Texas vs Notre Dame: Week 1 Schedule, Preview, and Prediction
By Tyler Brett
Texas football kicks off their 2016 season in a marquee matchup with No. 10 Notre Dame. Can the Longhorns avenge their 38-3 dismantling they suffered in South Bend last season?
Where to watch
Sunday, September 4, 6:30 PM CT, ABC
What to Watch For
Notre Dame comes into the game with a top-10 ranking and an eye towards the College Football Playoff. This is their only true road test until their season finale against USC. This would be a statement win to bolster their Playoff resume, to be sure.
For Texas, it could be a program-defining game for Charlie Strong. The Horns are coming off back-to-back losing seasons and need to start winning games if Strong and his staff hope to see Year 4 on the Forty Acres. Winning this game would take a ton of pressure off Strong and give this young team a ton of momentum heading into a rough opening stretch of the season.
The Irish return a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, particularly at defensive line and quarterback. Brian Kelly will use both Malik Zaire and DeShone Kizer on Sunday presenting varying styles the Texas defense has to prepare for. Last year, Zaire torched the Horns, completing 19 of 22 passes for 300+ yards and three touchdowns. Kizer stepped in for an injured Zaire last year and is generally regarded as the better runner of the two.
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Similarly, Strong has said the Longhorns will be using two quarterbacks on Sunday, senior Tyrone Swoopes and freshman Shane Buechele. While he’s been tight-lipped on which is the starter and how exactly both will be used, Texas fans can expect to see what each can do against a tough Irish front. The Horns will look to establish the run with D’Onta Foreman and Chris Warren to set up their passing attack. Texas has phenomenal athleticism at receiver and will work to get those athletes in open space early and often.
Keys to Victory
- Create Chaos on Defense – Last year, Notre Dame was way too comfortable on offense. Texas has to create some havoc, harassing whoever is in at quarterback and shutting down running lanes. The defense has to create more negative plays, including forcing a turnover or two, if the Horns want to pull off this upset.
- Stay Patient on Offense – Sterlin Gilbert is installing a brand-new offensive system and Texas will likely go through some growing pains. Whatever happens early, the Horns can’t abandon the running game or the short passing attack. Using those consistently will open up the bigger plays later in the game and provide some rhythm to the Texas offense, something the Horns sorely lacked last season.
- Big Contributions from Freshman: Texas has not been shy about playing their best players, no matter their class. After signing one of the best 2016 recruiting classes, Strong isn’t going to hesitate to do the same in this game. Notre Dame is a big-time opponent to make your collegiate debut against but the Horns will need some of their young stars to make plays. Maybe a big catch and run for Devin Duvernay? Or a clutch pass from Buechele? Jordan Elliott making a drive-ending tackle for loss, perhaps? One way or another, Texas needs a big-time performance from a young stud.
Prediction
It’s the season opener and hope springs eternal. This Texas team is stacked with potential. Will it come through for them on Sunday?
Texas 31, Notre Dame 30