Both Notre Dame and Texas A&M feel like they have just as good of a chance as anybody to make the expanded college football playoff field in 2024 and that’s not just hyperbole or wishful thinking. The Irish are ranked #7 in the preseason coming off a 10-3 season in Marcus Freeman’s second year on the sidelines while the Aggies come in at #20 as Mike Elko comes over from Duke as the Jimbo Fisher era ends.
Before Betting on Week 1 Notre Dame vs Texas A&M
Elko made students at Duke remember there is a football team to go along with their storied basketball program, going 17-9 in his two seasons on the sidelines and collecting a Military Bowl and Birmingham Bowl victory. One of the big reasons for Elko’s success the last two years was Riley Leonard – who is now QB for his week 1 opponent Notre Dame.
If anybody knows Leonard’s game it has to be Elko, even though the QB only played 7 games last season because of ankle and foot injuries. There are some concerns that the Senior is not fully healed, as he’s had two procedures performed since coming to South Bend. ND also lost offensive lineman Joe Alt and Blake Fisher to the NFL and Charles Jagusah to a season ending knee injury so Leonard’s feet could be tested on Saturday night.
The Texas A&M defense could tee off in this matchup – especially the defensive line – but Notre Dame expects to have an elite unit on that side of the ball as well. The Fighting Irish had the #5 total yard defense in the country in 2023 (276.3) and were especially good against the pass (157.3).
Fighting Irish vs Aggies Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Point Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | IRISH (2.35) | AGGIES (1.64) | 46 |
IRISH +3 (1.87) | AGGIES -3 (1.93) |
| MyBookie | IRISH (2.38) | AGGIES (1.61) | 46 | IRISH +3 (1.91) | AGGIES -3 (1.91) |
| SportsBetting.ag | IRISH (2.35) | AGGIES (1.64) | 46 | IRISH +3 (1.87) | AGGIES -3 (1.93) |
| XBet | IRISH (2.38) | AGGIES (1.61) | 46 | IRISH +3 (1.91) | AGGIES -3 (1.91) |
Week 1 Notre Dame vs Texas A&M Prediction & Pick
There are a ton of questions with both offenses – the health of the Notre Dame QB and the Aggies running a new system from Elko. When you combine that with two very good defenses than this play has to be on the total.
Pick: Under 46
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