(Photo: Seatgeek)
Saturday Spotlight
(7) Notre Dame Fighting Irish at (20)Texas A&M Aggies
Notre Dame: I’ve often said when the legendary teams in the sport are doing well, everyone is talking about that and most importantly, it invigorates the sport. They are one of the bluebloods in our game and have had many legendary names play for them such as Tim Brown, Jerome Bettis, and Joe Montana who are all Hall of Famers. Everything has been set for them. They can run the football and will do all they can to pound the rock between the lanes along with one of the best Offensive Lines in the nation. There are certain aspects of the game that you can apply to them and those two I mentioned have always been staples of theirs. Next, they’ll always have one of the best defenses in the country and I knew that would remain true with Marcus Freeman taking over for Brian Kelly as the Head Coach. What has held the Fighting Irish back has been inconsistent Quarterback play and I thought they had fixed that issue last season when Sam Hartman transferred to play for them. Sam did his part and threw 24 touchdown passes along with eight interceptions. I said this countless times last season and will repeat myself. The Quarterback can put you in the position to win games and as a defense, it’s up to you to hold the lead and there were instances when that didn’t happen. A year later, Sam is a Washington Commander and former Duke Quarterback Riley Leonard will suit up for them this year. When you watch the tape on Riley, you notice the ability to move in the pocket but can move around and extend the play. I see a little bit of Josh Allen in his game. Tonight, they will kick their 2024 season off in College Station.
Texas A&M: I was excited for them when they hired Jimbo Fisher before the 2018 season. His track record in Tallahassee with the Florida State Seminoles spoke for itself as he had a nice track record during his tenure with the program that also included a National Championship victory over the Auburn Tigers for the 2013 season. When he arrived at College Station, the program was hoping he would bring some of that magic with him, but it didn’t happen unfortunately. During his tenure with the Aggies, Jimbo recorded a record of 125-45 and his best season came in 2020 when they finished with a 9-1 record and played in a New Year’s Six Bowl game. We all know the major goal in this sport is to win championships and they failed to do that with Jimbo at the helm. Now, Texas A&M has hired a familiar face as their Head Coach, Mike Elko who was their Defensive Coordinator from 2018-2021, then he took the Head Coaching job with the Duke Blue Devils. For years, the Aggies have just been average at best and flown under the table which is easy to understand considering they have been in a conference with the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs who have been SEC royalty these last few years. It’s a new year and a new regime in College Station. Tonight, the Aggies will welcome the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to town for a week-one showdown under the light. NCAA Football is back!
Notre Dame X-Factor: Jaylen Sneed– If there were ever a time for him to break out, this is the year for that to happen. Jaylen is an athletic tweener who can play Linebacker and Defensive End. Watching the tape on him, he has a tremendous pursuit of the ball. He sees the play, then attacks and you can’t teach that to a defender. Either he has that in him or he doesn’t and the mentality in my eyes is hunt or be hunted. Jaylen pursues that ball even if it’s on the opposite side. I see a little bit of Jeremiah Owes-Koramoah in his game.
Texas A&M X-Factor: Nic Scourton– The Aggies have had their share of great pass rushers. I’m referring to Von Miller and Myles Garrett and they’ve each made nice names for themselves in the NFL. Nic Scourton could be another one. He transferred to College Station from Purdue and I expect him to be that tone-setter for an already talented Texas A&M defense. With Purdue, he finished his Sophomore year with 50 tackles and 10 sacks. He never gives up on the play. Even if he were to miss the ball carrier, he gets right back up and continues his pursuit.
Final Thoughts: Last year, Mike Elko and Riley Leonard were on the same sidelines as the Duke Blue Devils. A year later, Mike is the Head Coach of Texas A&M and Riley is the starting Quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. What a storyline! I can’t believe this is year three for Marcus Freeman as the Head Coach of the Irish. If they can play consistent football and get quality play from Riley Leonard, they could be a playoff team. Notre Dame will win this game if the defense can make life difficult for Conner Weigman. If they can limit his playmaking and even if they don’t completely take him away, it’ll be tough for the Aggies to win with their leader, not at his best. This is where Notre Dame can show they have one of the best defensive fronts in the nation. Texas A&M will win this game if Conner Weigman is Conner Weigman and their pass defense shows signs of improvement. Kyle Field will be alive and rocking tonight which will work in their favor. I like the Aggies at home to jumpstart their season with a victory.
Prediction: Texas A&M 24, Notre Dame 21
