It’s easy to overreact to the first game of the season, so most analysis should be consumed with that in mind. That said, Notre Dame did have to face a tough test early and the Fighting Irish’s 23-13 triumph over the Texas A&M Aggies has impressed more than a few observers.
On3Sports’ J.D. Pickell praised the Irish as a “Mature/salty team with zero flinch” and said that the win/the Irish are “gritty over pretty.”
He also said that we, as fans and observers, can trust that the Irish weren’t a fluke in Week 1 and will be in the playoff hunt all season.
He also added “I love everything about Notre Dame,” praising the maturity of the roster while noting seven defensive players are grad students.
![Notre Dame is already creating playoff buzz.](https://fightingirishwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/2169664687.jpg)
Pickell did point out that Florida State and USC could give the Irish fits, but he also thinks that even if the Irish finish 10-2, they will be in the College Football Playoff.
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