Two programs looking to make an early statement will meet up tonight in South Bend. In 2024, Notre Dame churned out an impressive 23-13 season-opening win at Kyle Field. This year, Texas A&M is hoping to return the favor on the road. Both of these rosters are loaded with high-end talent. With that being said, which players will step up on Saturday?
These are the top college football player props to consider at DraftKings Sportsbook for the Week 3 matchup between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame enters this contest as 6.5-point favorites over Texas A&M, with the over/under set at 50.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame best prop bets
Jeremiyah Love 76+ rushing yards (-118)
It was not the kind of season debut Notre Dame fans were hoping for from Jeremiyah Love. In Week 1 vs. Miami, the running back gained just 33 yards on ten carries. Although he did chip in as a receiver (four catches for 26 yards), the junior wasn’t at his best. Part of that is a result of some baffling play calling. Even with a redshirt freshman in CJ Carr at quarterback, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock opted for a pass-heavy approach. Still, given his other-worldly talent, more work for Love feels almost inevitable on Saturday.
This Texas A&M defensive front is no joke, holding opponents to just 3.9 yards per carry last season. However, Love has enjoyed success in this matchup before. When these teams last met, the dynamic rusher picked up 91 yards and a touchdown on 14 touches. Backup RB Jadarian Price will get plenty of snaps out of the backfield. Still, there should be enough rushes to go around for the Irish. Following a lackluster showing, expect one of the nation’s most dangerous players to come out firing.
Mario Craver 53+ receiving yards (-123)
Much like their opponents, this Texas A&M offense will have to navigate a dangerous Notre Dame defense. The strength of the Fighting Irish, at least on paper, is their secondary, led by All-American cornerback Leonard Moore. Miami found success against this unit not via the deep ball, but through dinking and dunking down the field. Freshman wideout Malachi Toney caught six balls for 82 yards and a touchdown.
If anyone on A&M is poised for a similar stat line, it’s Mario Craver. The Mississippi State transfer has been an early-season standout. Through two games, he’s recorded 13 receptions for 236 yards and three touchdowns. At just 5’10”, the shifty sophomore could pose similar issues to Toney against Notre Dame’s defese. In addition, Carver has undeniable chemistry with quarterback Marcel Reed. In a formidable road environment, the Aggies might be forced to throw the ball from behind. If the Irish hold a decent lead, they might be content to give up modest yardage, as well. Texas A&M’s top target should be heavily involved on Saturday, regardless of the final score.
