Post Game Review: No. 7 Notre Dame 23, No. 20 Texas A&M 13
In the first game of the Mike Elko era, No. 20 Texas A&M fell to No. 7 Notre Dame, 23-13, on a last-minute touchdown by Jeremiyah Love.
In front of 107,315 roaring fans at Kyle Field, the Aggies trotted out to a familiar tune. One that — despite the loss — could still describe the energy of College Station throughout Saturday night.
The return of Kanye West’s "Power" introduced A&M as the highly anticipated 2024 season finally kicked off.
A 15-yard completion from Conner Weigman to newcomer Cyrus Allen set A&M’s offense in motion. After Le’Veon Moss found another first down, #15 hit Tre Watson to continue the drive down field. The Aggies’ initial drive stalled out at the Notre Dame 17-yard line, where Randy Bond nailed a 34-yard field goal to make it a 3-0 ballgame.
The Fighting Irish’s drive opened up with a pair of gains through the air. Dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard used his legs to find another nine yards. Notre Dame moved up another 15 due to a targeting call on Dalton Brooks. The Golden Domers failed to move the chains again, settling for a 46-yard field goal to tie things up.
Following an unsuccessful drive for A&M, Leonard & Co. followed suit, backed up in their own territory. A quick three-and-out forced by a ravenous Aggie defense put Collin Klein’s group back out on the field to wind down the first quarter.
The rush-heavy drive was capped off with another field goal from Bond as the Aggies pulled ahead, 6-3.
A pair of 12- and 14-yard grabs kickstarted what appeared to be a promising march for the Irish until A&M’s defensive corps wreaked havoc. A tackle-for-loss from Nic Scourton and a negative pass play caused by Tyreek Chappell sent out the punt team.
Back on offense, Texas A&M handed it right back as Weigman threw an interception directly into the hands of Adon Shuler.
Set up on A&M’s 29-yard line, Notre Dame had plenty of opportunities to cash in, but A&M’s defense came up big once again. Back-to-back incompletions forced the Irish to settle for another field goal. Scourton came out of the play with a lower leg injury but returned the next drive.
After Moss picked up five yards and a pass to Allen converted another set of downs, that was all the positive yardage the Aggies picked up. Tyler White’s 62-yard pinned the Irish at their own 14.
A gain of 29 yards boosted Notre Dame across midfield and into A&M’s territory. A short pass to Jayden Harrison, followed by a pair of no-gainers, led Notre Dame to punt it away.
With 1:49 remaining in the second quarter, Weigman delivered the ball to Noah Thomas, and he used his wheels for another chunk of yardage. Yet, what looked like a positive momentum march was interrupted as Weigman was picked off by Xavier Watts to cap off the first half.
After a short pass from Leonard to open the following half, the QB used his feet to advance the drive, converting a big fourth down. Three plays later, Texas A&M’s defense halted the Irish just short of the line to gain, forcing a turnover on downs at the 50-yard line.
However, the Maroon & White failed to capitalize. A couple of bursts from Moss didn’t advance the Aggies much, but a catch by Jahdae Walker moved them up 11 yards. On fourth-and-8, Texas A&M elected to go for it, failing to find the first down.
Just four plays later, Notre Dame pulled away as Jadarian Price gashed A&M’s secondary, rushing for a 46-yard touchdown.
Five positive yardage plays boosted A&M over the 50-yard line until more inefficient drives followed.
Looking to go for it on fourth down, a false start penalty led the Aggies to punt.
The Irish’s appearance was shortlived, going three-and-out and handing the ball back to Weigman & Co.
Two chain-moving rushes from Moss helped drive the Aggies downhill. The stable got going as Amari Daniels and EJ Smith contributed to A&M’s entrance into the redzone. Moss punched it in, scoring A&M’s first touchdown of the year with 11:49 remaining.
Texas A&M and Notre Dame traded off wasted possessions before the Irish began to march with 6:23 to go. Leonard and Notre Dame’s backfield moved past a tired Aggie secondary with ease as the fourth quarter began to wind down.
The drive ended with a 21-yard rushing touchdown from Love.
Notre Dame added to their lead after a three-and-out from the Aggies, kicking another field goal to round out the final score, 23-13.
RUMBLED: Notre Dame’s ground game was the separator. Jeremiyah Love rushed for 91 yards on 14 attempts, including four massive hauls over 10 or more. Jadarian Price ran a 47-yard touchdown to the house. Mike Elko’s former quarterback, Riley Leonard, displayed his dual-threat ability with 63 yards on the ground. The Irish exploited A&M’s gaps and missed tackles.
STUMBLED: Texas A&M’s offense was far from effective on Saturday night. The Aggies’ only touchdown drive came in the fourth quarter after several opportunities previously that resulted in field goals. Conner Weigman connected on 40 percent of his passes and only racked up 100 yards. The lackluster night on the offensive side of the ball left many Aggies with feelings of familiarity.
TURNING POINT: Tied up at 13-apiece in the fourth quarter, Notre Dame’s 85-yard drive was the nail in the coffin. 3rd and 5 on their own 20, Leonard found Jaden Greathouse downfield to move the sticks. The next set of three plays were gains all over 11 yards, propelling Notre Dame right into scoring position.
UNSUNG HERO: Will Lee III was a key part of Texas A&M’s defense on Saturday. In his debut in Maroon & White, the junior transfer finished with nine tackles (eight solo) and broke up one pass. Important to note that Texas A&M punter Tyler White averaged 54 yards a punt, pinning the Irish deep in their own territory three times.
KEY STAT: Notre Dame won many battles within the battle. Texas A&M lost the turnover battle and was outgained 356-246. Conner Weigman threw two interceptions to Leonard’s zero. The sputtering offense and pair of turnovers doomed the Aggies.
Scoring Summary
First-quarter
A&M: 11:07 - Randy Bond 34-yard field goal. Drive 10 plays, 58 yards. TOP: 3:53. Texas A&M 3, Notre Dame 0
ND: 6:39 - Mitch Jeter 46-yard field goal. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards. TOP: 4:28. Texas A&M 3, Notre Dame 3
Second-quarter
A&M: 14:14 - Randy Bond 49-yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards. TOP 3:45. Texas A&M 6, Notre Dame 3
ND: 8:32 - Mitch Jeter 26-yard field goal. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards. TOP: 2:35. Texas A&M 6, Notre Dame 6
Third-quarter
ND: 6:50 - Jadraian Price 47-yard rushing touchdown. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards. TOP: 2:04. Notre Dame 13, Texas A&M 6.
Fourth-quarter
A&M: 11:49 - Le’Veon Moss 1-yard rushing touchdown. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards. TOP: 3:43. Notre Dame 13, Texas A&M 13.
ND: 1:54 - Jeremiyah Love 21-yard rushing touchdown. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards. TOP: 4:29. Notre Dame 20, Texas A&M 13.
ND: 0:30 - Mitch Jeter 6-yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards. TOP: 1:04. Notre Dame 23, Texas A&M 13.