Two close losses against top-25 teams to start the season were not on Notre Dame’s bingo card entering the 2025 season. But that is exactly what has happened in the early part of this season. First, a close 27-24 loss to Miami, and now a 41-40 heartbreaker to Texas A&M. Where does the Fighting Irish go from here? Well, if they want to make the College Football Playoff, they win out. No more losses. It is possible, given the schedule, but adjustments need to be made to make it happen.
Another Close Loss for Notre Dame
Notre Dame fixed its issue from the first game and got its star running backs involved in this contest. Jeremiyah Love had 23 carries for 94 yards against Texas A&M. This is a big turnaround from 10 carries for 33 yards in week one. He also tallied four receptions and one touchdown through the air against the Aggies. Love had one rushing touchdown, which was the go-ahead score at the end of the game. With under three minutes to go, Love put the Irish up 40-34 against the Aggies. Unfortunately, Tyler Buchner botched the hold on the extra point, and he couldn’t complete the scramble to the end zone. With the nature of a high-scoring game, the defense couldn’t hold. Texas A&M drove downfield and scored the game-winner on fourth-and-11. Yes, without the botched hold, it would’ve been 41-41. However, Buchner wasn’t the main issue for the Irish in this contest.
Notre Dame Fixed Offensive Production, Defense Struggled
Love wasn’t the only one who had a better day for the Irish. Jadarian Price was also more effective in the run game. Price had 12 carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns. In week one, he had six carries for 45 yards. While the number of carries is encouraging, to get this running back duo involved, he doubled his carries but only amassed 23 more yards on the ground. However, he also doubled his touchdowns, which is what is important. Quarterback CJ Carr had another interception this week, but was overall productive in this contest. Carr went 20-for-32, threw for 293 yards, and utilized seven different receivers. He also threw for one touchdown. His quarterback rating increased from 64.9 against Miami to 80.3 against Texas A&M. Once he figures out the interception issue, something that often takes time for a young quarterback, look out.
So, what went wrong? In short, the defense. Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed threw for 360 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He averaged just under 10 yards per throw. The defense couldn’t get a stop. Reed utilized six different receivers, but his favorite in this one was Mario Craver. Craver carved the Irish with seven receptions for 207 receiving yards. He averaged 29.6 yards per catch, finished the day with one touchdown reception, and his longest reception of the day was for 86 yards. Texas A&M didn’t just win this contest through the air. The Notre Dame defense allowed 128 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. The Aggies had 488 total yards of offense in this one.
Defensive Struggles Weigh Heavy
Yes, there was a blunder on an extra point at the end of the game. No, this was not the root of the loss. Notre Dame’s defense didn’t have one sack against the Aggies. Additionally, it only had two tackles for loss. The Irish couldn’t get to the quarterback. No quarterback pressure leads to 360 yards through the air. Not only no quarterback pressure, but there was also no pressure in the backfield. That led to 128 yards on the ground for the Aggies. At that rate, Notre Dame was trying to outscore, or more accurately outrun, Texas A&M. But at the end, the Irish left too much time on the clock for a defense that couldn’t get a stop all day. Total tackles decreased from the Miami game as well. Notre Dame only had one sack against Carson Beck, but there was pressure.
If Notre Dame wants to be in the 12-team College Football Playoff at the end of the season, the defense needs to fix its struggles. Looking ahead, the Irish offense may be able to outscore its opponents, but it will be a better road if the defense can assist. Defensive Coordinator Chris Ash needs to fix things, and fast. Head Coach Marcus Freeman has asked if he would take over defensive playcalling. He shut that down quickly, stating that it isn’t the playcalling that is the issue, but the execution by those on the field. In post-game media availability, cornerback Leonard Moore acknowledged the struggles, stating, “We take accountability for that.” Accountability is a good first step. Now the defense needs to get back on the field and prove they can fix it.
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