Notre Dame makes statement in season-opening win at Texas A&M

This was Marcus Freeman's vision in all of its glory, a gutsy upset in SEC country that opens up a world of possibilities for the Irish.

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Marcus Freeman called his shot nearly three years ago at Notre Dame. He called another one ahead of the first game of his third season leading the Irish.

“I showed the players, I showed the whole football program: I said, This is right where our fans are gonna be,” Freeman said of the Kyle Field setup.

He was minutes removed from pumping those same fans up, unleashing a display of emotion rarely seen for an opener, because most openers don’t present the kind of opportunity that this one did for Freeman and his program.

The final was Notre Dame 23, Texas A&M 13. The game was closer than the final score would indicate. The victory itself, however, will have effects long beyond this weekend.

This was Notre Dame going into SEC country, as an underdog, and making a national statement in primetime. This was the Irish showing off their speed against a team that was historically known for it, posting touchdowns of 21 and 47 yards while holding the Aggies to zero plays of 20 or more yards.

Most of all this was Freeman’s vision in all of its glory, the depth of stacked recruiting and portal classes these past three years coming to fruition when the lights were brightest and the temperatures were hottest.