The Notre Dame football team had to sit and wait and watch in Week 2 of the college football season after their season-opening loss to the Miami Hurricanes. It's a safe bet that Marcus Freeman and Co. would have preferred to get back up on the horse; instead, they finally get to get back on the field in a rematch against the Texas A&M Aggies in Week 3.
The lines have been released for next Saturday's games, and it's clear that while the Irish struggled at times in Miami, they're still considered an excellent football team. That's why they've opened as a solid favorite over the SEC team, which enters South Bend with a 2-0 record and an offense averaging more than 40 points a game.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, as of Sunday afternoon, the Notre Dame football team is a 6.5-point favorite. In other words, the Fighting Irish are expected to win by a touchdown or more. That might come as a surprise; however, some of that is on the Aggies, whose offense has been tremendous but whose defense has left something to be desired.
Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M Prediction
While the Aggies have won both games by around 20 points, they allowed 24 points to UTSA and 22 points to Utah State. Perhaps CJ Carr and Co. are licking their chops at a unit that hasn't been one of the best in the country so far.
Of course, the Irish are concerned about their defense as well and will be looking for a better performance on Saturday.
The Blue and Gold will have a better showing, especially when you consider that a few of Miami's scores could have been avoided with a tweak here and there.
Prediction: Notre Dame football, 31, Texas A&M 24