Texas A&M vs Notre Dame Score: Fighting Irish Claims Victory in Week 1

In Saturday’s matchup, Notre Dame football headed into Week 1 as the underdogs facing No. 20 Texas A&M in a challenging away game.

Despite the odds, the Fighting Irish emerged triumphant with a final score of 23-13, showcasing a strong defensive performance in College Station, Texas.

Notre Dame’s defense held Texas A&M to merely 246 total yards, as their quarterback Conner Weigman struggled significantly upon his return. He completed only 12 of 30 passes for 100 yards, throwing two interceptions and failing to score any touchdowns.

Riley Leonard, the Duke transfer quarterback making his debut for Notre Dame against his former coach Mike Elko, managed to secure the victory. He finished with 18 completions out of 30 attempts for 158 yards and added 63 rushing yards on 12 carries.

The game was tied at 13 with less than seven minutes left, but Notre Dame executed a precise eight-play, 85-yard drive, culminating in a 21-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love with under two minutes to go. Texas A&M couldn’t respond, and Notre Dame put the game away with a late field goal.

This victory provides a significant boost to Notre Dame’s hopes for a College Football Playoff spot. Check below for live updates and highlights from the game:

Updates on Texas A&M vs Notre Dame

This section will receive ongoing updates.

Teams	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	F
Notre Dame	3	3	7	10	23
Texas A&M	3	3	0	7	13

Final Result: Notre Dame 23, Texas A&M 13

The Fighting Irish secure a crucial win on the road to start their 2024 campaign, marking a significant achievement for coach Marcus Freeman.

Notre Dame Secures the Win with a Field Goal

Notre Dame finishes strong with a 46-yard field goal, extending their lead to 23-13 with less than a minute remaining in the game. A hard-fought win in a challenging environment for the Fighting Irish.

Texas A&M Fails to Convert on Fourth Down

The Aggies turn the ball over on downs, allowing Notre Dame to take over possession. Weigman nearly faced an interception as Christian Gray anticipated the Texas A&M slant route.

Texas A&M must stop Notre Dame from gaining a first down to keep their slim chances alive.

Late Touchdown Run Gives Notre Dame the Lead

Notre Dame takes the lead at 20-13 with a 21-yard touchdown run by Love. The Fighting Irish executed their best drive of the game, traveling 85 yards in eight plays over 4:29 of game time. A flawless possession that came at a crucial moment.

Texas A&M now needs to respond.

Notre Dame’s Offense Gears Up Late

Leonard connects with Jaden Greathouse for a 9-yard gain on third-and-5, then finds Beaux Collins for a 20-yard gain, placing Notre Dame inside Texas A&M’s 30-yard line. Collins’ catch was confirmed after a review.

Texas A&M Goes Three-and-Out

Weigman completes a pass just short of the first-down marker, and Texas A&M, pushed back to their own 24-yard line, opts to punt after failing to convert. A fourth-down attempt was not worth the risk right now.

Weigman’s stats stand at 12 of 26 passes for 100 yards with two interceptions so far in the game.

Notre Dame Forced to Punt

After failing to gain yardage due to a negative run and a false start, Notre Dame finds itself at third-and-18, which they cannot convert, allowing Texas A&M another shot at taking the lead midway through the fourth quarter.

Texas A&M Equalizes with a Touchdown

The Aggies score their first touchdown of the game, tying the score at 13. Running back Le’Veon Moss rushes one yard for the touchdown after a solid 65-yard drive over 10 plays early in the fourth quarter.

Texas A&M Nearly Intercepts Leonard, Forces Punt

Leonard throws a risky pass, almost picked off by Will Lee, yet the Aggies stop Notre Dame on the following third down. The Fighting Irish go three-and-out, and Texas A&M needs to find some offense soon.

Texas A&M Punts Again

The Aggies’ offense struggles to get going, resulting in another punt to give Notre Dame the ball back.

Notre Dame Scores First Touchdown, Takes Lead

Notre Dame finally breaks through with the first touchdown of the game! Jadarian Price takes a handoff 47 yards for the score, putting the Fighting Irish ahead 13-6 with 6:51 remaining in the third quarter after a swift 63-yard advance in just four plays.

Texas A&M Turns Ball Over on Downs

Texas A&M tries a fourth-and-8 pass, but Weigman’s throw intended for Micah Tease goes over his head, turning the ball over to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish take over at their own 37-yard line.

Notre Dame’s drive stalls on downs

The Fighting Irish attempted a risky play on 4th-and-2, but Leonard could only advance the ball by one yard, handing possession over to Texas A&M. Notre Dame was looking strong with a promising drive until that crucial fourth-down stop.

Half-Time Score: Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame 6-6

In a strategic move, Notre Dame opted for a conservative approach, running the ball to take time off the clock. The score remains tied at 6-6 as both teams head into halftime.

Weigman suffers second interception

It’s not been an easy game for Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman, who throws his second pick after Xavier Watts from Notre Dame intercepts his pass.

Notre Dame takes over at the 49-yard line with under a minute left in the half.

Notre Dame’s punt

Texas A&M’s defense stands firm, forcing Notre Dame to punt despite an earlier impressive rushing gain. The Aggies have under two minutes to attempt to gain the lead before halftime.

Notre Dame comes alive with a big play

After a 37-yard gain was nullified due to holding, running back Jeremiyah Love breaks through for a 29-yard run, reaching midfield. The Fighting Irish are starting to find their rhythm on this drive.

Texas A&M punts following Weigman sack

Weigman attempted to extend the play on third-and-12 but was unable to escape the pressure, resulting in an 11-yard sack. Though Weigman found Cyrus Allen for a solid 13-yard gain earlier, the Aggies struggled otherwise.

Notre Dame takes over from its own 14-yard line after the punt.

Notre Dame settles for a field goal

Texas A&M’s defense successfully limits Notre Dame to a field goal after the turnover, with the Irish scoring a 26-yard field goal to even the game at 6-6.

There was concern for Texas A&M’s standout defensive end Nic Scourton, who went down after a third-down play but managed to get back on his feet and return to the sidelines. His status will need to be monitored as the game progresses.

Weigman’s drive starts with an interception

On the very first play of his next drive, Weigman aimed for Noah Thomas, but his pass was intercepted by Adon Shuler, granting Notre Dame possession at the Aggies’ 29-yard line.

Texas A&M’s aggressive defense

The Aggies’ defensive line has been relentless, consistently pressuring Leonard during the first half, forcing Notre Dame to punt once again.

Texas A&M takes a 6-3 lead with another field goal

The Aggies reclaim their lead with a 49-yard field goal by Bond. Texas A&M displayed a strong rushing offense, starting their possession with four consecutive successful running plays.

First quarter concludes: Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame tied at 3

After the opening quarter, both teams find themselves locked at 3-3, with neither offense producing much in the way of scoring.

Notre Dame struggles with a three-and-out

Leonard nearly evaded Texas A&M’s pressure and had an open receiver for a first down, but he couldn’t connect under pressure, leading to another punt and decent field position for Texas A&M at their own 37-yard line.

Texas A&M forced to punt

The Aggies were unable to generate any offense during their second drive, resulting in a punt back to Notre Dame, who will start at their own 13-yard line.

Notre Dame ties the game with a field goal

Notre Dame evens the score with a 46-yard field goal by Mitch Jeter, making it 3-3 in College Station.

Dalton Brooks receives ejection for targeting

Texas A&M encounters a setback as defensive back Dalton Brooks gets called for targeting while trying to prevent Leonard from advancing on third down. Although Notre Dame secured the first down, Brooks was disqualified from the game.

Texas A&M scores first with a field goal

The Aggies take an early lead of 3-0 after their drive stalls out in scoring territory. Kicker Randy Bond successfully completes a 34-yard field goal on their opening drive.

Texas A&M starts strong

Conner Weigman, alongside first-year offensive coordinator Collin Klein, looks comfortable early in the match against Notre Dame, getting close to the red zone after a key third-down completion.

Pregame excitement at Kyle Field

Kyle Field is alive with energy, as fans await Texas A&M’s season opener, while Notre Dame prepares to face a tough environment in college football.

Conner Weigman stretching before the game

Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman, a highly-touted recruit who had limited playtime last season due to injury, is seen warming up on the field:

Riley Leonard ready for his first big game

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, pitted against his former Duke coach Mike Elko, is set to make his debut for Notre Dame on Saturday night:

Notre Dame arrives at Kyle Field

The Notre Dame squad has made its entrance at Kyle Field:

ESPN’s “College GameDay” predictions for Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame

A few hours earlier, here’s what the analysts from ESPN’s “College GameDay” had to say regarding the matchup between the Aggies and the Fighting Irish:

Desmond Howard: Texas A&M
Nick Saban: Texas A&M
Pat McAfee: Texas A&M
Johnny Manziel: Texas A&M
Lee Corso: Notre Dame

Texas A&M team congregates midfield

The players from Texas A&M have gathered at the center of Kyle Field,

Fans gather together around the Aggies logo at midfield before the game:

Today’s Texas A&M vs Notre Dame Game Time

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
Location: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas

The Texas A&M versus Notre Dame game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 31, at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.

Which Channel is Broadcasting Texas A&M vs Notre Dame Today?

TV Channel: ABC
Streaming Options: ESPN app, Fubo

Catch the Aggies and Fighting Irish live on ABC, with streaming available through the ESPN app (requires a TV provider login) or on Fubo, which offers a free trial to new users.

Texas A&M vs Notre Dame Historical Matchup

Texas A&M record against Notre Dame: 2-3 (Last victory: 2001)
Notre Dame record against Texas A&M: 3-2 (Last victory: 2000)

The teams have faced each other five times, with Texas A&M winning the latest encounter, a 24-3 victory at home in 2001.

REQUIRED READING: Predictions for the college football season: forecasts on playoff contenders, title winners, and more

Predictions for Texas A&M vs Notre Dame

Here are the game predictions from the South Bend Tribune:

Mike Berardino: Notre Dame 24, Texas A&M 16. Riley Leonard and his team will start strong, reducing the noise level to just slightly bothersome at Kyle Field. A top-tier defense will maintain that momentum.

Tom Noie: Notre Dame 17, Texas A&M 6. The Irish should focus on a dominant defensive performance, doing just enough on offense to secure a win. They aim to go in, get the job done, and return home with a record of 1-0.

Austin Hough: Notre Dame 17, Texas A&M 14. Mitch Jeter scores a last-minute field goal for the win, leading to a sigh of relief from Irish fans everywhere.

Texas A&M vs Notre Dame Betting Odds

Odds provided by BetMGM as of Thursday, Aug. 29

Spread: Texas A&M (-3)
Over/Under: 46
Money Line: Texas A&M (-150), Notre Dame (+125)

Injury Reports for Texas A&M vs Notre Dame

Notre Dame: OT Charles Jagusah (season-ending injury), safety Taebron Bennie Powell (season-ending injury), safety Tae Johnson (out), OT Styles Prescod (season-ending injury)
Texas A&M: RB Reuben Owens (out)

Weather Update for Texas A&M vs Notre Dame

According to AccuWeather

Temperature at Kickoff: 95 degrees

Texas A&M Football Schedule for 2024

All times are listed in Eastern Time.

Saturday, Aug. 31: Texas A&M vs. No. 7 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Sept. 7: Texas A&M vs. McNeese | 12:45 a.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
Saturday, Sept. 14: Texas A&M at Florida | 3:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)*
Saturday, Sept. 21: Texas A&M vs. Bowling Green | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+, SEC Network+
Saturday, Sept. 28: Texas A&M vs. Arkansas*
Saturday, Oct. 5: Texas A&M vs. No. 11 Missouri | 12 p.m. | ABC or ESPN (Fubo)*
Saturday, Oct. 12: BYE WEEK
Saturday, Oct. 19: Texas A&M at Mississippi State*
Saturday, Oct. 26: Texas A&M vs. No. 12 LSU*
Saturday, Nov. 2: Texas A&M at South Carolina*
Saturday, Nov. 9: BYE WEEK
Saturday, Nov. 16: Texas A&M vs. New Mexico State | 7:45 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)*
Saturday, Nov. 23: Texas A&M at Auburn*
Saturday, Nov. 30: Texas A&M vs. No. 4 Texas*

Notre Dame Football Schedule for 2024