Ad Disclosure
Notre Dame upset Texas A&M 23-13 on Saturday night in College Station.
Notre Dame got the job done with excellent defense and a potent running game that got stronger as the night wore on. It was a long evening for Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman, who threw a pair of interceptions in the defeat.
Here are 3 takeaways from Notre Dame’s win over the Aggies:
Connor Weigman’s rough night
Connor Weigman entered this season with major expectations after flashing big-time potential last fall, but he had a rough night against the Fighting Irish. Weigman completed just 12-of-29 passes for 100 yards and 2 interceptions. One of his picks directly led to a Notre Dame field goal drive in the first half.
But beyond the turnovers, Texas A&M was just unable to move the ball through the air. Jahdae Walker was the only Texas A&M pass catcher to record more than 2 receptions on the night. He led the team with 31 receiving yards as well.
Facing a 7-point deficit in the game’s final minutes of the game, Weigman got a chance to lead Texas A&M down the field to tie the game. But instead, he tossed 3 incomplete passes and the Aggies turned it over on downs.
Texas A&M will need much better performances from Weigman in the future if it’s going to have a successful season under Mike Elko.
Notre Dame dominated in the run game
Much was made about Notre Dame’s inexperienced offensive line coming into this game, but the Fighting Irish more than held their own up front. That was especially true in the running game, as Jadarian Price, Jeremiyah Love and Riley Leonard all turned in efficient nights on the ground.
Price made the biggest play of the game — a 47-yard touchdown run to give Notre Dame its first lead of the night in the second half. Love also had a strong game running the ball and scored what turned out to be the game-winning TD with under 2 minutes remaining in the contest.
Leonard wasn’t super effective as a passer, but he did find success on the ground with 63 yards on 12 carries. As a team, Notre Dame averaged 6.2 yards per attempt.
Notre Dame’s defense was excellent
Even considering Texas A&M’s deficiencies on offense, it’s worth noting just how good the Fighting Irish were on defense. Xavier Watts picked off another pass, as did Adon Shuler. The team combined for 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 3 quarterback hurries, but those numbers shell Notre Dame’s defensive havoc short.
Texas A&M managed just 3.6 yards per play on the night, which is lower than any output it had in any game last season.
Notre Dame also held A&M to just 4-of-13 on 3rd down and 0-for-2 on 4th down.
This is a result that will surely have College Football Playoff implications for both teams down the line.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
