Notre Dame vs Texas A&M: How the Irish Can Beat the Aggies

Luciano Antonini
Sep 13
7 min read

Two football players in white and gold uniforms walk through a dimly lit hallway. The number 4 is visible on the jersey of the player in front.

Notre Dame football is back at Notre Dame Stadium today. It's been a long two weeks for Irish fans after a disappointing loss to Miami to open the season. Questions have swirled regarding both sides of the ball, from playcalling to personnel choices, all has been asked. Today, the staff at The Irish Tribune gives you their analysis, predictions, and observations in what may be the toughest remaining game for Notre Dame in the regular season. Here's what we got for Notre Dame vs Texas A&M. Let's go!

The Analysis

Excerpt from Max Uretsky, Analyst at The Irish Tribune:

I was a little back and forth on this game because I think some of the strengths of A&M are where I have concerns for Notre Dame, but ultimately, I think the home edge plays a factor, and the Irish make one more play than they do. I would be shocked if Notre Dame didn't feed Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price consistently and get back to what they do best. The offensive line will need to get a much better push in the run game, but they should settle in and find some success by the second quarter. I expect to see Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa or Jaylen Sneed used as a QB spy on Marcel Reed to keep him from doing damage with his legs, and I don't think he is the level of passer that can just stand in the pocket and dice up an Irish secondary that is going to be hungry to prove themselves after some missteps in the Miami game.

Max Uretsky's Prediction: 27-24 Notre Dame wins.

A deep-dive from Brenden Duffy, Associate Editor, Senior Staff Writer:

In what some are describing as a “must-win” for the Irish, I expect Notre Dame to come out with fire and play a physical four quarters. Marcus Freeman’s squad needs to show improvement in nearly every aspect after a weak showing at Miami.

My prediction revolves around the Aggies’ defensive lapses this season. Texas A&M’s first two opponents were able to break off some solid runs due to poor tackling. Allowing 22+ points to both UTSA & Utah St has raised questions about Mike Elko’s group.

CJ Carr looked poised two weeks ago, and that should carry over to tonight’s home-opener. Jaden Greathouse & possibly Will Pauling could be in for solid performances against struggling slot CBs and a pass defense that has a tendency to leave underneath routes open. I also expect Notre Dame’s pass-blocking to perform better than it did at Miami. However, keep an eye on TAMU’s Cashius Howell, who recorded back-to-back-to-back sacks on the same possession last week.

On the ground, the Aggies' defense has allowed 140.5 rushing yards per game. Irish RBs Jeremiyah Love & Jadarian Price should be in line for increased carries after a slow week one. Last season, the duo combined for 135 yards & two touchdowns in the victory at College Station.

In some fashion, this is an early “prove-it” game for TAMU QB Marcel Reed. After seeing struggles last year as a passer, Reed has looked very impressive in this department so far this season. However, there is no question that this will be the biggest test of his young season. The Irish defense needs to get pressure on Reed early and often. That may be a challenge against an elite pass-blocking unit on the other side. In coverage, the Irish need to maintain Mario Craver & KC Concepcion, both of whom are capable of beating defenders in a variety of ways.

On paper, Texas A&M has one of the best rushing units in the SEC with the dual-threat Reed, RB Le’Veon Moss, & a talented OLine. This aspect of the Aggies' offense has not exactly flashed yet, likely due to the staff wanting Reed to settle as a passer against weaker competition. But I would not be shocked to see them unlock this facet of their offense tonight in a primetime, top-25 matchup.

Brenden's Prediction: 27-23 Notre Dame wins.

The Predictions & More

From Liam Farrell, Associate Editor, Senior Football Writer:

Outside of last season, Marcus Freeman-led Irish teams have been accustomed to stacking losses. In this one, Marcel Reed is able to manipulate the Irish defense, but specifically, the linebacking core with his legs.

On offense, the Notre Dame offensive line continues to struggle against premier athleticism. The Irish will fall behind early and resort to the air on offense, which will play right into Mike Elko's hand. Elko, after losing back-to-back seasons against the Irish, finally makes his former employer pay by sinking Notre Dame's playoff hopes in the third week of the season.

Liam's Prediction: 23-17 Texas A&M stuns the Irish.

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Some words from Insider Bruce Straughan:

Marcus Freeman is a perfect 5-0 in the regular season coming off a bye week, and I fully see him continuing that perfect streak. If there's one thing about Marcus Freeman, it's that he knows how to make changes and game plan during a bye week. Freeman has a knack for preparing his team after a loss or as an underdog.

With that being said, I think this game is a close one with Notre Dame pulling away late. Texas A&M is no pushover and would love nothing more than to come into Notre Dame Stadium and play spoiler. Make no ifs, ands, or buts about it, this is a must-win for the Irish if they want to make it to the postseason playoffs. Texas A&M gave up 203 yards rushing against UTSA, so Notre Dame's key to a win here is to run the ball early and often. I expect a big day for both Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.

Bruce's Prediction: 24-20 Notre Dame will win.

Hear from Noah Wehby, Writer for The Irish Tribune:

This is a must-win for the Irish. With not a whole lot else on the schedule, it is critical that they get their signature win against A&M. Freeman is going to have his guys ready to go, especially in front of an awesome crowd. This game is going to be back and forth all game. A&M has the offensive line, running backs, wide receivers, and QB to hurt Notre Dame's defense, which looked shaky against Miami. With that being said, I do think the Irish defense will look much more in sync than it did two weeks ago. On the other side of the ball, this is going to be Love's night. Against Miami, much was said about his lack of touches. I think A&M is going to get a steady dose of Love, especially because the Aggies struggled to stop the run against A&M. Love will be the difference for the Irish, but it will be a late 4th quarter drive by CJ Carr that wins the game.

Noah's Prediction: 31-24 Notre Dame over A&M.

According to Brady Burden, Social Media Assistant at The Irish Tribune:

The Irish sit in yet another spot where it's do or die. Win or no playoffs. Obviously, they know that. The Aggie offense has weapons that do damage. Marcel Reed has thrown for several 250+ yard games, with 3 or more touchdowns. With 0 interceptions as well. With all that, I think Notre Dame's defense will be keyed in and ready to go. I see them creating several turnovers and Notre Dame Stadium coming alive. Switching to offense, CJ Carr will play efficiently. They find ways to get the ball to #4 and let him do this job. Irish escape with a close win and keep playoff hopes alive.

Brady's Prediction: 42-38 Notre Dame wins close.

Finally, from Connor Regan & Clayton Stohler, First & Gold Podcast Co-Hosts:

Notre Dame has numerous advantages that make this game a must-win. They’ve had a bye week, are fueled by anger from a close road loss to Miami, and have home-field advantage. Additionally, this is the first Irish home game to feature alcohol sales, which promises an "elevated" atmosphere in South Bend. The Irish will undoubtedly run the ball aggressively, utilizing both Love and Price to establish their running game early. With a quarterback who is no longer a first-time starter, CJ Carr will have a much longer leash than he did in game 1, allowing the Irish to attack on both the ground and through the air more effectively than against Miami.

Denbrock and Ash’s coordinating performances will assuredly improve over the Miami game, and they will make adjustments based on what didn’t work in week 1. The Irish defense will likely allow an early touchdown or two, but will then tighten up once they get a feel for A&M's offense and keep them to field goals as the game progresses. Sorry, Mike Elko, but you'll have to try again another time, Irish get the W!

Connor's Prediction: 30-20 Notre Dame wins.

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