Three biggest questions for Notre Dame against Texas A&M football
How big of a factor will Mike Elko’s familiarity with Riley Leonard be?
One of the huge storylines here is the fact that the head man for the Aggies, just last year, was coaching the guy who is leading the opposing offense in this game. Leonard broke out in a big way under Elko’s tutelage at Duke, and is projected to be a high draft pick because of it.
Elko is a master of getting QBs off-balance, though, so him being as familiar as he is with Leonard has to make Irish fans a bit nervous. The fact that Leonard had to miss spring practice is another concern here.
How quickly will Irish pick up Denbrock’s system?
For all the talk about the Aggies undergoing a wholesale offensive change, the Irish have just as much upheaval. A new starting QB and a new OC makes for just as much of a blank slate as the Aggies have been working from.
On the road at Kyle Field (at night, no less) is the ultimate stress test for your first outing under this new offensive regime. Can Leonard and the Irish make this switch look seamless, or will there be fits and starts? One thing’s for sure—the unrelenting crowd pressure won’t make it easy.
Can Notre Dame get to Weigman early and often?
The Aggies’ offensive line has been a real sore spot over the last two years. They’ve been about as porous as anyone in the nation, and the high number of sacks surrendered has been a thorn in A&M’s side this whole time.
ND wasn’t exactly proficient at rushing the passer last year, though. Their sack rate was very much a middle-of-the-road number nationally even though they boasted a great defense overall. I don’t think Weigman, especially in this Klein offense, is a guy that you can be content with sitting back and letting pick you apart, so manufacturing pressure will be key.