No. 7 Notre Dame is set to take on No. 20 Texas A&M in a highly anticipated season opener for both teams in College Station, Texas. The Fighting Irish entered the season with a top 10 preseason ranking and are seen as strong contenders for the College Football Playoff. Head coach Marcus Freeman, in his third year, holds a career record of 19-8 but has not yet secured a top-10 finish for the program.
Texas A&M is ushering in a new era under first-year coach Mike Elko, who previously turned Duke into a successful program. Elko has been proactive in the transfer portal, bringing in a highly regarded recruiting class with 28 commitments. Quarterback Conner Weigman has faced injury issues but has the potential to be a standout player if he can maintain his health.
Historically, Notre Dame has faced Texas A&M five times, leading 3-2 overall. However, the last matchup ended in a 24-3 victory for the Aggies in 2001. This will be the first encounter between the teams at Kyle Field, with previous matchups held at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas between 1988 and 1994.
Fans can catch live updates as Notre Dame faces Texas A&M this Week 1 matchup.
Viewing Information for Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M:
Date: Saturday, Aug. 31 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Kyle Field — College Station, Texas
TV: ABC | Live stream: fubo (available for free trial)
Key Information for Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M:
New Offensive Strategy: Coach Marcus Freeman has revamped the offensive approach, adding two top free agents to the mix. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock joins from LSU, where he coached Jayden Daniels to a Heisman Trophy. He now has quarterback Riley Leonard, who transferred from Duke after an injury-plagued season but previously threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns under Elko’s leadership.
Program Overhaul: With Elko at the helm, Texas A&M has started to adopt his unique style. Offensive coordinator Collin Klein is focusing on quarterback runs and spread offense. The defense is expected to lean on its defensive line, with standout pass-rusher Nic Scourton leading the charge. The program is simplifying its strategies to fully utilize its playmakers.
Edge Battle: Notre Dame faces a challenge on the offensive line after losing projected starting tackle Charles Jagusah to a season-ending injury, leading freshman Anthonie Knapp to take his place. The Irish will field a relatively young lineup with three sophomores and two freshmen against a formidable Texas A&M defensive front. Scourton, who led the Big Ten with 10 sacks last season, could prove challenging for Notre Dame’s line, which may struggle against the talent such as Shemar Turner, Shemar Stewart, and DJ Hicks, all of whom were highly ranked recruits.
Predictions for Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M:
Despite being ranked higher, Texas A&M is seen as a slight favorite against Notre Dame. The Aggies’ advantage is attributed to their formidable defensive line and ability to control the game’s pace. While there are questions about Texas A&M’s offensive strategy, they are expected to secure a close win at Kyle Field, marking a significant victory under Coach Mike Elko. Pick: Texas A&M -3.
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