Urgency Defines No. 8 Notre Dame's Clash With No. 16 Texas A&M
- Liam Farrell
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
Even though No. 8 Notre Dame is entering their second game of the season, a must-win game against No. 16 Texas A&M has Irish players and coaches preaching the urgency of their home opener.
Photo by Texas A&M Athletics
Even in the newfound College Football Playoff format, an 0-2 start for the preseason No. 6 Irish would feel like a gut-punch to their playoff hopes. While there were seven two-loss teams that made the playoff a season ago, it would take a few things to happen for the Irish to get a postseason bid.
With that being said, the importance of their week three matchup against the Aggies is immeasurable. If the Irish can get a home victory over a Top 16 team, there is no doubt that the confidence level for the program and fanbase will be back to its preseason expectations.
However, the task in front of them is a daunting one. After Notre Dame's embarrassing loss to NIU last season, the Irish responded with a 66-7 thumping of Purdue, a team that would finish the year 1-11. Texas A&M is undoubtedly more talented than that Boilermaker team from a season ago.
One thing will be certain: feed the Irish running backs more. As Marcus Freeman and Mike Denbrock successfully got CJ Carr acquainted with the speed of the college football, the offense can be opened up now. This should mean fewer quick passes behind the line of scrimmage and using the passing game as a downfield complement to a run heavy scheme. Freeman has always quoted Notre Dame of being an offensive and defensive line driven program, so it should make sense for the Irish to go back to their roots and lean on the run game behind an offensive line looking to bounce back from a poor performance against Miami.
Here are three key matchups to look out for in Saturday's game under the lights.
Urgency Out of the BYE
The biggest thing for Notre Dame in this matchup is can they make the changes necessarily.
Can Mike Denbrock play to the strengths of his offense?
Can the offensive line return to Joe Moore Award form?
Can Chris Ash begin to integrate exotic pressures to heat up the quarterback?
These three questions can very well determine the outcome of this game. In terms of Denbrock, the Irish need to get back to their bread and butter: the running back tandem of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Then, through the run-centric identity, have CJ Carr pick apart a loaded box presented against the Irish with downfield shots out of play action sets.
In terms of the offensive line, while Miami was still a top tier quality defensive line, Texas A&M is no cake walk either. The Aggies are especially talented through their athletes off the EDGE but have been hurt in the rushing game through their first two games of the season.
On the other side of the ball, the Fighting Irish defense needs to do a better job of communicating. Too many times against the Hurricanes were players on different pages and being confused by the coverage calls. Much of this is growing pains and not having Jack Kiser or Xavier Watts on the back end of the defense, but captains Drayk Bowen and Adon Shuler need to have signature bounce back games.
Marcel Reed's Improvisation
Much of the national media makes note of Marcel Reed's throwing ability, or lack thereof, yet there is no question about Reed's athleticism.
While Reed is skilled as a rusher, his improvisation outside the pocket will be one of the biggest X-factors in this game. With a better equipped receiver room, with KC Conception and Mario Craver, Reed's ability to extend plays can now be dangerous through the air.
If Notre Dame is to have a QB spy on Reed, the task will either be filled by Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa or Jaylen Sneed; yet a rushing quarterback at the college football level is one of the most dangerous weapons a team could have. Just look at Riley Leonard from a season ago: the backyard football ability to make plays out of nothing with his legs can extend drives and be the difference maker in these close games.
Keeping Reed in the pocket and getting pressure to him will be imperative for Ash as he's had two weeks to curate a game plan to contain the talented quarterback.
Can the Fans Be a Factor?
The home opener being a night game under the lights following a national championship appearance against a Top 16 SEC program should be enough for Irish fans to bring plenty of noise. While the Miami loss followed by the BYE week has slowly halted momentum, the impact that Notre Dame Stadium can present could be historic. Last season, the first ever College Playoff game at a college campus had Notre Dame Stadium in a frenzy. Now, Irish fans will have to continue the level of pandemonium to create a true home field advantage.
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is extremely familiar with South Bend, as it will be his first time returning to Notre Dame since he was the Irish's defensive coordinator. However, there will be one change since the last time he was in Notre Dame Stadium, it will be the first time that Notre Dame Stadium will allow for the sale of alcohol for a Notre Dame game. While everyone should always drink responsibly, this could lead to Fighting Irish fans being louder than ever.
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