The strongest storyline for Notre Dame’s game against the Texas A&M Aggies was that it was going to be a defensive battle all night. For the most part… that storyline was true.

You can also add to that bad passes from both teams and a lot of penalties, especially from the Irish.

Texas A&M started the first drive and slowly moved down the field thanks to a couple of offsides jumps by the Irish defensive line. Notre Dame was able to limit the Aggies to a field goal, and the Notre Dame offense responded with a field goal drive of their own.

With a minute to play in the second quarter, the Aggies scored another field goal to take a 6-3 lead. The Riley Leonard-led offense seemed stagnant and shackled, and had to punt the ball back to the Aggies. However, Connor Wiegman quickly let one sail down the field and Adon Shuler intercepted the ball. Notre Dame was able to move the ball just enough for Mitch Jeter to tap in another field goal to make it 6-6.

When Notre Dame got the ball back to start the second half, Marcus Freeman was ready to risk it all early. The Irish converted a 4th down deep in their own territory, but on the same drive, they lost the ball on downs in a really bad spot on a 4th down run. Fortunately, Notre Dame did the same by stopping the Aggies on 4th down on the ensuing drive.

Four plays after the 4th down stop, Notre Dame finally got into the end zone thanks to a 47-yard Jadarian Price run down the sideline. With the Irish up 13-6, they forced A&M to punt the ball on a short 8-play drive. It was a chance to open up the game, but the Irish went three and out instead.

The Aggies took advantage of Notre Dame’s offensive woes by scoring a touchdown drive of their own, aided by several Notre Dame penalties.

After more points were exchanged, the Irish went 85 yards on eight plays, ending it with a 21-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love to make it 20-13. The drive took 4:29 off the clock, and the Aggies got the ball back with 1:58 left in the game.

Notre Dame stopped the Aggies on the next drive when Christian Gray defended a pass on 4th and 2 to get the ball back. Notre Dame did just enough, sending in Mitch Jeter to kick a field goal to make it 23-13 and tie the game with under 40 seconds left.

Irish victory — more about OFD.