Eric Boggs 
Notre Dame vs Texas A&M
The 2024 college football season kicks off with a bang as Notre Dame faces Texas A&M in College Station. This is the sixth meeting between the two storied programs, with the Aggies leading the series 3-2. Notre Dame is eager to even the score, especially after their last encounter in 2021, which ended in a 24-3 victory for Texas A&M. But the question remains: can the Irish start their season with a win deep in SEC territory?
Quarterback Matchup: Experience vs. Potential
Both teams enter the season with uncertainties at quarterback. Notre Dame has the edge in experience with Duke transfer Riley Leonard under center, while Texas A&M will rely on sophomore Conner Weigman, who showed promise before being sidelined by injury last year. Jaylen Henderson, a junior transfer from Fresno State, adds depth to the Aggies’ quarterback room. The outcome of this game could hinge on which quarterback adapts quicker to their new offense and rises to the occasion.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Transfers Make Their Mark
Notre Dame and Texas A&M have both leaned heavily on the transfer portal to bolster their wide receiver corps. Notre Dame’s group, featuring Kris Mitchell from Florida International and Beaux Collins from Clemson, slightly edges out the Aggies in terms of experience and proven production. However, the tight end position tilts in favor of Texas A&M. With three experienced transfers, including a group with nearly 2,000 cumulative yards, the Aggies have the upper hand. Notre Dame, on the other hand, will look to Mitchell Evans and Kevin Bauman to step up in a pivotal role.
Running Backs: A Balanced Battle
The running back battle is one of the most evenly matched aspects of this game. Texas A&M holds a slight edge in total yardage and touchdowns, with Amari Daniels and Stanford transfer E.J. Smith leading the charge. However, Notre Dame’s stable, including Devyn Ford from Penn State, Jeremiyah Love, and Jadarian Price, is more than capable of making a significant impact. Expect the Irish running backs to play a crucial role in the outcome, especially if they can build on last season’s momentum.
Defensive Fronts: Stout vs. Clout
Notre Dame’s defensive line, anchored by Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills, is solid and experienced. The addition of Duke transfer R.J. Oben adds depth, particularly in the pass rush. Texas A&M’s defensive line boasts considerable talent, with senior transfer Josh Celiscar and junior Cashius Howell leading the way in sacks. This matchup is tough to call, but both lines will play a critical role in dictating the flow of the game.
Linebackers and Secondary: Notre Dame’s Experience vs. A&M’s Depth
Notre Dame’s linebacker group, led by Jack Kiser, is experienced but has lost some key players from last season. Texas A&M’s linebackers lack a standout star but make up for it with strong collective numbers. In the secondary, Texas A&M appears to have a slight advantage in tackling depth. However, Notre Dame counters with some of college football’s most dangerous ball hawks, including Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts, who have a combined 16 career interceptions. The performance of these units could swing the game in either direction.
Final Thoughts: A Game on a Knife’s Edge
This game feels like it could go either way, with the Aggies favored by a slim margin. Notre Dame’s young offensive line will be tested against a formidable Texas A&M defensive front, and the outcome may well hinge on how well they hold up in the hostile environment of Kyle Field. Both teams have questions to answer at quarterback, and whichever signal-caller adapts faster could give their team the edge.
Notre Dame’s defense, one of the most experienced in the country, will need to dominate to give the Irish a chance to escape College Station with a victory. If the offensive line holds its own and the running game finds success, Notre Dame could pull off a crucial season-opening win. However, the Aggies’ depth and talent, particularly on defense, pose a significant challenge.
In what promises to be a tightly contested matchup, Notre Dame’s cultural continuity and momentum from last season might just be enough to push them over the top. But a long, disappointing night in College Station is also a very real possibility. For Notre Dame fans, especially those in North Texas, a win would be a much-needed source of pride and relief.
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