NCAAF LIVE🔴 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Texas A&M Aggies | Week 1 Full Game 2024 College Football25

howy that's the greetings in these parts and when you come to College Station Texas you know that the agies are ready to Gig them Kyle Field will be swaying and electric for this one what a game and what potential drama we have in store you've seen this script before top 10 team goes into a cauldron of emotion on the road and just hopes to be able to get out and tell about it as we'll see the number eight team in the country the Notre Dame Fighting Irish taking on the 24th rank team in the land the Texas A&M maggies for EA Sports college football ree Davis with you alongside David Pollock and Jesse Palmer and guys can't wait to get this one started M Dame lining up to kick off and get this one started and here's the return didn't find any crease in that kickoff coverage and he'll be stopped at the 17 the aies offense will get the first crack at it here here he comes and obviously a defense is always going to be aware of a quarterback but boy he finds a way to put defenses on their heels all the time David I mean what can't he do he's got the weapons he's got the confidence he's got the experience Jesse these kind of guys are so hard to defend you're right they better be able to find a way to get pressure on him because if they don't this is going to be a long day got eight on first down now looking at a second and two they're going to test the right side with this one he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three I'll tell you this defensive end not only can he pass rush but he can play the run as well you see him beat the offensive lineman there trying to block him and get in the back field to make that tackle for loss that was impressive third and six and they'll need a big play here on this opening drive dropping back it's Wegman and a missed opportunity on third down as the defense knocks it free and fourth down is coming up well they try to throw forth there on third down on the opening drive of the game they don't get it but let's punt the ball away let's trust our defense and guys let's also trust this home field advantage and the crowd to get loud and make it real difficult on our opponent fourth down and the punt team sends it the other way little pressure on the coverage team there and they'll stop him at the 47 yd line the Irish offense comes out first chance we've had to see them today you know yards figure to be hard to come by through the air but some quarterbacks Jesse just love to go at the our Corner yeah and this guy's Got Confidence he's not afraid to go at anybody but he better be careful because this cornerback is one of the best in the nation one of the best no doubt I think they will trust him on defense to make plays so you got to make a decision is my guy good enough to beat him on the outside I am fascinated by this match up this crowd bringing the energy and noise early using his legs it's l he's brought down at the 41 yd line it's a pick up of five and enough for a first down well I know this is an offensive line that has a ton of Pride they want to come out each and every game and really impose their will on the dline they got just enough push there on that run play to pick up the first they'll put it in play from the 41 on first down might as well run him until they stop him he's got it again and you can forget running in the middle against this defense great team defense on that run play everybody doing their job people winning their one-on ons D linemen staying in their gaps linebackers and DBS filling you just can't do it better they got nothing on the last play it's second and 10 they'll go to the ground just a solid stop by this sophomore and those physical runs take a toll it might not be a big game now but down the road third fourth quarter late in the ball games they tend to turn into bigger runs better find the earplugs here comes the noise backing this defense on third down to the air it's Leonard getting some heat wide open down field touchdown not what a grab and go for the score quarterback abil to read the field is huge and also the anticipation the timeing to be able to throw the football Jesse and hit a guy in stride so he can get run after the catch and get in the end zone that was a nice job by the quarterback yeah it's critical David listen a lot of times touchdown passes aren't thrown into the end zone you've got to read the coverage hit the open guy and let him do the rest ready to try the point after and the extra point is good and it's seven nothing a very efficient five playay scoring drive and the score comes on a pass from 40 yds out almost ready to kick it away after scoring the touchdown he'll bring it out it's Allen not nearly as much as he'd hoped when he brought it out of the end zone he'll be stopped at the 15 Texas A&M has it back and we say howdy to the aie offense again and that defense gets to him and down he goes at the nine what a move to get home for the sack when the Irish get to the quarterback sometimes you think Rudy but this time you think a dude a dude and listen the more guys you get like this that can put his hand in the dirt and go get the quarterback the easier it becomes to call defense that guy is an absolute stud and they're trying to dig out of the hole on second and long from the nine out of the gun the running back has it drives into the pile just a pick up of one they'll spot it at the 10 not exactly the ideal situation for this offense third and long backed up inside their 20 that's it five got it in the middle it's green that kind of play will get a drive started or help your field position they've got it at the 27 hard work pays off Guys these offenses work so hard week in week out working on those critical down distances third downs and having that conversion this early in the game that's got to feel good for this offense Ed the play fake now to throw fires to the wide out a strike downfield he will step out of bounds but not before the big pick up and a first down for this offense and that one's going to get Ry howling a happy tomb R the 12th man all the swaying the Traditions when you go to an A&M game these fans love their team and they love playmakers that make big plays down the field leaves it with the back able to scr three yards out of that one somehow it's second and seven that's a really nice play it's impressive runs first down the defense thinks you might be running the football you still can line up you can get some movement at the point of attack back and find a little crease for your running back after the three- yd pickup they come to the line Second and seven quarterback on the keeper he's dropped behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three they're trying to go option and they're trying to put that defensive end in a bind but he's just way too athletic and he guessed right the quarterback was keeping the ball he knew it and was able to make the tackle in the back field third down conversions are a huge stat and this one would be a doozy if they can pull it off pressure coming and he just throws it away on third down I don't think you can give up on a play like that and this is why you don't want to get in these situations third and long defense knows its pass they're playing pass playing deep QB has nowhere to go with the football so he just throws it away the AI send out the punt team to kick it away a fairly short distance here toward the sidelines not his best work here come the Irish back on offense Jesse a very productive Drive last time wound up with a touchdown yeah mixing and matching play calling really well nice balance on that last one Dave we'll see what they can do here in this next Drive yeah and I don't expect anything different when you put together a drive like that I would do more of the same keep the pace keep it going didn't get much on first down it's second and nine here's the handoff may not be the most memorable play of the day but it's important as he gets them out to the 25 yd line and as an offense having success on a run play like that early in the game just opens up all the possibilities of your playbook moving forward play action running the ball throwing the ball screens anything is at your disposal at this point musling ahead on Third and short and he gets it out pass the sticks and Notre Dame will have a first down that is how it's done on third down at short and no doubt about it an easy hole to get through and clearly get the first down if you really want to simplify football the low man wins that time the offense got the better of the D easily pick that up Notre Dame ready to go with another first down the give to the tail back he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple that it's a great play by the defensive end the most athletic players on the field play defensive end Yes you heard me Jess Reese exactly what I said great get off great job getting the Back Field making the play after losing a couple on that last play here's second and 12 from the gun he leaves it with the back defense not budging he's still able to get two to the 29 you know runs like this often times are like a boxer and a boxing match obviously it's not a knockout punch but these are body blows and as the game goes on these small gains are going to turn into longer runs Here Comes This Home crowd as the defense tries to get off the field on third down unloads to the right and the misconnection on third down and that's why that guy plays DB and not wide receiver DBS generally don't have as good of hands as wide receivers that ball should have been picked off on third down come on man that could have been a pick six Notre Dame lining up to pun it away let's see if he can help the coverage team out with this one fair catch called for and made Texas A&M has it back and the offense ready to go to work they hope to be able to cash on this drive David after having to punt it last time yeah and I think this offense needs to start it with the first play you need to be successful and productive on that first play and it gets you in less predictable situations no doubt too don't you just feel like there's a little bit more sense of urgency on this drive it just feels like they've got to be able to put some points up on the board here and here comes the offense on second down going to run it it's Moss that's what you expect from a senior don't give them any extra yards great tackle there and these defensive tackles just eat people they swallow human beings when you get near them they're so big so strong those guys those running backs coming they just need a m they put one mid on a running back and he usually falls to the ground just because of their sheer mass and strength to the air it's Wegman working the middle it's complete good job running that route to get past the sticks cuz he got nothing after the catch obviously third Downs are so critical cuz you you get you get an extra chance to wear that defense out great job by the offense great job by the quarterback completing the pass getting the first down moving the sticks fresh set it down continue to wear on this defense leaves it with the running back and he is stopped immediately by the big defensive lineman great job a contained by this defense and in order to do that the man on the line of scrimmage defensively has got to be able to set the point and force the football back into traffic and that's exactly what happened there got stuffed on first down it's second and 10 from the gun the ground game they'll give him a couple that leaves him with third and eight they line up and it is a long way to the sticks from here on Third and long he's going to have to throw for it it's caught down field really nice pick up on that one as they get it to the 36 it'll be first down well look that wasn't a touchdown that was a massive play for this offense they needed some momentum they needed to find a rhythm in what better way then converting on third down awesome job by the quarterback getting through his progression looking to move it through the air and it just squirted through his hands he wanted to take off and got too anxious we know this guy's a weapon not just taking handoffs but he can catch the ball too that play not so much got to do a better job reeling it in they'll go back to work after the incompletion here's second and 10 from the 36 out of the gun the inside give he'll give him four on that one it's third and six trying to pick up a first down to throw it's Wegman he tries to take the top off he's got they make to stop at the two but he's got enough to give them a first and goal it's a beautiful passing catch I love the job the quarterback does manipulating the defense with his eyes he Froze that safety and that allowed his receiver more room to work his rout the agies have it in scoring position on first and goal they'll try to get it in with the run and he's brought down at the line of scrimmage and the ball will stay at the two well they're trying to run the football there just nowhere to go they got dominated up front at the point of attack got stopped on first down they'll try it again from the two wide receiver coming across in motion trying to punch it in he's drop behind the line of scrimmage that'll be a loss of three now listen the defense won that play offense here the key David you can't go backto back negative plays you got to be smart with the football here looks like you're going to have to throw it you just can't force it you got to make sure you're playing with that clock in your head can't take a sack and I think this is a situation where I spread you out I get more speed on the field I make the defense declare I see what they're in but I'm definitely throwing the football oh and he dropped it he had a touchdown right in his hands and couldn't hang on it'll be fourth down got to give the defense credit on that play taking everything away forcing the incompletion now it's decision time fourth and short in your INF field goal range what do you do here now on fourth down they'll settle for a field goal try and it's right down the boulevard so after putting three on the board the kickoff team is out there ready to boot it away he'll bring it back from inside is five nice job by the kickoff team everybody stayed in their lanes and they'll stop him at the six Notre Dame has the ball and ready to get moving they'll have another opportunity to extend this lead after punting he's going to let one fly down the middle snags it on the right and a pick up of better than 30 yards on that completion before the defense brings him down nice catch there you know I think back to Great golden Domer wide receivers and Tim Brown who won a highman rocket is mail obviously how about Jeff Samar there's a name you don't hear very much anymore but he was awesome for Brady Quinn back in the day and all those guys had the ability to win one-on-one their quarterbacks knew that if they had that match up outside they were going to take it and I think this quarterback feels the same way about that guy he is just so Dynamic outside they make the stop but the sweet throwing catches plenty to give him a first down the Irish have always been built on the run but timely completions are important like the great Tom Clemens back in the day or John HT got to be clutch right got got to be balanced and got to find those moments where you can Thrive it's always the system it seems like it Notre any where it's been built around the Run game and it's built around physicality but they got to get that element of balance to really take off and get to that next level and he dropped it just didn't look the thing all the way in just got to finish the play if you're the wide receiver you got to look that one in and complete it it's a bad drop and the incompletion brings up a second down they're going to throw it again finds his tight end a pick up of eight now to convert this third and two so an example of a tight end doing a little unheralded work to set up a much better third down situation and I like the QB here Reese I like the decision where I understand let's get this football out let's get some positive yards and then get to third down and we can still have a better situation now now because we got rid of the football and took the yards that were there on Third and short they'll try to pick it up on the ground here and he needed just a single yard and he did not get it what a stout play by this defense now looks as if they'll settle for the field goal try he'll line it up from 34 yds out right down the Bard it's good so they're lining up to kick it off after that last Drive put a three spot on the board and now the defense will try to shut him down what kind of field position can he help them with on the return nice job by the kickoff team everybody stayed in their lanes and they'll stop him at the 16 Texas A&M has it back and we say howdy to the aie offense again they'll leave it with him hard running there ran to that daylight to pick up six to the 22 I know it's sexy to throw the football but if you can pound it away and get these kind of gains they will just add up wear the defense down get first downs and ultimately get some points time winding down in the quarter as they come to the line looking for space it's moss and he's knocked down behind the line of scrimmage and that'll do it for the first quarter we have the early makings of a quarterback duel as these stats will show you they are lined up and ready to go and get things started here in the second coming to the line of scrimmage on third down looking downfield it's Wegman shoots it to the left and they fail to hook up on third down [Applause] Texas A&M will have to boot it away makes a move little pressure on the coverage team there and they'll stop him at the 47 yd line here come the Irish back on offense hand off to the single running back and they try the middle of this Stout defense and they rise to the challenge man not much wiggle room for the ball carrier there not really sure what they can do to try to create some space I know block back how about the offensive lineman push some guy backwards and make some holes they got nothing on the last play it's second and 10 throws to the wide out and the pass is incomplete thanks to a big hit in football you hear the term quick but don't hurry and you could tell when you run these rpos the QBs want to make that decision quick and he I think he hurried it a little bit too much got the ball out quick but obviously was inaccurate with his pass Deb Rising as the crowd Gets behind this defense on third down and this sophomore able to wreak some havoc and get the sack how frustrating for an offense to not only see the extra defensive back with the dime package but still had their quarterback get hit yeah when you go down this is a passing situation and if you're a defensive lineman I'm pinning my ears back I'm not playing the slightest bit of run I don't care if they run the football I'm getting to the quarterback nice job understanding that rushing the quarterback getting him on the ground the iris send out the punt unit three and out and not choice but to get rid of the ball not going to risk a return here he'll make the fair catch Texas A&M has it back in the offense ready to go to work last time David it was one two three kick the last drive that three and out sometimes that puts your defense in a back and the quarterback caught up two and sacked at the 12 often times with play action you're asking the quarterback to hold on to the ball a bit longer and you're asking this offensive line to hold up and pass a bit longer against this athletic front seven on defense it's going to be tough and after the loss on that last one an all important second down play from the 12 now the play fake looking left he's got it sometimes your tight end's a safety valve and some times he's your go-to receiver and the offense knew right away it was the primary target it was where he was going with the football cuz you know you get a little bit of suck up from those linebackers with the play action and you feed the big fella ball sitting right at the 30 it'll be third and short he'll try to pick it up on the ground that just never had a chance as they controlled the middle of the field and stopped him in the back field on third down how about the defender being a heat seeking missile he was on radar lock he found the football and flew down with some bad intentions the aie send out the punt team to kick it away hauls it in looking for space he'll put that return to a stop at the 33 but the offense set up in pretty good field position Notre Dame has the ball and ready to get moving looking for room it's Bob really nice stop there from this senior leader and a lot of times you want those big plays you want those Splash plays but sometimes you're going to take some losses you're not going to run the football overly well but if you continue to run it you can at least create some balance you at least have the threat of it otherwise you're just going to abandon it and now it's just going to be a passing game moving the running back forcing the defense to adjust caught behind the line it's love and he didn't have a whole lot of operating room after the Juke and he stopped for a short game well he comes up with the reception but not a lot of room to run after that yeah and I like the QB doing this I mean I'm going to find ways to give him the football and see if he can make a miss and I'm going to bet most of the time that my guy is a little bit more athletic than that defensive guy defense won this battle but I like trying to get this guy the ball in space finds the tight end good up there as he gets the first down and they'll Mark him at the 48 that is going to drive this defensive coordinator n a lot of DCs they focus a ton of energy on how their unit performs on third down and in the Red Zone if this defense gives up a couple more third down conversions like that they're going to be in for a very unpleasant film session on Monday they'll try the run this has been happening all night they stubbornly keep giving him the ball and the defense is all over it that back had absolutely nowhere to run the football actually is he counting I think he's counting to make sure there's only 11 guys on defense got stuffed on first down it's second and 10 they'll give it to the back he picks up four that'll lead them with third and six listen I know that's not a huge game but those run plays add up they make you tackle the back every single play physically you have to get some guy on the ground it takes its toll throughout a fourth quarter game better find the earplugged here comes the noise backing this defense on third down wants to throw it's Leonard throwing right and this is going to be incomplete on third down Notre Dame lining up to pun it [Applause] away you couldn't dial it up much better than that as he knocks it out of bounds inside the 10 yd [Applause] line power football with the Run and he's brought down after a nice game nothing the aies love more than saying howdy with a strong running game yeah how do you like that first down how do you like that ground game like that's what they've got to be built on they they got to have that toughness when when the agies have that toughness is when you see that their best teams are competing at a high level wide receiver shows motion looking to go up top on first down and he drops it just took his eye off of it at the last minute it doesn't matter who it is receivers in this case a tight end you get open you sometimes start to look at that green space in front of you and you just take your eye off the football lose your concentration a little bit and miss that opportunity for possibly a big play on second down just keeps firing fires to the big fella nice pitch and catch there and they'll have enough for the first down they pick up the first down on the drag route I know that seems like a simple route but it's actually a lot more complex than what it looks like because that route changes based on whether it's man or Zone if it's man coverage he's flying across the field if it's Zone he's got to sit down over the ball in a soft spot giving his quarterback a place to go with it nice job of those guys being on the same page there off the deflection missed a great chance to force the turn over instead it'll be second down listen you can't make every play you can't cover everybody but it's really nice when you get the bonus of swatting the ball down and making sure that quarterback doesn't get a completion and doesn't get a big play line getting set on second down the give out of the gun they'll get him down at the 48 after the 15yd gain and a great job by the offensive line you're going to run the ball right up the middle you better control the line of scrimmage you can see the center the guard the tackles doing a good job getting on their guys just enough where this running back can get into space and make the big game Texas A&M Going Up Tempo caught in the back field it's Thomas each brought down but he went backwards after that completion not the way they had it drawn up looks as if we have an injury on that last play and we'll take a break to check him out last play didn't go well it leaves him with second and 11 back to throw it's Wagman unloads to the wide out how about getting the foot down on that throw for the big completion how long have the agies been fishing for Jumbo plays like that one just dying for it they just want high flying offense they want fun they want excitement they had it back in the day with Johnny Manzel searching for those big time plays that big time offense since that point grab behind the line it's Thomas the defense wouldn't let him loose and even though it's in completion they lost yardage I mean getting suffocated right away how about the DB just seeing that initially pulling the trigger getting to him get him on the ground get the tackle for a loss last play was a near disaster now dealing with second and 13 they'll ride the running back and leave it with him that's what you expect from a senior don't give them any extra yards great tackle there this offensive line better figure out a plan for this D tackle he is tough to block with one guy you might want to start double teaming him he's going to be a problem moving forward you saw all of his ability on that last play ninth play of the drive coming up but this one will be tough third and long fires to the wide out and the ball is picked off going the other way and he's got room running inside the 20 touchdown Fighting Irish the defense puts six on the board with the big time interception return look a lot of time left there's a little bit of distance right now being put on the scoreboard there is but it's so awesome when you're a defense and you study all week about what's coming and what routes to be ready for and then you jump the route and you make the plays and you just go get in that End Zone it is so beautiful lining up to tack one more onto that lead and the extra point will tack another one onto this lead they're about to kick it away and the defense probably can't wait to get back out there after the pick six fielded In The End Zone it's Allen stopped at the 17 and he's probably second guessing that return Texas A&M has it back and we say howdy to the aie offense again this possession will be a test after squandering that long drive throwing a pick six Jesse you're right reys well I think this is really dependent too on the leaders in this huddle right now to step up and help this offense get back on Pace here on this drive yeah and this defense is frothing at the mouth they're excited they're jacked up they just made a big play they got all the momentum so they're ready to hunt after the productive first down play it's second and six back to pass it's Wegman makes the grab on the left and they'll shove him out of bounds after the short gain I love offenses quarterbacks that are willing to take the easy stuff take those easy throws that are guaranteed to get positive yards yeah I'm going to take big shots down the field too but don't forget it's easier to pick up second and five third and five than it is when we start getting those long yarded situations he's got his man they'll move those chains getting it out to the 29 yd line and trying to get this drive rolling really nice job there by the quarterback understanding that it's Zone coverage on third down you're going to have to find someone working into a soft spot get the ball out of your hands quickly make an accurate throw and pick up the first well done running behind that left side finds his way for three out to the 33 all right well the offense here they're trying to get this run game established they obviously don't break off a long run there but they're just trying to find their footing at this point got three on first down it's second and seven they'll Run play action those two failed to make the connection it's an incomplete pass this offense just has to find a way to find a rhythm here they're playing at home and they want this crowd to stay involved and be an asset in the game but they need to start making plays they can't keep throwing incompletions this early they've already punted four times in this game and they're about to run the guy out there for a fifth time if they don't pick up the first down here and he was knocked down immediately short of the line to game they'll have to make a decision here you know the tight end's going to have to do a better job of separating and giving us quarterback a place to go with the football that time just couldn't create it and as a result as soon as he made the catch he was brought to the ground setting up fourth down Texas A&M will have to boot it away they may have to pay him overtime he's pting for the fifth time today returns like that are why you don't settle for the fair catch if you don't have to picks up just a little bit of yards to help out the O coming out on first down with the play fate quarterback on the Move still looking and he can't find a receiver and down he goes you want to change some of this bad luck you've had so far around get after the quarterback and get his butt on the ground nice job about the defense this game ain't over it's still the first half this is a good [Applause] start they'll snap it from the 25 here on second and long dropping back it's Leonard and it slips through his fingers incomplete that would have been a huge gain he could have squeezed it yeah and I love taking deep shots I think it makes quarterbacks play honest safeties play honest and you could tell just missed a little bit deep on that shot but listen those are shots that we want to take because the risk is definitely worth the re on Third and long he'll need to loosen up that arm and they couldn't hold off the heat and he goes down with a sack well we knew coming into this game this defense had some matchups they felt really good about up a one1 right there getting to the quarterback creating a negative play and they're going to need these guys to start winning more of those because they are finding themselves in a hole here early in the game the Irish send out the punt unit doesn't say much for your drive when you're looking forward to the [Applause] punt he'll settle for some pretty good field position and make the fair catch at around the 35 Texas A&M has it back on the offense ready to go to work they'll try it over the left side nowhere to run on that one he loses four on the carry well they're trying to get that run play going to the outside but it's the defensive end who does a great job winning his one-on-one and forcing the negative play a negative play to open the Drive let's see what they've got on second and 14 he's looking looking to throw caught over the middle it's green they make the stop but not before he takes a chunk out of what they need to move the sticks a nice job by the defense there tackling the catch and smothering the tight end they know this offense is going to try to find him in the passing game in a lot of different situations that time perfect coverage and nice job bringing the big guy down not easy to do looking to pass it's Wegman and that pressure just golf him a sack for this defense well I think one of the biggest reasons why this team is finding themselves in a hole here in the first half is this has been a sack party they can't keep the defense off of their quarterback they haven't been able to get the ball deep down the field throwing it with the consistency they want because they can't keep their quarterback standing up straight the aies send out the punt team to kick it away three and out they got stuck in Reverse they open the punch can bail them out signals for the fair Catch and hauls it in just shy of the 30 here come the Irish back on offense their Drive chart is starting to look a little monotonous punt punt punt David and their defense is starting to get a little frustrated too they just keep putting me back on the field possession after possession Jesse this offense needs to get their heads out of there you know what the punters on the sideline with the oxygen mask right now he's been playing so much he's not used to this this offense they just got to stay on the field they got to put a drive together and get some balance going running and throwing the ball they got him at the 42 but he got five yards on the play and offensive line is putting those golden domes on the defense and starting to move the ball on the ground and we can go back so many years and the coaches may change but the brand of notor Dame is what it is they're going to be they're going to run the football that's who they are and that's how they're [Applause] built this offense will snap it from the 42 on First and 10 he's going to pass quick completion on the out he's run out of bounds but not before turning in a big pick up and moving the sticks for a first down how about this offense they're rolling they got a couple first downs together defense next what's your response what do you got you got to make some adjustments here Notre Dame coming to the line with another first down looking for a man it's Leonard receiver looks it in it's complete I think really good wide receivers do a good job of making every route kind of look the same you could tell he this looked like a vertical route so if I'm a DB I'm bailing and all of a sudden he sits that hitch down nice job by the wide receiver creating enough separation to create a positive game trying to convert this second and short he's looking to throw got his man they make the stop but this passing game does some damage and they move the sticks with the first down yeah and when you run those drag routes it just takes a little bit of knowhow and when I say that receivers got to understand find Space my quarterback's going to find me he's looking for that space at the same time nice throw nice catch way to get the first down from the Red Zone looking for a man catch in the middle it's Mitchell he's brought down solid pickup but a little bit short of the first down man it's so important when you play QB I got to know when to put some air on it and I got to know when to rocket that thing in there working the middle of the field he knew he needed the rocket threw it in there great job great catch the offense Wast no time getting the timeout call operating in the Red Zone here on second down he's looking to throw got a man it's love that completion will take them inside the 10 to the N yd line and listen I know that wasn't a huge gain it was positive but I like doing more of that in today's college football I'm just going to try to give my Playmakers a chance to do damage in space away from all the big boys inside he'll throw on third down bu a little tie and the heat gets there and they get him down at the 14 yd line this defense needed something to go right man they're down big already in the first half get to the quarterback get him on the ground this could start some momentum going back the other direction we've got a timeout in the waning seconds of the half maybe a chance to get off a couple more plays they H for a touchdown going by the boards but they'll try to put up three before going to the locker room it's good and that lead grows even bigger so they get the late field goal right before the half and not much time after this kickoff for an answer here's the return from inside is 10 he'll be brought down and that's the final play of the half we've played two quarters here time to go to Kevin Connor in our halftime update guys who's had a better seat there in College Station for a fun first half than you and there is no better place to start this halftime than by reviewing how this wide out has been a Onan Wrecking Crew the kid's been everywhere and I love how he's willing to go across the middle but that he also has the Jets to burn these DBS on the Deep ball if this defense wants to actually come back in this one they better hide his cleats and with that let's send it back to the guys at Kyle Field Texas A&M has it teed up to start this second [Applause] half he'll start the return inside is five not a lot of space to be found good Hustle by the coverage team and they stop him at the 21 Notre Dame has the ball and ready to get moving first play from scrimmage and they'll keep it on the ground followed that blocking and got five out to the 26 listen that wasn't the greatest run in the world but it was very successful and you're making me honor the run and another thing every time you run the football someone gets tackled there's physicality involved in the game so I like when offenses commit to the running the football no matter what the outcome is because those body blows that up got it behind the line it's Lo and this one will be stopped for No Gain this offense is going to try and stretch the field vertically and horizontally they did there throwing it to their running back but the defense they were in perfect position to make that play for no game now looking for that first down on Third and short from the 26 looking for a man it's Leonard the quick out he steps out of bounds but got a first down on the play well they pick up the first against Zone coverage the biggest key there is the quarterback understanding that a it's Zone but B what kind of zone is it is it one high safety is it two high safeties and then you know instinctively where your best throw where your highest percentage completion is based on what type of Zone coverage it's going to be got his Man Down field and they'll move the chains and get it to the 47 yd line Big Time play there in the passing game that's important for Notre Dame too as a program because we know they've always been able to run the football and we've seen them in recent years get to the playoff they've reached national championship games but they haven't been able to pull it off for this program to take the next step they have to be more consistent and dynamic in the explosive passing game and I think this guy gives them the opportunity to take the program to the next level he's brought down but there's a flag on the field let's see what the call is late hit on the quarterback gives this offense a free first down and some yardage out of the gun the inside hand off to the running back tough sledding there as he picks up one to the 29 didn't get much on first down it's second and nine he's looking to throw makes the grab it's Mitchell they ripped off seven on that one now a third down and three well it's a nice job by the defender they're closing the Gap with the wide receiver they're going to complete the hitch pass but he's able to run right up on him get him to the ground for a minimal game Ball's at the 22 third and short coming can the defense force them to settle for a field goal looking to throw for it and this is going to be incomplete on third yeah and third and short that choose not to run throw the football and I think a lot of that has to do with they know they're in field goal range they can take the three points on the board and they'll run the field goal unit back out there this kicker has already banged a couple through splits the upright it's good and they'll push that lead out a little further that lead just keeps getting fatter in this kickoff team doing a little running on the run from inside his own five and the coverage team able to make the tackle Texas A&M has it back and we say howdy to the aie off offense again the last time we saw this offense we had to look quick it was a three and out Jesse he just had no ribbon in that last drive so someone's going to have to step up and make a play David and get this thing going yeah let's find some juice find your guy find those plays that you know you can run inside out forward backwards get some first downs get some positive momentum kept it on the ground on first down now back to the line he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple and the agies will hustle to the line play action grab near the marker it's green he's going to have enough to pick up the first down as they stop him at the 33 yd line and that's why play action is going to be big in this game you saw how it just freezed the second level of that defense just for a second and allowed the tight end to work himself vertically down the field but how about this guy after the catch right so hard to bring down what a weapon fast motion for from the offense from the gun running back on the move that play just never had a chance a knock him down for a loss of five so no room to run there and you wonder after that loss on first down where they turn now yeah and that's why it's so important for the defense to win these first downs right you want to create negative plays to make this offense so much more predictable scanning the field it's Wegman he finds man and the defense holds firm no pick up at all on that play nice job defense you always hear people talk about tackling the catch you saw it right there there was nowhere for that receiver to go once he had possession as a result no game if every Journey begins with a step this offense needs to step into a third down conversion and then try to turn it into some scores and fast and the incomplete pass will bring up fourth down well after struggling so much in the first half you thought they would have made some adjustments here at halftime to see if they can open up this passing game but early on in the second half you're just not really able to get that done incompletion on third down and your own end you're expecting them to punt Texas A&M will have to booted away they'll look to pin him deep you'll call for the fair catch here here come the Irish back on offense they kicked a field goal on the last Drive Jesse they've got the lead don't make a dumb mistake but maintain your aggressive play calling yeah no doubt I think it's the play caller right now just taking a look at that script he's got in front of him and finding out where are my Playmakers who can we take advantage of on this defense to get a touchdown here David yeah and just keep moving the ball down the field just execute a little bit better in the Red Zone there's no need to panic we're moving the football and we got the lead on the run it's love they'll give him four on that one it's third and six trying to pick up a first down on third down he drops to throw got it in the middle it's Evans tackle is made but not until he gets the first down love the way he didn't just run to a spot he found the cushion in the zone and got himself open for the first down yeah and you're taught to find that space don't run right into a Zone Defender who's sitting there looking at the quarterback and looking at you so much creativity with routes now of being able to just have subtle moves One Way come back the other way nice job by the tight end finding that hole in the zone didn't get much on first down it's second and nine looking to throw it's Leonard quickly out to the tight end he's run out of bounds but a big play on that one and it'll be a first down ever since they invented the forward pass the tight ends have been running the drag and getting the first down I I think it's because the tight ends so much versatility you know they can block and stay in the formation or they can release and come out but either way if the quarterback's patient most of the time that drag route's going to come over looking for a physical attack from the gun didn't get much on first down it's second and nine he's looking to throw and that's going to fall to the ground incomplete that was a physical match up there third down coming man and that's a big missed opportunity for the running back I'm trying to find ways to feature this guy and get him the football in space and not just hand it to him all the time and tell you what I'm a lot less likely to find those plays if he can't reel in those catches on Third and long try to convert through the air got his man finally run out of bounds but he has this offense rolling with a first down defense is about feeling out the offense and what they like to do what are they going to do in third and short third and medium third and long so far the offense is winning defense is going to need to make some adjustments Notre Dame ready to go with another first down he wants to throw using his feet to buy time and he has a solid gain on the play before sliding listen that's not going to go down as a big play but he does a really good job turning a negative play into something positive it's not a big gain but it keeps you out of those negative situations that really makes you very predictable and now on second down for this [Applause] offense the RPO fire complete to the left there to make the tackle but the big throw is good enough to give them a first down and a nice job finding my wide receiver and then how about the wide receiver turning into a running back getting up field getting some positive yards and getting the first down on first down from the 13 yd line the give to the back not a whole lot of room there three yards maybe second and seven going to work in the Red Zone they can pick up the first down without getting it into the end zone he'll run it again gets it inside the 10 picks up a yard they'll mark it at the nine the big defensive tackles in the middle they're not always the best pass rushers but they are strong and I a country scroll they put their hands on you you feel it they lock people out on the line of scrimmage they create separation they wrap running backs up and usually they don't get out of the midst of those big boys third and long and he'll try to throw for it touchdown Irish and the punishment has been extended and it's so underrated the the relationship between a QB and a wide receiver the timing the ability to know where he's going to be and be with the football that's what leads to nice touchdowns Jesse well the chemistry between these two guys has to be great when you're throwing into the end zone because coverage is going to be tight the throw might not be perfect but this is something these two guys have been repping in practice over and over and over and it's paying dividends now on game day on to attempt the try and with the extra point they pushed the lead out a little further precise Relentless execution on that 13pl scoring drive and they Capa things off with a nyd touchdown pass kickoff team lining up to send this one away on the move from inside is five he was looking for some Running Room but not much to be found as he stopped at the 18 Texas M has it back in the offense ready to go to work throws to the wide out it's caught they stay aggressive and push their way out to the 33 and it's first down and the offense here dialed up a really good Zone field give credit to the offensive coordinator he called the right play at the right time with the first down they'll put it in play from the 33 he's looking to throw it just a short pass to the tight end and he might be known for run pits but that was a sure and heavy tackle on the tight end I like the idea by the quarterback there you're trying to get this first down so you find the tight end see if he can make a guy miss or shake a tackle not able to get it done though here comes the offense on second down wide out in motion using his legs it's m Lo they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one you see this is what great defenses do great defenses swarm to the football so when you do miss a tackle it's not the end of the world there's another guy right there to wrap him up great defenses seem like they got 12 guys on the field nice job swarming to the football engulfing the running back a third and long coming up here keeps it on the boot leg they're bringing heat and they got him they'll get him down for the sack this has been a frustrating day and I'm not sure it's going to get any better you're already down huge listen this offense can't protect this quarterback they don't do anything right right now this defense has had their number all game long the aies send out the punt team to kick it away huls it in and looking up field looking for Running Room he'll get it to the 43 yd line before he stopped Notre Dame has the ball and ready to get moving that last touchdown Drive was surgical through the air Jesse it sure was and that's why this offense is so dangerous David because they can score in a hurry because of how efficient they are throwing the football and welcome to Modern college football that's what it is spread you out out find my Playmakers make quick decisions and really put defenses in a difficult situation quarterback and running back set up in the pistol they move the tight end all over the playaction fake those two not on the same page it's incomplete [Applause] couldn't pick it up on second down now they need a couple on third down they'll go with a direct snap he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple yeah and listen the offense has had their way and they've had so much success and so much production but listen at least the defense got a rep you know maybe this get you some spark maybe this get you some energy maybe we'll see a little bit more life from this defense yeah they may not win the game but I think this defensive coaching staff at this point based on how this game has gone they're just trying to find things to build off of and maybe that's something they can point to as they get ready for their next opponent of things they did right and things that they got to do more consistently moving forward running to the left and he'll run across the sidelines after the good good game coaches always harp about staying ahead of the chains and when you can run with that type of efficiency on first down man you are doing just that the big pick up on first down leaves them with second and one they go to the ground they make the Stop and this running game moves to change as they get the first down you know they Pride themselves on being physical at the point of attack Domina at the line of scrimmage nice job there picking up the first down they've got it at the 37 it's first and 10 looking for space it's Moss a confident tough efficient run gets it up to the 44 you want to talk about making it easy for an offensive coordinator you pick up a bunch of yards on first down make that second down really really manageable that's a great job by the offense good spot after that seven yd pickup on first down it's second and three running back searching for a hole a run up the middle is stuck for No Gain it's hard to run on a defense that comes off the ball like that and runs to the football like that good luck no holes anywhere third and short from the 44 and we might know if they plan to go for it on fourth down by what they call here to the ground to try to move the chains didn't get much picked up a yard and that will leave them with fourth and two well the offense tries to pick up that first by running it on third down no can do and that's really been the theme all game long this defense has just been better at the point of attack shutting down this run game Texas A&M will have to away that thing was down for a while but the big bounce carried it into the end zone and it'll be a Touchback here come the Irish back on offense here's another opportunity Jesse to stretch out this lead after punting last time I think it goes back to your Playmakers reys I think it's finding the guys that have been working for you earlier on in this game and getting them the football yeah and there's obviously no need to panic I mean think about it you got the lead you got the football you got to be smart with the football make your plays put a good drive together here and talk about spreading the ball around everyone getting a chance to show off the hands based on the number of targets we've seen one more period to go we'll see just how much fight they've got left in them now on second down they keep it on the ground Forge is ahead picks up about three to the 29 ball spotted at the 29 here they come on Third and short trying to pick it up on the ground he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple and when you play defensive end it's all about getting off the football you can tell gets off the football really fast Gets In The Back Field gets the running back before he knows what hit him what a play by the defensive end Notre Dame lining up to pun it away they're up to a half dozen kicks today [Applause] might have thought he'd want to try to pick up a few yards there but he's content with making the fair catch right around the 35 yd line trying to start the drive with a pass snagged in the middle it's Thomas that's a good job by the drag outout there understanding its Zone coverage so instead of continuing to run across the field he settles down into an open spot making it easy for his quarterback the completion short of the sticks it's second down to the air it's Wegman he's got an open man plenty of room on that play and they find their way to the 36 the offense is struggled they're not going to win this game but trust me this coaching staff is still trying to find things to build off of for next week and after an explosive play like that maybe they can generate just a little bit of momentum and gain a little bit of confidence that they can keep coaching up heading into their next game quickly complete and the defense had that one well covered just a short game there you just get the feeling this defense is going to make it hard on them right they've got the lead it's late and they're going to try to tackle everybody inbounds offense is going to have to really work for this and be smart you got to attack the sidelines you got to throw first downs you got to keep this thing moving vertically down the field on second down looking to throw that's caught it's mohamd and they'll finally catch up to him but not before a big chunk of yardage is picked up that was a really nice catch and an even better run after the grab yeah and get the ball to your playmaker what's good about having him in the slot as he can go either direction you can get him matched up on somebody that's not as fast and you watch he can run away from those linebackers or safeties this Texas A&M offense is wasting no time run in the Red Zone it's Moss they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one and how about the timing of the linebacker on the blitz to get in the back field and get the tackle for loss is there anything better for a linebacker than to run on a blitz and nobody's home except the back such a great feeling when when the Moses Parts the Red Sea and the hole opens up and you go fill it on the Move pushes ahead for a pick up of one down to the 13 they love to pick up this third down and get a fresh set with first and goal on third down going up top makes the catch it's Thomas and he's not going to get there the defense Stands Tall and makes the stop he just didn't have a chance to get loose and make his way to that first down marker I think fans get upset sometimes like run your route past the sticks so we get the first down but nice job by the defense understanding where the sticks were and forceing the fourth down on fourth down he'll try to toss it the incomplete pass makes this series end in frustration as they turn it over on Downs offense set on first down they'll run it out of the shotgun Burrows his way for a couple he's out to the eight and the defense doing a great job committing to the run when you commit to the run like this obviously you can give up some plays in the passing game but you got to stop the run first after picking up a couple at second and eight give to the running back follows that surge up front he's got five out to the 13 football is about adjustments first half line up pound strong pound strong second half great job you're going to move your defense and shift to try to account for that boom we'll pull some guys and run a counter back side and have some success you've got a third and manageable backed up in your own end but convert here and you get some momentum and he's knocked down but not before moving the chains and I don't care if I get it by two by 20 by 30 by 40 I I just I just want to get the first down understanding the situation understanding where the sticks are doesn't have to be sexy but I got to make sure I get to that stick get to the first down Mark Notre Dame coming to the line with another first down looking for a gap it's love out across the 20 to the 20 21 yd line a three ydd gain and it's just simple simple first down run showing your physicality setting your offense up in a good spot after the three- yd pickup they come to the line Second and seven the give from the gun and he was fortunate not to lose yardage on that play able to wedge it back to the line of scrimmage awesome job up front by this defensive line being so good at the point of attack and eating blocks eating some double teams that allows these linebackers to run free unencumbered and get to the football now facing a third and long from the gun the running back has it and the defense is swarming to keep him from getting to the first down the Irish send out the punt unit he's going to try to flip the field with this one fair catch called for but there is a flag on the play will have to sort it [Applause] out the officials offer the deal and the coach accepts it they will take the penalty from the gun give on the inside and I think they'll give him two on that one second and eight coming up that's a really good job by the defense wrapping him up getting him on the ground take away that run game make them onedimensional put him in passing situations really good job by the defense picked up two yards on that last one they need eight on second down to the ground with the back nice solid form tackle from this [Applause] sophomore they'll come to the line at the 42 facing a third and long he'll keep it himself he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple how about the defensive end understanding football understanding that I got to keep outside contained I'm responsible for the quarterback good job playing his responsibility and how about getting that sucker on the ground he's a pretty good athlete to be able to Coral him tackle him right in the middle of the field and get him to the ground Notre aame lining up to pun it away signals for the fair Catch and that's where they'll put it in play just outside the 20 Texas A&M has it back and we say a howdy to the agie offense again feeling some heat at the 35 he's got room he will step out of bounds but not before the big pick up and a first down for this offense sometimes these guys just have eyes in the back of their head you saw it right there he was able to buy himself time get outside the pocket and at that point I think the decision was pretty easy hey I can go get this with my feet he was able to do that now they got a fresh set of downs they'll throw it on first down unloads to the wide out it's complete he's R out of bounds but not before turning in a big pick up and moving the sticks for a first down and you see on that play the confidence that he has in that playmaker on the perimeter of the field he's already had a couple catches in this game it seems like he's always open and right there nice job fitting that football into a small space and great awareness by the receiver getting a feet down and Bounds makes the catch it's Thomas and they reacted well to the completion but it was too late to keep them from getting the first down and when you get Zone coverage and you're running curls and the wide receiver Sprints off the ball you know what happens that DB starts to bail and that wide receiver comes back and it's easy pitch and catch for the offense they've got it inside the 30 at the 28 first down the give to the B so much change of Direction he's down to the 23 yeah this coaching staff they're getting this offensive line lathered up and into a rhythm now they're letting him drive off the ball on first down on these running plays and they're getting chunks of yardage sixy pickup on first down leaves him with second and four trying play action fires to the wide out got him down field touchdown Aggies made the snag and strolled his way into The End Zone nice pitch nice catch and listen maybe this helps next game right like we're trying to find a rhythm find something that works find somebody to go to and this offense is struggling you're down by a thousand but I like that they continue to fight now they'll line up for what they hope is automatic bangs it through for an extra point a very efficient five play scoring drive and they finish it off with a touchdown toss from the 23 they're down big but they'll keep fighting to The Bitter End and line up for the onside kick here they were ready for the onside kick and executed perfectly and they secure the football Notre Dame has the ball and ready to get moving they missed an opportunity to extend this lead the last time they had it Jesse yeah they got to be able to regain that momentum right go back to what was working earlier on in this one and David to me that starts with being the more physical team oh I definitely agree being the more physical team but understanding the situation of the game you're still winning you got the football back now put a nice drive together and execute they got nothing on the last play it's second and 10 on the move it's love really good pick up on second down there leaves him with third and two and a nice job by the running back finding space getting downhill making the good run great job finishing with his pads will they keep it on the ground again here on third down [Applause] he want that clock to run he gets the job done on third down they move the chains it's at the 37 well the defense knew coming into this one it was going to be a physical game guys are going to have to be great at the point of attack and get off blocks and make tackles it couldn't stop the offense from picking up that first down on that run play Notre Dame ready to go with another first [Applause] down they'll go to the ground you'll take four yards on first down every time second and six yeah it's Mak or break time for this defense now they got to get a stop and if that's bringing more bodies in bringing more beef in they're running the football right up the gut right at you they're not going to throw the football in this situation time to be more physical and get this big stop solid pick up of four on first down it's second and six out of the gun they'll run it inside and how about the world work up front by that big defensive line defense is about firing off hitting the offensive guys and staying in your gaps everybody knowing where they're supposed to be you could tell the defense everyone was right where they're supposed to be nowhere to run we've reached a two-minute warning and this offense will be quite content just to drain the rest of the time away let's see what they do on third down [Applause] from the gun they'll give it on the inside he's got enough for the first down they'll spot him at the 24 yd line everything going the offense's way they're trying to ice this game late they've got a really nice lead so you just want to run the ball high percentage throws and keep the chains moving and they're doing that this has been a beautiful drive to watch offense continues to stay in a nice Rhythm here late leaves it with the back and he's able to find a little bit of Running Room before they get him down these situations are preached so much in college football finishing a game strong understanding circumstances they are running the football right at you trying to keep that clock moving get a few first downs and get a w they can really be aggressive after that last play it's second and three hand off from the shot G and that'll be enough to give Notre Dame a first down I love when players understand situations and they understand where the first down marker is and they understand where I got to get to a lot of people you'll see run north south and try to bounce out wide and make big plays sometimes it's not about making big plays sometimes it's about getting that first down to make sure I get an extra set of downs instead of trying to make those big touchdown runs here's the handoff they bring him down he's going to lose a yard on that one for for for for for for for for for e