The HornSports staff predicts the outcome of the Texas vs. Notre Dame Game.
Ryan Bridges – Staff Writer
I think the start of the game will be similar to the UCLA game from last year. Both offenses will start slow, and Texas will get a slight lead early. Jerrod Heard will come in and look good at first, but before the game’s up he’ll demonstrate what Charlie Strong said before the season — that the points can go either way with him. Tyrone Swoopes will look about how he looked in the middle of last season (a little above average, for those who don’t remember). The Texas defense will stymie the Notre Dame run game for most of the first half, but a long touchdown pass just before halftime will swing momentum. The Irish will have more offensive success in the second half, with Zaire throwing another touchdown and running for one more. The Longhorns running game never gets going and the game ends with the Irish winning 27-10.
Prediction: Notre Dame – 27, Texas – 10
Will Baizer – Staff Writer
Texas walks into Notre Dame with the high hopes of beating the Irish. I expect the nerves to hit the Longhorns freshmen in this high intensity and unfriendly environment more than the more experience Notre Dame team playing at home. The Longhorns will be getting off to a rocky start. If the Longhorns want to win this game the only way they do is keeping contain of Zaire on the defense AND our offensive line makes sure the big defensive line of the Irish stays out of the backfield. I expect the Jonathon Gray to play lights out and keep the run game dominant but if the Longhorns can’t get the pass game going then the run game will be useless. Thus they need to keep the Irish out of the backfield to give Swoopes time to throw and make decisions. On the other side of the ball the front seven will be dealing with one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country and a very good running quarterback and on top of that the linebackers are dealing with Will Fuller one of the best slot receivers in the country. If they don’t contain Malik Zaire then the Longhorns will be playing on their heels all game long. I don’t see them doing both of these (at least all game long). Texas loses this one in the 3rd quarter, 28-17
Prediction: Notre Dame – 28, Texas – 17
Aaron Carrara, Co-Publisher
Texas quarterback Tyrone Swoopes and the Longhorns head into a tough environment for a season opener. The Longhorns have only won once in South Bend and that was in 1934. It’s been 250 days since either team has played a game and shaking the cobwebs off is something you hope happens early – especially if you are Tyrone Swoopes.
Notre Dame brings a Top-25 ranking into the game and has the edge on paper, but I don’t expect this to be a runaway game for the Irish by any means. Swoopes is improved and Malik Zaire is making only his second start at QB for Brian Kelley. The key to this game for me is the Texas defense and their ability to contain the dual threat skills of Zaire. Look for Jerrod Heard to tuck and run most of the time during snaps he is under center.
The Longhorns keep it close in this one scoring a late-game touchdown but leave South Bend with an 0-1 record to start the season.
Prediction: Notre Dame – 31, Texas – 24
John Nemec – Staff Writer
It is finally football season; let us all take a moment of silence and revel in the fact that football is back…. Okay good got that out of the way. Texas at Notre Dame what a way to start the football season! I love how we are jumping straight into the season, and not having to wade through an out of conference tune up game against North Texas. I have great confidence in Charlie Strong. However, there will be some bumps and bruises for this young Texas team, and we are going to find out what they are made of real fast playing a night game in South Bend. I think Charlie gets this team jacked. The defense is able to fly around creating havoc and pressure on the young Notre Dame quarterback, Malik Zaire, into making a costly mistake or two. If Texas can make his night a living nightmare I think Texas can pull the upset and start the season off on a high note.
Malik Jefferson picks off Zaire late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. Texas squeaks by 24-21.
Prediction: Texas – 24, Notre Dame – 21
Mike Roach – Senior Recruiting Analyst
Texas will need to play a pretty clean game on offense, and hope to force some Notre Dame mistakes they can capitalize on for short fields. If Daje Johnson can become the weapon he’s shown himself to be in Fall camp, this one could get interesting. On defense, Texas will need to keep Malik Zaire in the pocket and force him to beat them with his arm. I think Texas keeps it close for the first 3 quarters, until a big 4th quarter play allows Notre Dame to pull away.
Prediction: Notre Dame 34 Texas 17