Week 3 of the college football season brings a crossroads in South Bend. Notre Dame enters with questions it didn't expect to be facing this early: questions about identity, balance and whether Week 1 was just the competition faced or a warning.
Miami exposed cracks beneath the surface, and now Texas A&M arrives with a mobile quarterback, an efficient offense and just enough versatility to test every one of them.
The stage is set, but the answers are anything but certain.
No. 16 Texas A&M Aggies at No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
Line: Notre Dame -6.5
Money line: Notre Dame (-260), Texas A&M (+215)
Over/Under: 50.5 (O -105, U -115)
What did we learn about Notre Dame in their loss to Miami?
Notre Dame's Week 1 loss to Miami wasn't shocking because of the opponent; it was how the Fighting Irish lost that is the concern. Miami controlled both lines of scrimmage and Notre Dame failed to generate pressure, limit explosives or establish any offensive rhythm.
CJ Carr was efficient enough (19-30, 221 yards, 2 TD), but protection broke down early, limiting downfield shots and forcing short-area passing. Outside of TE Eli Raridon's 65-yard play, the receivers struggled to separate.
On the ground, Jadarian Price flashed explosiveness (7.5 YPC), but 30 of his 45 yards came on one run. Playing from behind, Notre Dame abandoned the run and underutilized Jeremiyah Love.
Defensively, the Irish looked passive, recording just one sack while causing minimal disruption up front. Too many plays reached the second level; safety Jalen Stroman led with nine tackles, which says everything. Miami dictated tempo, stayed balanced and repeatedly hit explosive plays through the air.
Heading to Texas A&M, all of this matters. The Aggies have a mobile, experienced quarterback in Marcel Reed, capable receivers and balance in the run game. If Notre Dame can't create pressure or open up its own offense, it risks another reactive game script.
Betting prediction: Texas A&M +6.5 
This number feels like an overreaction to strength of schedule. Yes, A&M opened against UTSA and Utah State, but the production translates -- a balanced offense led by a quarterback who can change everything.
Reed has been poised and efficient, averaging 8.2 yards per attempt with seven passing touchdowns, but it's his mobility that stresses defenses. He's also A&M's leading rusher, and while the Aggies' run game isn't elite (38th rushing success rate), the offensive line gives Reed time to create.
Notre Dame's run defense numbers look fine, but they weren't disruptive. A&M doesn't need to dominate on the ground, it just needs to be efficient enough to open up Reed's passing abilities.
The bigger question mark is Notre Dame's own rushing offense. The backs have talent, but the offensive line isn't creating lanes, and inconsistent playcalling and abandoning Love until late has left them without rhythm or identity.
Texas A&M has the quarterback edge with Reed's experience and mobility. At +6.5, the Aggies have the tools to stay within the number and live to cover.