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Notre Dame vs. Texas prediction and game preview for the opening contest of the 2016 season. Find out who’s projected to win the matchup between the Fighting Irish and the Longhorns.

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Notre Dame vs. Texas Game Preview

Broadcast Info

Date: Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET

Venue: Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX

Television Station: ABC

Notre Dame vs. Texas Storylines

The Longhorns desperately need to field a consistent offensive outfit, as Charlie Strong enters his third year in Austin. Sterlin Gilbert was brought in from Tulsa to run the Art Briles-style offense, and early enrollee freshman Shane Buechele may be given the keys to this wide-open spread offense.

The No. 10 Fighting Irish, meanwhile, have their own offensive issues—although it’s a different set of problems compared to the ‘Horns. Both DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire are expected to get snaps at quarterback to begin the season, and they’ll rely on talented, yet youthful, playmakers.

Here’s a look at some of the statistics as we head into the season opener.

Statistics reflect the 2015 college football season.

Notre Dame Offensive Stats

Passing Offense: 258.8 ypg
Rushing Offense: 207.6 ypg
Total Offense: 466.4 ypg
Scoring Offense: 34.2 ppg

Texas Offensive Stats

Passing Offense: 145.9 ypg
Rushing Offense: 224.8 ypg
Total Offense: 370.8 ypg
Scoring Offense: 26.4 ppg

Notre Dame Defensive Stats

Passing Defense: 197.1 ypg
Rushing Defense: 175.6 ypg
Total Defense: 372.7 ypg
Scoring Defense: 24.1 ppg
Turnover Margin: -0.46

Texas Defensive Stats

Passing Defense: 212.5 ypg
Rushing Defense: 120.2 ypg
Total Defense: 332.8 ypg
Scoring Defense: 24.1 ppg
Turnover Margin: 0.92

Notre Dame vs. Texas Betting Odds

Spread: Notre Dame -2.5

Over/Under: 59

Matchup to Watch

Malik Jefferson vs. Notre Dame O-Line

The Irish lost Ronnie Stanley and Nick Martin to graduation along with Steve Elmer to a non-football job. Jefferson was named Big 12 defensive player of the year and can cause issues against the ND ground game as well as a pass rusher.

Advantages

Offense: Notre Dame. Until we see any semblance of a potent office from Texas, the advantage goes to the opponent.

Defense: Notre Dame. While the Irish need to find a pass rush, the Longhorns ranked No. 106 nationally in allowing 452.6 yards per game last year. There is a lot of young talent, but it needs to grow up quickly.

Special Teams: Notre Dame. C.J. Sanders is a big-time weapon as a punt and kick returner.

Coaching: Even. His record may not be great in Austin, but Strong can coach—just look at what he did at Louisville.

Intangibles: Texas. There is added pressure on Strong, but he’ll have the home crowd and a new-look offense to combat that on opening weekend.

Notre Dame vs. Texas Prediction

The Irish should be able to move the football no matter who is under center, and the Longhorns should as well. The difference will be the comfort level of the Irish playmakers in their offense. While many are untested on the big stage, Kelly has shown that he always has them ready.

Final Score Prediction For Notre Dame vs. Texas: Notre Dame 27, Texas 20

MORE: 2016 College Football Bowl Projections