Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame Week 1 Preview: Score Predictions

The Texas A&M Aggies have a huge opportunity in front of them vs. Notre Dame in Week 1

Apr 20, 2024; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball in the second half of the Blue-Gold game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas A&M Aggies are set to host what will likely be a top-10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team on Saturday at Kyle Field in front of a national audience on ABC.

Not only that, but it will be the marquee matchup of the opening week of the season, with ESPN's College GameDay in tow.

In other words, it will be a major opportunity for the Aggies to make a statement to the rest of college football in the first game under new head coach Mike Elko.

That might be easier said than done, however. The Irish enter the season as a serious contender for the College Football Playoff, and a Heisman Trophy candidate under center in Riley Leonard. The Irish also have one of the best defensive fronts in the nation and a dynamic receiving corps.

And while they return what should be a dynamic and explosive offense of their own, the Aggies, on the other hand, will be largely unproven in some major areas on the defensive side of the ball. That said, they should have the talent to compete.

So who will hold the true advantage on Saturday at Kyle Field? Our staff gives their predictions below:

Matt Galatzan, Publisher

The first big test for Elko comes right out of the gate with Notre Dame, where he was once the defensive coordinator. This will be the game to watch in the opening week of college football, and the Aggies will have a chance to put the rest of the nation on notice. I think they do that with a close win.

Texas A&M 31
Notre Dame 27

Matt Guzman, Columnist

The Aggies certainly have something to prove this season. After hiring a new AD and a new head coach, the attention is once again on the football team and how much better it can get with a more-than-capable roster.  With a returning quarterback and ample weapons, Texas A&M should have no trouble competing with Notre Dame, especially with home-field advantage. The question remains whether or not the Aggies come out victorious. I say yes. 

Texas A&M 31
Notre Dame 21

Aaron Raley, Staff Writer

The Texas A&M Aggies get a big challenge to open the season with Notre Dame coming into town. Mike Elko faces off against his former QB in Riley Leonard, and I imagine they both know what each other is capable of. I believe this will be a battle of defenses, and I think the Aggies have the necessary tools to start their season off big with a win over the Irish. Maroon and White in a close one.

Texas A&M 21
Notre Dame 17