Notre Dame’s Victory Over Texas A&M
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — No. 7 Notre Dame disrupted the debut of Texas A&M coach Mike Elko with a decisive 23-13 victory over the No. 20 Aggies on Saturday night, showcasing a strong second-half performance in front of 107,315 fans at Kyle Field.
This win marked Notre Dame’s first road victory against an SEC opponent ranked in the AP poll since 2004 and tested the team’s patience, as they didn’t take the lead until 6:50 left in the third quarter when Jadarian Price broke free for a 47-yard touchdown run along the left side.
“That was a huge victory for our program against a really, really good football team,” said Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman. “They are an impressive team… It wasn’t pretty, but the defense played exceptionally well and forced turnovers.
“The game also marked the debut of new Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, who previously played at Duke for three years and was a team captain under Elko for two seasons before both departed after the 2023 season. Leonard completed 18-of-30 passes for 158 yards and added 63 rushing yards against an A&M defensive line that Freeman noted was likely the best the Irish would face all season. He praised Leonard and the offense for their patience and for avoiding any “detrimental mistakes.”
“It’s tough, especially in that environment,” Leonard remarked. “I’m sure none of us have played in an atmosphere like this before. The SEC is different. Being in Texas is unique. I remember looking up and trying to see the end of the stands, and you literally can’t even see the top. It’s an incredible place to play, and I’m very grateful for the outcome.”
Leonard Reflects on Facing His Former Coach
Leonard noted that he recognized several of his former coach’s tactics, particularly on third downs, where the Irish managed only 2-for-12 conversions.
“I felt like there was a game within the game while playing against him,” Leonard said. “The third-down strategies are always crucial, and he caught me off guard a few times with the protections. He designed some really good plays… It’s amusing because we were playing Notre Dame against A&M, but there’s a rivalry of sorts between me and Coach. Ultimately, it’s all love, but we’re both very competitive.
“Elko admitted that he did not enjoy the experience.
“It wasn’t fun,” Elko stated. “I knew it wouldn’t be. He made several big-time plays… He did what he needed to do and made enough plays to win the game. I told him I loved him after the game and I will root for that kid for the rest of his life.
“The Irish defense effectively contained the Aggies’ offense throughout the night, limiting them to 246 yards and pressuring starter Conner Weigman into a poor performance, completing 12-of-30 passes for 100 yards with two interceptions. Weigman struggled particularly on deeper throws, going just 5-for-16 for 61 yards on passes of five or more yards downfield. The Aggies’ 13 points marked their lowest in a season opener since 2000, also against Notre Dame.
Notre Dame’s Strong Performance Sets the Tone
“A huge tone-setter,” said Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler. “The hype was exactly what we wanted, and we took care of business.
“For the large crowd of Aggies fans, the game was a disappointment following the excitement surrounding Elko’s debut after the dismissal of Jimbo Fisher and his substantial $77.6 million buyout. The Aggies struggled offensively, while the Irish’s running game took control, accumulating 198 rushing yards and dominating play in the later stages of the game. After halftime, the ground attack wore down the Aggies, rushing for 133 yards and two touchdowns, including 85 yards gained after contact, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Jeremiyah Love recorded 91 rushing yards and scored his first career rushing touchdown against an FBS opponent.
“They came in here and beat us,” Elko, a former Notre Dame defensive coordinator, acknowledged. “There’s really no other way to put it.
“For the Irish, this marked a strong beginning to Year 3 under Freeman, who aims to be the first Notre Dame coach since Dan Devine in 1975-77 to win nine or more games in each of his first three seasons. Freeman finished his first two years with records of 9-4 and 10-3, and according to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Irish are favored to win every game remaining on their schedule.
Leonard believes this victory is a significant milestone.“I feel like if we can come into this environment and defeat a well-coached team like that, it gives us all the confidence we need to compete anywhere in the country,” Leonard stated.
