Take a look at the latest picks, predictions, and best bets for Notre Dame vs.Texas A&M.
When the 2024 Notre Dame football schedule was announced, three key matchups stood out: the season opener against Texas A&M, a home game against Florida State on November 9, and the regular-season finale at USC on November 30.
However, with Florida State’s underwhelming performance in their opener against Georgia Tech, Notre Dame’s path now appears more navigable—provided they can overcome Texas A&M in Week 1.
And that’s a significant hurdle.
The Irish enter the season with high expectations, but after several disappointing finishes, the pressure is mounting in South Bend to deliver finally.
On the flip side, Texas A&M opens their season against Notre Dame and concludes it against Texas. With a series of winnable games in between, the Aggies could make a strong case for a College Football Playoff spot if they manage a victory in this opener.
As the Mike Elko era begins in College Station, anticipation and excitement are at an all-time high. The Aggies are set to welcome the Irish for what promises to be a thrilling Week 1 showdown at Kyle Field.
Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M Betting Lines and Info
All Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of (Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024).
- Moneyline
Texas A&M -150 / Notre Dame +125
- Location
Kyle Field | College Station, Texas
- Predicted Weather at Kick
87* Mostly Cloudy
The Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M matchup spread has seen significant fluctuations. Initially, the Aggies opened as slight -1 favorites, but early betting activity from the public and sharp bettors favored Notre Dame, shifting the line to Notre Dame -1 by July 19.
However, a notable market correction occurred as money began flowing in for Texas A&M, pushing the Aggies from +1 underdogs to -2.5 favorites in less than a month.
By August 21, the line had moved further, positioning Texas A&M as a full field goal favorite at -3, where it currently stands. With so much attention on this game, the spread could dip to -2.5 or rise to -3.5 if the betting momentum continues in favor of the Aggies.
The moneyline for the Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M game has been more stable than the spread. Texas A&M initially opened as a -110 favorite, and that line has gradually increased to Aggies -150.
The total started at 50.5 but has seen consistent downward movement. Bettors quickly pushed it down to 49, and it has continued to drop, now sitting at 46.5. With the current trend, the total will likely decrease even further before kickoff.
Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M Prediction & Best Bets
On paper, the trends aren’t in Texas A&M’s favor. Notre Dame has won six of its last seven road openers, while the Aggies have struggled against top competition, losing their last four games against top-15 AP-ranked teams and failing to cover the spread in each of their last five matchups against AP-ranked opponents.
In contrast, Notre Dame has covered the spread in four of its last five games against Southeastern Conference teams. However, this is a new era in College Station under Mike Elko.
Elko made waves last season when his Duke team pulled off a stunning Week 1 upset over Clemson. While a Texas A&M victory over Notre Dame wouldn’t be as shocking, it would still mark a significant statement to start the Elko era.
This game is expected to be a defensive showdown, with Texas A&M’s defense showing marked improvement. The Aggies have bolstered their lineup with former Purdue standout Nic Scourton, who is anticipated to be a major force against opposing offenses. Additionally, the secondary has been strengthened by the transfers of cornerbacks Trey Jones and BJ Mayes, creating one of the deepest units in the SEC.
The key factor will be Texas A&M’s defensive front, which has the talent to disrupt Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard and force him into difficult throws.
Ultimately, this will be a hard-fought contest between two strong teams, but the electric atmosphere at Kyle Field will prove too much for the Irish, leading to their fourth consecutive road loss against a ranked opponent.
Prediction: Texas A&M 24, Notre Dame 17
The Best Bet: Texas A&M -3
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