The Texas A&M Aggies are scheduled to host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Aug. 31 at Kyle Field in arguably the biggest game of the opening weekend of the 2024 college football season.
In fact, the game is such a big event that ESPN's College GameDay will be hosted in College Station and the game will be broadcast in primetime on ABC.
However, with this game taking place so early in the season, can it really have that big of an impact on both teams' season outlook?
The short answer is yes.
As ESPN analyst Greg McElroy explained on the show: Always college footballThis game, especially for the Irish, could have as far-reaching implications as the College Football Playoff.
“Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M is an under-the-radar game that has huge implications for the playoff,” McElroy said. “Look at Notre Dame's schedule. Really, look at Notre Dame's schedule. You're not going to be overwhelmingly impressed with their away schedule. Their home schedule is pretty good. They've got Louisville, Florida State and a couple of others. But if they lose their away game at A&M, that's going to be a big challenge. I think that's one of their toughest games, honestly.”
But the Irish aren't the only ones heavily influenced by the outcome of this game, which could skyrocket the Aggies' status in the minds of the CFP committee and give the Irish a chance to start the season on a high note.
Assuming the Aggies start the season at the tail end of the Top 25 (as most expect), a win over a Notre Dame team that is likely in the top 10 would almost certainly catapult them into at least the top 15.
If they can carry this momentum and win their next four games, which is also widely expected, Texas A&M will improve to 5-0 and enter the top 10 when they face the Missouri Tigers on Oct. 5 at Kyle Field, who will also likely maintain their unbeaten record.
And if Mike Elko and his team can beat Missouri, they'll have a good chance to qualify for the CFP, as they won't face another championship contender until the game against LSU on Oct. 26.
Of course, this all hinges on Texas A&M being able to pull off wins against very good teams in Notre Dame and Missouri. That may be easier said than done in coach Mike Elko's first year.
Still, if they can pull it off, things could get very interesting in Aggieland.
