Rakes Report: A Notre Dame podcast - podcast cover

Rakes Report: A Notre Dame podcast

Chris Wilsonrakesreport.libsyn.com
A conversation about Fighting Irish football and basketball. An audio supplement to the Rakes Report newsletter, available at https://rakesreport.substack.com/. Hosted by Chris Wilson.
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Episodes

Campus Vibe Check + Notre Dame Roster Updates + House Settlement

Jessica Smetana joins to file a report on her visit to campus over the weekend. Then: Recruiting successes, how new jersey numbers could affect the season, a long look at the House settlement/what the future of NIL might look like and best movies of the 21st century. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Jun 26, 20251 hr 4 min

The Best Coaches in College Football + Irish in the WNBA

Jessica Smetana joins to rank the best coaches in college football, including where we place Marcus Freeman among his peers. ( The Top 25 coaches newsletter referenced during the discussion.) Then (42:20) The Athletic's Sabreena Merchant joins to discuss the state of the Notre Dame women's basketball program, how there's a star void to be filled for the 2025-26 season and how Irish alumnae are thriving in the WNBA this season. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://link...

Jun 17, 20251 hr 35 min

2025 College Football Offseason Respect Index

Jessica Smetana and the Spreadsheets & Tailgates newsletter's Michael Bryan join to take a look at what preseason win totals might mean for a long list of college football teams. Topics include but are not limited to: Freedom from the Big Ten West, Cignetti Year Two in Bloomington, Clemson hype vs. reality, the cowardice of the USC Trojans, a big year for LSU, sad times in Palo Alto and Stillwater, interesting times in Miami, expectations for Deion, Narduzzi purgatory, the circus in Chapel H...

May 20, 20251 hr 25 min

Frosh O Rewind: Carr vs. Minchey

We're dusting off a few of our old conversations with Irish Sports Daily's Jamie Uyeyama to remember what we thought about C.J. Carr and Kenny Minchey before their freshman seasons at Notre Dame began. Also including a bonus Steve Angeli Frosh O report out of respect. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Apr 29, 202520 min

Wildly Specific 2025 Notre Dame Football Predictions + TV Club: Reacher

Irish Sports Daily's Greg Flammang and the Spreadsheets & Tailgates newsletter's Michael Bryan join to review our depth chart power rankings from last season and to look ahead to who might stand out on this fall's roster. Plus, a review of Reacher Season 3 (56:45). MB's wildly specific prediction newsletter. The August 2024 depth chart power rankings. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport...

Apr 23, 20251 hr 16 min

Steve Angeli Transfer News + TV Club: The Pitt

Jessica Smetana joins to talk about big news for the Notre Dame quarterback room and to appreciate Steve Angeli, plus the WNBA and NFL Drafts. Then (32:40) the Report Medical Team joins for a lengthy discussion of the excellent television series "The Pitt," focusing on our favorite characters from the deep ensemble. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Apr 18, 20251 hr 39 min

Blue-Gold Review + 2025 Notre Dame Quarterback Derby, Vol. III + Transfer Headlines

Jessica Smetana joins to talk about where Notre Dame football stands as spring practice winds down. Updates on the quarterback race and a how the projected 2025 depth chart compares to last year's team as well as a look at The Shirt and what a couple major transfers mean for for college sports. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Apr 14, 20251 hr 2 min

2025 Notre Dame Quarterback Derby, Vol. II + Spring Practice Thoughts + TV Club: The White Lotus

Jessica Smetana and Irish Sports Daily's Jamie Uyeyama join to discuss what Jamie learned on his visit to campus over the weekend. A quarterback race with no obvious leader, reflecting on Riley Leonard, new faces at wide receiver, the defensive tackle situation and a vibe check on the new front office and coaching staff members. Then (53:30) a spoiler-filled discussion of the most recent season of The White Lotus. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesre...

Apr 08, 20251 hr 13 min

2025 Notre Dame Quarterback Derby, Vol. I + Sweet Sixteen Preview

Inside ND Sports' Eric Hansen joins to talk about the battle between Steve Angeli, C.J. Carr and Kenny Minchey as well as new additions to the coaching staff and front office. Then (32:00) a look at how Niele Ivey pulled her team out of the late-season slump, an appreciation of Sonia Citron and what it will take for the Fighting Irish to get to the Final Four. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport...

Mar 26, 202551 min

Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 76 Michigan 55

Jessica Smetana and Notre Dame, Our Blogger's Andrew Smith join to discuss Niele Ivey's squad dominating the Wolverines to advance to their fourth straight Sweet Sixteen. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Mar 23, 202533 min

2025 March Madness Mega Preview

Strap in for a deep dive on the upcoming NCAA Tournaments. Segment 1: Jessica Smetana, Paul Coletti ( The Irish Alert newsletter) and Alex Carson ( The Green Nails Newsletter ) discuss potential causes of Notre Dame’s late-season struggles and potential fixes that could lead to a deep tournament run. Segment 2 (47:00): The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant talks about the Fighting Irish’s corner of the bracket, why she picked them to make the Final Four, why UConn is her title pick and other assorted...

Mar 19, 20252 hr 10 min

Rakes Rewatch: 2015 Men’s ACC Basketball Tournament

Celebrating Mike Brey, Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton’s run to the ACC championship via the Duke and North Carolina games in Greensboro. Topics include Zach Auguste and Bonzie Colson vs Jahlil Okafor, ACC regional broadcasts, the excellence of Demetrius Jackson, sad Coach K, crafty Steve Vasturia, the 2015 NBA Draft, the Tar Heel crowd, patiently waiting for the 26-3 run to start, hugs, perfect basketball and what this team means. Guests: Mike Laskey (AMDG Podcast), Joe Schueller (18 Stripes),...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 6 min

Hoops Swoon, Football Questions and Movie Club: Oscars Preview

Jessica Smetana joins to talk about the Notre Dame women's basketball team's troubling two-game losing streak, the state of the football offseason, the war on spring games and some of this fall's opponents. Then (25:00) a discussion of Sunday's Oscar ceremony with Priya Desai, starting with a Best Picture draft. (FYI: The explicit tag is earned on this one.) Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport...

Feb 28, 20251 hr 41 min

Chris Ash Hire Kicks Off Football Offseason + Women's Basketball Check-In

Jessica Smetana joins for a potpourri edition discussing Chris Ash, Chad Bowden, Top 100 games, transfer portal entries, an Atlanta field report, Excitement Draft recap, "The Americans" and much more. Then (53:00) The Athletic's Sabreena Merchant joins to talk about how Niele Ivey has built a team that is one of the nation's top title contenders. The best backcourt, how new faces are fitting in, threats in the ACC and beyond plus some Paige Bueckers Narrative Watch and potential WNBA CBA repercu...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 47 min

Instant Reaction: Ohio State 34 Notre Dame 23

Jessica Smetana joins for initial thoughts on the College Football Playoff final, this past Fighting Irish season and what the future may hold. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Jan 21, 202542 min

Ranking Our Favorite Wins of the 2024 Notre Dame Season (Thus Far)

Jessica Smetana joins to rank all 14 of Notre Dame's wins that have taken them to the cusp of a national championship, from the opener in College Station to the thriller in Miami Gardens. Remembering some games, some touchdowns, some announcers and a whole lot more from a special season. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Jan 15, 20251 hr 30 min

Notre Dame vs. Penn State Orange Bowl Field Report

Jessica Smetana joins to talk about being in the building for an epic College Football Playoff semifinal. Walking through everything from the tailgate scene to Mitch Jeter's kick and the aftermath, plus what this season has meant and a whole lot more. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Jan 10, 20251 hr 6 min

Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 27 Penn State 24

Sam Werner of the Three-Point Jesus podcast and Michael Bryan of 18 Stripes join to talk about the epic Orange Bowl victory as the Irish advance to the national title game. (This is the loopiest and least edited podcast in existence.) Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Jan 10, 202553 min

Notre Dame vs. Penn State Orange Bowl Preview

Diving in on the Fighting Irish/Nittany Lions College Football Playoff semifinal and also Remembering Some Games. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Jan 06, 202554 min

Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 23 Georgia 10

Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish's win in the Sugar Bowl to advance to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Topics include but are not limited to: The tragedy in New Orleans and feelings going into the game, big plays in all three phases, Riley Leonard, the defense, Marcus Freeman and general postseason thoughts. Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse m...

Jan 03, 20251 hr 4 min

Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 27 Indiana 3

Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish dominating the Hoosiers to open up the first-ever 12-team playoff. Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Dec 22, 20241 hr 3 min

Christmas Giving 2024: Good King Takes-ceslas

To close out Christmas Giving, we're revisiting an episode many of you probably (and understandably) deleted right away. Jessica Smetana joins for the post-NIU discussion, in which we talked about Marcus Freeman, transfer quarterbacks, stadium atmosphere, coaching searches and a lot more. Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport...

Dec 13, 20241 hr 14 min

Christmas Giving 2024: Notre Dame's Playoff Journey

Inside ND Sports' Eric Hansen joins to talk about the hype around the Indiana/Notre Dame game, the evolution of Riley Leonard and Marcus Freeman, the greatness of Xavier Watts, Hoosier history and much more. Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport...

Dec 12, 202448 min

Christmas Giving 2024: College Football Playoffs Past, Present and Yet To Come

NBC Sports College Football Insider Nicole Auerbach joins to review what the expanded playoff meant for the regular season, what changes we might see to the bracket going forward, Notre Dame's independence and much more. Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport...

Dec 11, 202450 min

Christmas Giving 2024: Reviewing the Irish and Previewing the Hoosiers

Irish Sports Daily's Jamie Uyeyama joins to talk about how Marcus Freeman performed in his third season, the improving Irish offense, a big question about the Irish defense, how Notre Dame matches up with Indiana and how to define a successful season. Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport...

Dec 10, 202455 min

Christmas Giving 2024 Kickoff: There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays

Jessica Smetana joins to kick off our annual fundraising for the Center for the Homeless in South Bend. Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Topics include assessing the playoff committee's work, SEC gaslighting, early look at the Hoosiers and much more. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

Dec 09, 202459 min

Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 49 USC 35

Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish's very exciting and in no way nerve-racking win in Los Angeles to clinch a home playoff game. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com .

Dec 02, 202447 min

Army Review + Notre Dame/USC Preview Feast Week Palooza

Jessica Smetana and our USC Insider Nick Tresnowski join to talk the win over Army at Yankee Stadium, Lincoln Riley's status among Trojan fans, how Southern Cal might be able to attack the Notre Dame defense, whether they'll be able to hold up against the Irish rushing attack, playoff positioning, the monster win for Niele Ivey in Los Angeles and the future of the Irish/Trojans rivalry. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com ....

Nov 26, 20241 hr 6 min

Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 35 Virginia 14

Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Senior Day victory over the Cavaliers, Notre Dame's eighth consecutive win. Topics include special teams injustice, defensive dominance, sloppy offense, long drives with no points, some silly ACC results elsewhere and feelings going into the final two games. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com .

Nov 17, 202457 min

Preparing For Notre Dame Football's Closing Stretch + The Miles/Hidalgo Backcourt Arrives

Michael Bryan of 18 Stripes joins to take a look at Notre Dame's stat profile with three games left, as well as playoff rankings, future schedules and stadium atmospheres. Then (44:45) Paul Coletti of The Irish Alert newsletter discusses the hot start for the Olivia Miles/Hannah Hidalgo backourt and Notre Dame basketball. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com .

Nov 14, 20241 hr 25 min
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