There seems to be a "chicken little" attitude here regarding Tx A&M. They went 7-6 last year, fired their coach, lost their bowl game, and endured major roster turnover. Why is everyone freaking out about how tough a game this is going to be? And the board consensus is we are a playoff team. If we are why are you so worried about the aggies?
This is what worries me:
Notre Dame:
1. The O-line is pretty new and needs time to gel.
2. Same with Denbrock: A very good OC but it will be his first game calling plays for ND and he also needs time to adjust to his player's strengths and weaknesses.
3. Same with Leonard: He missed spring practice and this will be his first game with ND. He needs time to gel with his offense.
4. 1st game on the road, at night, in a hostile environment.
T A&M:
1. They did lose their head coach but Elko is tough and is no slouch. They improved in that regard
2. Their DL is very good and will face an O-line that is one of Notre Dame's biggest question mark. Leonard better get ready to get moving, and fast.
3 Their QB has tons of talent
4. They rarely lose at home.
5. They have a lot of talent that was wasted under Fisher, but may live up to their hype with Elko.
I would be much more confident if this game was played in the middle of the season after the offense has had time to gel.
Yours truly,
Chicken little