Unlike recent Texas A&M seasons, especially under former head coach Jimbo Fisher, the 2024 season opener vs. Notre Dame is extremely significant. It will place the Aggies on the main stage in prime time to usher in head coach Mike Elko’s inaugural campaign.
Elko, who spent the last two seasons as Duke’s head coach, is familiar with the Fighting Irish and HC Marcus Freeman, facing most of the current Notre Dame defense that will head to Kyle Field in less than two weeks, falling to the Irish 21-14 last season.
One of the new members of the Notre Dame staff, current offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, is very familiar with the challenges playing at Kyle Field presents after serving as LSU’s OC for the last two seasons.
Last week, Denbrock spoke with the local media and asked how the team is preparing for the road trip, his first trip back since LSU’s 38-23 loss in 2022.
“It’s a hornets net. It is loud. Chaotic… It is a very, very hard place for the visiting team to function, especially on the offensive side of the ball.”
With Notre Dame’s offensive line issues already posing a potential issue for the Irish offense, Texas A&M’s pass rush duo, led by defensive ends Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart, could wreak havoc in front of a potentially sold-out Kyle Field.
No. 20-ranked Texas A&M will host No. 7-ranked Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.
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