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Notre Dame kicks off the most important season of Marcus Freeman’s tenure.
It’s year three for Freeman, who inherited a program that was on a solid foundation when Brian Kelly left for LSU.
In a perfect world, Freeman and the Irish would have had a warmup opponent to start getting answers to their concerns. Instead, Kyle Field awaits the Irish for an evening kickoff.
Keys to Victory:
Offensive Line: The way to take the crowd out of the game is to extend those 3rd and 4 yards-to-go drives. This will be a key for the Irish all season and will be essential on Saturday night. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s playbook could count on it. If the line can open a hole and allow the playbook to include the run, then Notre Dame could be golden. That will allow screens, quarterback draws, play-action fakes, and much more.
It will also slow down the Aggies’ rush. There’s no double that Mike Elko’s squad will test every bit of Notre Dame’s offensive line with stunts and games up front. Making them pay for that early on is essential.
Passing Game: No one will know how healthy Riley Leonard is until the live action begins. On paper, he’s a capable fit for what Denbrock has done at other stops, but is Leonard healthy enough to be an effective runner? Do the Irish want to risk Leonard’s health in game one? Is the offensive line going to open holes for the running backs, especially on runs where everyone in Texas knows the ball will be handed off?
If Notre Dame can stretch the field, it would ease the concerns above.
There’s no doubt that Texas A&M will be sitting on quick slants, wide receiver screens, and anything close to the line of scrimmage. That’s where receiver Kris Mitchell can be a game-changer. The Florida International transfer comes in as Notre Dame’s best deep threat.
Leonard’s other option would be stretching the field up the sideline with Clemson transfer Beaux Collins. Collins is 6’3″ and could win his share of 50-50 balls or throws, asking him to make a play.
Living Up to the Hype: The defense has certainly received a lot of attention. Xavier Watts, Howard Cross III, and Benjamin Morrison have been on watchlists throughout the preseason.
Notre Dame’s offense will need help on Saturday, so the defense will prioritize making a play, starting with third down.
Under no circumstances can the Aggies be efficient on third downs. That starts with putting Texas A&M in as many 3rd and 5+ as they possibly can and then finishing the drive by getting off the field. Drive-extending conversions could make the game borderline unwinnable for the Irish.
An interception or two by Morrison or Watts would help flip the field for the offense, but also, not committing penalties to give the Aggies first downs is just as important.
Prediction: As I said earlier, it would have been better for the Irish to have a warmup game before coming to College Station. Unlike what others have predicted, I see this as a game that can get into the 20s, especially if both teams turn the ball over.
Notre Dame 23 Texas A&M 24
