Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Texas A&M Aggies Football: Player Stats
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Texas A&M Aggies Football: Player Stats
The University of Notre Dame football team (1-0) capped off their opening game with a decisive eight-play, 85-yard drive in the final six minutes to secure a 23-13 victory over Texas A&M (0-1) at Kyle Field on Saturday evening.
In a game marked by strong defensive play, Notre Dame took a 7-point lead in the third quarter thanks to a long run by Jadarian Price. However, Texas A&M responded by leveling the score early in the fourth quarter. The Irish regained control with key first-down passes and runs that drained the clock. Jeremiyah Love then broke through for a 21-yard game-winning touchdown run.
Notre Dame’s defense was exceptional, limiting Texas A&M to just 100 passing yards and shutting down their final drive. Mitch Jeter added a 46-yard field goal in the closing moments to seal the win.
Love finished with 91 rushing yards on 14 carries, Price added 44 yards, and starting quarterback Riley Leonard contributed 63 rushing yards and 158 passing yards. Defensively, Jack Kiser led with eight tackles, Jordan Botelho recorded a career-high six tackles, and Xavier Watts and Adon Shuler each had an interception.
Game Summary:
The game began with both teams trading field goals—Texas A&M from 34 yards and Notre Dame’s Jeter from 46 yards. The Irish drive was bolstered by Leonard’s third-down scramble and a 15-yard penalty on A&M’s Dalton Brooks.
The teams then exchanged punts, but A&M gained the upper hand in field position and took a 6-3 lead with a 49-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Notre Dame responded with a drive that ended in a 26-yard field goal by Jeter, leveling the score at 6-6.
Adon Shuler’s interception set up a scoring opportunity for the Irish, but they had to settle for a 26-yard field goal. Both teams remained tied at halftime with the Irish and Aggies even in total yards (ND 139, A&M 127). Notre Dame struggled with penalties, totaling seven for 59 yards in the first half.
The Irish began the second half with a promising drive, but A&M’s defense stopped them on a crucial fourth-down attempt. The Aggies could not capitalize, and Notre Dame’s next drive featured a 47-yard touchdown run by Jadarian Price to put the Irish ahead.
A&M responded with a 65-yard drive that ended in a one-yard touchdown run to tie the game. Notre Dame’s defense held strong, and the Irish offense answered with a crucial drive, highlighted by a 21-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love.
The game concluded with Notre Dame’s defense forcing a four-and-out, with Christian Gray breaking up the final pass attempt. Jeter’s 46-yard field goal with 1:04 left secured the victory for the Irish.
