CFB Pick: Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame (8-31-24)
Date: Saturday, August 31st Time: 7:30 PM EST Location: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas TV: ESPN Line: Texas A&M -2.5 (betonline)
The Marquee Matchup:
The college football season kicks off with a bang as Texas A&M hosts Notre Dame in a highly anticipated Week 1 clash. This primetime showdown features two storied programs looking to make a statement early in the season.
Texas A&M: Looking for a Breakthrough
The Aggies had a mixed bag of a season in 2023, finishing 7-6 against a brutal SEC schedule. While they struggled against ranked opponents, they were competitive in nearly every game, losing five by one score. This year, the schedule looks more manageable, avoiding Alabama and Tennessee. The Aggies also return a wealth of experience with 18 returning starters. The biggest question mark is the new coaching staff led by Mike Elko, who brings in new offensive and defensive coordinators.
Notre Dame: Building on Success
The Fighting Irish had a strong 2023 campaign, going 10-3, though their schedule was softer than Texas A&M’s. They proved their mettle against Ohio State in a close loss and dominated USC. Head coach Marcus Freeman enters his third year with a team returning 15 starters.
Key Storylines:
- New Era in College Station: Can Mike Elko and his staff quickly implement their systems and get the most out of the talented Aggies roster?
- Notre Dame’s Road Test: How will the Fighting Irish handle the hostile environment of Kyle Field in their first big challenge of the season?
- Experience vs. Fresh Start: Will the Aggies’ veteran leadership or Notre Dame’s continuity under Freeman prove more valuable?
The Model’s Take:
Our model predicts a Notre Dame win, 28-21. However, we disagree. While Notre Dame might have the edge early on, we believe the Aggies will feed off their home crowd and pull away in the second half.
The Pick:
Texas A&M -2.5
There’s potential value in betting Notre Dame in the first half, but we like Texas A&M to cover the small spot. Lay it.