Two of the most historic programs in college football square off as Texas takes on Notre Dame. Notre Dame enters the season with high expectation as the teams is expected by some to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Texas Head Coach Charlie Strong has struggled to turn things around at Texas as quickly as many expected he would. The Longhorns are coming off a 6-7 record last season.
Saturday will mark the beginning of the Malik Zaire era at quarterback for Notre Dame. Last season, Everett Golson was the starting quarterback for the Irish. However, Zaire played in the bowl game against LSU and played well. Golson transferred over the offseason, but many believe Zaire would have won the starting position regardless.
Here is a look at everything you need to get ready for Saturday’s game:
The Basics
Who:
Texas vs. Notre Dame
When:
Saturday, September 5th 7:30 PM ET
Channel:
NBC
Where:
Notre Dame Stadium; South Bend, Indiana
Line:
Notre Dame by 9 (Line is according to OddsShark and subject to change)
Last Meeting:
The two team last played in 1996 where Notre Dame won on the road 27-24.
Texas Preview
Tyrone Swoopes is back at quarterback for Texas. Swoopes did not have the most impressive year last season but did show flashes of his ability to play. Swoopes provides the team with some stability, but the team lost a lot of players particularly on the defensive side. Expect Strong to play a variety of defensive schemes to put pressure on Notre Dame’s inexperienced quarterback Malik Zaire.
Notre Dame Preview
Malik Zaire leads the Irish in 2015. (Getty)
Notre Dame returns the majority of their players from last season’s 8-5 team. Zaire’s dynamic play-making ability adds a new dimension to their offense. The challenge for Zaire and the Irish is whether they can live up to the expectations that many have placed on the team. While Zaire is talented, he is also inexperienced. Their schedule also does not do them any favors playing the likes of Clemson, Georgia Tech, USC and Stanford.
Heavy’s Pick
Notre Dame 31, Texas 24
This game could be closer than many expect as Texas will be improved from last year. Ultimately, Notre Dame’s play-makers on the offensive side of the ball combined with a Texas offense still trying to get its bearings will leave the Longhorns short of victory.
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