Texas A&M @ Notre Dame Picks & Props

The Aggies have allowed explosive runs on 10% of opponent carries, despite playing UTSA and Utah State. They’ve also allowed 1.63 line yards per carry, with a stuff rate that ranks them in the bottom 33% of college football.

One of the biggest talking points coming out of the Miami defeat was the underutilization of Love, who had just 10 carries on the day. With two weeks to stew on it, I’ll be shocked if we don’t see him get closer to 20 carries here.

UTSA picked up over 200 yards on the ground, and the combination of Love and Jadarian Price will be a headache for them. If Robert Henry Jr can get 177 yards on the ground, I’ve got full faith that Love will clear his total and reach the century mark.

Reed has already scrambled for 11 times in his first two games, picking up 77 yards in the process. His 105 total rushing yards lead the Aggies, and he’s rushed for 39+ yards in eight straight games dating back to last October.

He had 83 rushing yards last year against Florida, 62 against LSU, 46 against South Carolina, and 60 against Texas. He’s operating behind an improved offensive line, and facing a Notre Dame pass rush that looked underwhelming against the Canes. 

The Aggies have thrived on big plays downfield, and Notre Dame will have to focus on taking those away. That will open up some rushing lanes for Reed, and he’ll avoid sacks as he tops 40 yards on the ground yet again.

Mario Craver is a playmaker who ranks Top 10 nationally in receiving yards and touchdowns, despite an average depth of target of 2.9 yards. He's caught 13 of his 16 targets, posting more than 18 yards per catch. He has lined up in the slot on 52 of his 62 snaps, and the Aggies want to get the ball into his hands as much as possible.

The downfield playmaking ability of both he and KC Concepcion on the outside will make Notre Dame hesitant to utilize a lot of press coverage, and Craver's speed means he can punish any linebackers who try to cover him over the middle. I wouldn't be surprised if Craver hits the Over on receptions before halftime, but I'm putting two units on him to do it before the final horn.

Notre Dame's faith in its offensive line should be questioned after quickly abandoning the run in the Week 1 loss to Miami, but Texas A&M may provide an ideal chance to restore that faith. If the Aggies gave up successful rushing days to UTSA (0.20 EPA/rush) and Utah State (0.07 EPA/rush), then what will the Irish manage? Specifically, what will Jeremiyah Love manage?

Now, just what do you think Love will do, playing for a ticked off Notre Dame Fighting Irish group returning home after a bye week and with something to prove?

Love averaged 4.39 yards after contact per attempt last season and should be seen breaking through A&M’s tackles en route to chunk yardage. While he went to his patented hurdle move too frequently against Miami, it’d be a surprise if he doesn’t make a few highlights out of the Aggies' defense.

A&M ranks 134th in rushing explosiveness allowed despite having faced two Group of 5 schools, and Love is the most talented --- and explosive --- running back in the country. 

Raridon may not be a scoring machine, but his usage in Notre Dame's first game shows he comes with tons of value this weekend.