Mike Elko on not downplaying importance of Notre Dame game: 'It'd be naive'

After an early bye-week following its season-opening 27-24 loss to Miami, No. 8 Notre Dame is back in action this weekend at home against No. 16 Texas A&M. The matchup serves as an opportunity for the Fighting Irish to bounce back in style and show that they should still be squarely in the College Football Playoff mix, while Texas A&M seeks its sixth top-10 victory since 2020.

While the Irish had a week off to rest following their loss, the Aggies opened the season with back-to-back beatdowns of UTSA (44-24) and Utah State (44-22). A win on the road in South Bend could truly propel Mike Elko’s team to the top-10 and solidify A&M as a legit contender in the Southeastern Conference this season.

During a media opportunity on Monday, Elko was asked whether or not this will be ‘just another game’ or if there is implied significance for the opportunity ahead. Elko simply said he’s be naive to tell his team ‘it’s just another game’.

“It’d be naive to not think that our kids understand the magnitude of a top-10 matchup on the road,” Elko said. “From that perspective, obviously this is a big opportunity. How big is it relative to this season? It’s as big as every game we play because win or lose there’s gonna be more to play.

“Regardless of outcome, the next one is going to be just as important. So is the next one. So from that perspective, I don’t see it different. But from the standpoint of ‘is this big stage, big opportunity, primetime game?’ For sure. It would be naive to say it isn’t.”

No. 7 Notre Dame downed No. 20 Texas A&M 23-13 last season

Last year, these two teams kicked off the 2024 season at Kyle Field in College Station. No. 7 ranked Notre Dame started strong with a 23-13 win over No. 20 Texas A&M, kickstarting an incredible season that ended one win short of a National Championship. The Aggies bounced back strong from that loss however, as they won their next seven games (including two against top-10 teams) to jump to No. 10 in the country.

Their matchup last season marked the only meeting ever between the two programs. With every single game meaning so much for the College Football Playoff race, a top-16 win will do wonders for whichever resume comes out on top.

Kick-off between the Irish and Aggies on Saturday is scheduled for 7:30 PM on NBC/Peacock.