210 Notre Dame at Texas A&M

The Irish played a relatively weaker schedule last year as some traditional rivals suffered down seasons. That said, this is still a very talented team in Marcus Freeman’s third year at the helm. They have a new OC in Mike Denbrock, but the receiving unit is down from previous versions, as four highly touted players transferred out. Taking on this A&M defense out of the gate should be a struggle. 

Texas A&M was a much better team than the record showed last season. They were a different offense with Conner Weigman behind center. When he was injured the team just didn’t have enough playmakers. He’s back this year from his broken foot, which gives this team a big boost. Mike Elko is a defensive wizard. When he was last here the stop units were elite, and he brought that success to Duke as the head coach. Now back where he feels at home, we really expect this stop unit to be elite once again.

It’s going to take some time for the Irish offense to gel, and the line lost two players early in the draft. If this game would have been played later in the season we may feel differently. But at this early stage the Aggies have big advantages. The A&M coaching staff knows the new Irish QB well, as he was one of the Duke players under many of this staff last year. That gives the Aggies an advantage you rarely see in a season opener. 

PLAY TEXAS A&M

Good to -4