Final Thoughts on Notre Dame’s Win Over North Carolina With Luke Smith

Locked On Irish host Tyler Wojciak answers listener questions in the Friday Mailbag, beginning with the criticism of defensive coordinator Chris Ash and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, the adjustments needed on defense, and why Notre Dame's coaching staff still has an opportunity to turn things around. Then, Tyler examines Adon Shuler's recent struggles, the running back rotation involving Jonaz Walton and Aneyas Williams, and the lack of depth at wide receiver under Mike Brown. Finally, he discusses Ian Premer's potential role, changes Notre Dame could make during the bye week, and what it will take to beat Miami and reach the College Football Playoff. Despite the frustration surrounding the program, Notre Dame's biggest goals are still within reach.

Tyler Wojciak takes a deep dive into the biggest problems facing Notre Dame football as Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish enter their bye week following a heartbreaking loss to BYU. With a massive showdown against Miami looming, Tyler conducts his own version of Notre Dame's bye week self-scout, identifying the coaching decisions, personnel issues, and schematic adjustments that could determine the rest of the 2026 season. First, he examines the big-picture concerns, including slow starts, late-game execution, third-down struggles, red-zone efficiency, and the Middle 8. Then, he breaks down what Chris Ash and the defense need to change, from playing more aggressive man coverage and generating pressure to maximizing Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa's impact. Finally, Tyler turns to Mike Denbrock and the offense, explaining why Jonaz Walton needs more touches, why the wide receiver rotation must improve, how Notre Dame can create more explosive plays, and what CJ Carr must do to bounce back. With the College Football Playoff still within reach, the Irish have an opportunity to make the adjustments necessary to compete for a national championship.

Pro Football and College Football Hall of Famer Tim Brown joins the show to talk Notre Dame vs BYU, his memories as a member of the Fighting Irish, timing of the bye week for Marcus Freeman's team and more!

Locked On Irish host Tyler Wojciak is joined by Tim O'Malley of Irish Illustrated to examine where Notre Dame football goes from here following its disappointing loss to BYU. With the Fighting Irish entering a critical bye week, they discuss how their outlook on Marcus Freeman's team has changed, which issues need to be addressed immediately, and whether offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and defensive coordinator Chris Ash can make the necessary adjustments. They also evaluate CJ Carr's development, Notre Dame's offensive identity, the running back and wide receiver rotations, and whether the defense can return to championship form. Finally, Wojciak and O'Malley look ahead to the upcoming matchups against Navy and Miami, assess Freeman's ability to rally his team, and debate whether Notre Dame can still make a run at the College Football Playoff and compete for a national championship.

Locked On Irish host Tyler Wojciak is joined by Luke Smith of Saturday in the Stands for their weekly Final Thoughts on Notre Dame football following the Fighting Irish's frustrating 28-24 loss to BYU. They begin with firsthand reports from Notre Dame fans who traveled to Provo before examining how Marcus Freeman's team squandered a golden opportunity in one of the biggest games of the college football season. Tyler and Luke discuss Chris Ash's defensive scheme, Notre Dame's struggles on third down, questionable personnel decisions involving Jonaz Walton and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, and the team's inability to deliver in crucial moments. They also examine whether Notre Dame's recurring struggles in big games point to a larger issue under Freeman. Finally, they highlight the encouraging performances from Jaden Greathouse, Nolan James Jr., and the offensive line before discussing the College Football Playoff picture, the upcoming bye week, and why Notre Dame's national championship hopes are still alive heading into a pivotal matchup with Miami.