’s explosive touchdown run to Marcus Freeman’s visible frustration with the referees, Golic and Jess cover all the big moments from the win.

After early-season struggles, Notre Dame’s defense appears to have turned a corner — allowing only 20 total points over the last two games. The timing couldn’t be better, with Hollywood Smothers (best name in football?) and the NC State Wolfpack coming to town this weekend, followed by a huge showdown with USC on October 18th.

Offensively, the Irish rushed for over 200 yards behind the electric duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, who combined for 186 yards on the ground. CJ Carr remained efficient, though the group knows they left points on the field.

Despite 11 penalties and missed chances, the Irish controlled the game from start to finish. While the referees drew plenty of boos from the home crowd, the real surprise came when Irish fans actually booed Taylor Swift’s music — a moment Golic and Jess couldn’t help but laugh about.

Jess also shares her experience at “Irish Jam,” the men’s and women’s basketball event that brought plenty of energy to campus. Plus, former Irish star Jackie Young continues to dominate in the WNBA Finals, representing Notre Dame with pride.

Tune in to The Echoes each week for Notre Dame Football recaps, player interviews, and reactions from two of the most entertaining voices in college football.

On this episode of THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana welcome a very special guest—Notre Dame superstar running back Jeremiyah Love.

Love has been at the center of the Irish’s explosive offense, and he joins the show for nearly 20 minutes to talk about what it’s like to play in one of the nation’s most dynamic attacks. He shares his perspective on an offense averaging nearly 50 points per game, how the team keeps its edge each week, and what it feels like to silence hostile SEC crowds on the road.

Mike and Jessica also dive into the Irish backfield’s unique chemistry. While Love has emerged as a true Heisman contender, he’s quick to credit fellow running back Jadarian Price and the entire position group. Hear why this room is so special, how they push each other to improve, and the specific areas Love has focused on this season.

Finally, Love offers a candid look ahead: what it means to put up 50 points in a tough SEC environment, the mindset inside the locker room, and what he believes the Irish can accomplish as the season unfolds.

Subscribe, rate, and comment with your questions—you might hear them answered in a future episode.

On this week’s episode of THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down another statement win for the Irish—this time a 56–13 rout of Sam Pittman’s Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville. It marks the second straight week Notre Dame has hung 56 points on a Power Four opponent, a testament to an offense that looks nearly unstoppable.

Quarterback CJ Carr continues to impress with poise and precision, while running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price make a strong case as the best backfield in the country. Plus, the Irish defense deserves its own spotlight, holding Arkansas to just 13 points in a raucous SEC road environment and showing clear signs of growth at every level. Mike and Jess dive into what these defensive strides could mean as the season enters its most important stretch.

Speaking of standout performances, we’re thrilled to share that Jeremiyah Love joins the show for an in-depth interview, premiering Thursday afternoon. Set your notifications so you don’t miss it—Love is not only a dynamic playmaker but also an exceptional person, and his perspective on the team’s success is must-see.

The conversation then shifts to Notre Dame’s biggest rival, the USC Trojans, who suffered a stunning last-second loss to Illinois. Jessica—never shy about her feelings toward the Trojans—offers her take on how USC’s stumble impacts the Irish’s College Football Playoff hopes and the broader national picture.

To wrap things up, the crew celebrates Mike’s belated birthday with his three “Irish wishes” for this season and beyond. Plus, they answer a listener question from X, reminding everyone to comment, reply, and subscribe. Your feedback shapes the show, and your question might be featured next week.

Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts, and join us as we keep following Notre Dame’s march toward a potential playoff run. Go Irish!

Notre Dame fans finally have a reason to celebrate as THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the ND Fighting Irish dives deep into the team’s first win of the season—a 56–30 statement victory over in-state rival Purdue.

On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana deliver an in-depth breakdown of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s heartbreaking last-minute loss to the Texas A&M Aggies in South Bend.

In a nationally ranked top-20 showdown at Notre Dame Stadium, the Aggies scored a dramatic game-winning touchdown to seal a 41-point offensive outburst that has Irish fans questioning the defense and defensive coordinator Chris Ash’s job security.

Jessica spent the entire weekend in South Bend, where The Echoes hosted a live pregame show just steps from Notre Dame Stadium. She offers a vivid firsthand account of the damp, rainy buildup, the electric crowd, and her late-night drive back to Chicago—still processing the stunning defeat.

Despite the loss, the offense showed encouraging signs. Quarterback CJ Carr continues to shine, the wide receivers are beginning to blossom, and running back Jeremiyah Love looks to get back on track as the Irish prepare for next week’s rivalry matchup against Purdue, a team Notre Dame beat 66-7 last season.

The duo also recaps The Echoes’ live pregame show outside Notre Dame Stadium, featuring Irish legends Kyle Rudolph and Sheldon Day, presented by Drive & Shine Carwash.

Subscribe to The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for weekly recaps, game previews, and insider analysis all season long.

#sports #football #notredame

Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's

Wake up with Wendy’s breakfast https://www.wendys.com/breakfast

Limited time only during breakfast hours. U.S. price and participation may vary. No substitutions. Not valid in a combo. Single item at regular price.