Shake Down The Numbers is back for the 2021 season, breaking down the Cincinnati loss and where the Irish go from here. Cooper is back and hosting the show, and he is joined by former president of the Notre Dame Sports Analytics club Kevin Murray and former Notre Dame Football Recruiting Analyst Eric Thomas.

(2:05) The group discusses the playcalling and offensive structure, notably early down offense and the inefficiency Notre Dame has shown getting ahead of the chains. 

(10:10) The group goes through the biggest question surrounding Notre Dame Football: The Quarterback position. Coan and Pyne were both inconsistent vs Cincinnati, with the Buchner package failing altogether to generate positive plays. The Irish seem poised to move onto Drew Pyne as the starter, and the guys talk through what that transition may look like.

(18:00) Tyler Buchner talk! Buchner is a dynamic player who dominated in a small sample size in high school, missing two of the past three seasons. His ability to impact the offense positively has become limited with him not operating as a passing threat, and the guys talk options for a more impactful freshman season from Buchner. Also discussed is the importance of play action and motion for creating efficient offense.

(24:10) The group wraps up, evaluating the Notre Dame defense and how they have progressed since the FSU game. There have been notable improvements for Freeman's squad since the opener, from the dominance of the defensive line unit to the improved play of DB's Cam Hart and DJ Brown. At (27:45) Eric accidently says Cam Hart when referencing Clarence Lewis. 

(29:23) The guys go over projections for ND's final record and what to watch for as the Irish go through the final seven games.