Notre Dame is hosting Texas A&M on Saturday night of Week 3. The game will take place at 7:30 P.M. ET in College Station, Texas. The Fighting Irish are looking to get their first win of the season, while the Aggies are looking for revenge after last season’s loss to Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish are 6.5-point home favorites in this game on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 50.5 points. This is a preview, prediction and pick for this Texas A&M-Notre Dame non-conference matchup.
Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame Preview
Texas A&M Preview
Texas A&M is hoping to finally break through to the College Football Playoff. Few programs in the country have invested more money into their football program than Texas A&M. However, the Aggies have never made the CFP and haven’t had a double-digit win season since 2012. They have been competitive since coming to the SEC, but have been unable to find that next level. This is a massive game for Texas A&M, as a non-conference road win over Notre Dame would be a huge resume booster if they can survive their SEC schedule. Sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed has shown signs of improvement from last season, and with weapons like Le’Veon Moss, KC Concepcion and Mario Craver, this is a scary offense to face. The big question is whether Mike Elko can fix the defense before it’s too late.
Notre Dame Preview
Notre Dame is coming off an incredible season where they made it to the National Championship game. Marcus Freeman has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in the nation, but Notre Dame saw important departures in the offseason. Quarterback Riley Leonard headed off to the NFL, as did defensive coordinator Al Golden, among others. The loss of Golden and several defensive starters was obvious in their season opener against Miami. The Fighting Irish started the season with a loss against the Hurricanes, making this a season-defining game for them. With a manageable schedule ahead, Notre Dame is in a good position if they get a win here. However, if the Aggies pull off the upset, Notre Dame’s season could be over just three weeks into the college football season.
Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame Pick
My best bet for this exciting non-conference matchup is the over 50.5. Marcel Reed is leading an offense with the potential to be one of the best in college football. It has been against weaker competition, but Reed has looked excellent so far this season. He has eight total touchdowns and zero interceptions through two games. Reed is an excellent runner and has seemingly improved as a passer as well. Le’Veon Moss is an experienced running back, and the wide receiver duo of Concepcion and Craver is dangerous. Without Al Golden at the helm, this Notre Dame defense is not the same as it was last season. On the other side, Texas A&M hasn’t looked great defensively despite playing poor competition. There have been at least 66 points scored in each of their games so far this season.
Notre Dame has one of the best rushing attacks in the nation, led by Jeremiyah Love. They have the 16th-ranked rushing offense and are facing the 111th-ranked rushing defense, measuring by EPA/play. Meanwhile, the Notre Dame defense ranks 127 in the nation in defensive EPA/pass after getting carved up by Carson Beck in Week 1. Both offenses should be able to move the ball and this has the potential to turn into a shootout.
