Can Notre Dame Shock the Nation as Underdogs vs. Texas A&M?

Most talking heads are picking the Aggies over Notre Dame. Can the Irish pull off the upset?

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman speaks with the media after a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in South Bend. / MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK

Can Notre Dame slip under the radar as the underdog Week 1?

While the betting line for Notre Dame vs Texas A&M has moved each way a bit in recent days, it does seem that the home team Aggies will remain the betting favorite as kickoff time approaches. Given the home-field advantage the 12th man provides Texas A&M, this isn't terribly surprising, but I did expect more "experts" to be keen on an Irish upset.

As one media outlet after the next reveals their picks for Week 1's slate, very few are picking the Irish and this even includes folks with Notre Dame ties, even some being former players.

Are these picks that are so heavily leaning A&M's way due to respect for the Aggies, or a lack of respect for Notre Dame?

#20 Texas A&M is favored by 3 over #7 Notre Dame.

I don't think it's about ND being overrated - I think it's about way too many sleeping on TAMU with Elko.

— College Football Nerds (@CFBNerds) August 28, 2024

Notre Dame's History Is Full Of Moments Like This

Notre Dame Football's illustrious history is full of games like this.

Like the song says, what though the odds be great or small, old Notre Dame will win over all. If I were an Irish player or coach, I'd actually like this position. Being slept on, bet against, and told you can't hang with an SEC team at its place.

Can Marcus Freeman and the leadership on this team use this dynamic as a motivating factor entering this game?

This matchup is the game of the week. All of America will be watching. This is a huge opportunity for Notre Dame to make a statement. Can they take advantage?

Anything and everything matters. Take the edge - it's there.

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