Renowned CFB analyst makes his game prediction for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish versus Texas A&M Aggies primetime matchup
Notable college football analyst makes his game prediction for the battle between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Texas A&M Aggies
Josh Pate has quickly become one of the top college football analysts in the business, now partnering with On3 after previously working with CBS Sports. Every week he dives into as many of the best college football games he can, gives his analysis, and eventually makes his game pick. That included the Notre Dame vs Texas A&M matchup that is set for Saturday night.
On a recent episode of Josh Pate’s College Football Show, Pate gave some interesting analysis about the game. The Fighting Irish are coming off a bye week after losing to the Miami Hurricanes in week one, and the Aggies hold a 2-0 record against inferior competition to begin the season. Here is what Pate had to say about the game and how he sees the game playing out.
“There’s something about desperation mode, and really, really good staffs with time to prepare, and home field advantage that makes it tough to go against them,” Pate said. “I do think this is going to be a dog fight. I do think points are going to be at a premium. I may lean the under on this one. It is sitting at 49.5 (points). I’m not betting the under, at least not right now, but I will take Texas A&M plus the points. However, I will take Notre Dame to win. I think it will be a one position kind of game.”
Roberts’ Take
Like Pate, I also see this game being a closer contest. On the offensive side of the football, I do expect Notre Dame to get star running back Jeremiyah Love involved a lot earlier in this football game, which should slow down the pace of the game a good bit. From there, the hope will be that redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr gets stronger down the stretch, assuming the offensive line can hold up against the Aggie defensive line.
As for the Fighting Irish defense, this game is going to be dependent on slowing down the improved Texas A&M passing attack. Wide receivers Kevin Concepcion and Mario Craver have been uncoverable so far, having combined for 23 receptions for 381 yards and six touchdowns through two games. Leonard Moore, Christian Gray, and the Notre Dame nickels will have to have a good day.
The Irish defense, led by defensive coordinator Chris Ash, is going to have to force quarterback Marcel Reed into a couple of mistakes. If he’s comfortable and can operate the entirety of the offense without chaos, this could end up being a higher-scoring game than some anticipate.
At the end of the day, I think Notre Dame is going to come out with a little bit of attitude sitting with a 0-1 record, and they are the more talented team. I believe that the Irish get this one done, but it is a closer contest. That’s the vibe around this program right now as they continue to round into form.
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