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Three Texas A&M Aggies that present the biggest challenge for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish heading into the home opener 
Sara Diggins/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Head Coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame football are fresh off of their bye week, an attempt to move past the season opening loss to the Miami Hurricanes. All eyes are now on the Texas A&M Aggies, who are traveling to South Bend for the Fighting Irish home opener on Saturday night. It promises to be an entertaining game full of physicality, highlight plays, and ups and downs between two talented teams. 

The Aggies are led by head coach Mike Elko, who spent a year with the Notre Dame program back in 2017. In only his second season, Coach Elko has flipped the vibes around College Station. This is a team loaded with talent, including several players that Notre Dame needs to keep a close eye on this weekend.

EDGE Cashius Howell 

After the performance that Miami pass rushers Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor just had against Notre Dame, all eyes are going to be on the Irish game plan to slow down Howell. He’s a different type of rusher than the Hurricane standouts, utilizing more speed and finesse at 6-2 and 249 pounds. Left tackle Anthonie Knapp and right tackle Aamil Wagner should have their hands full in this matchup, and desperately need a bounceback performance. 

WR Kevin Concepcion 

Concepcion was originally a Freshman All-American with NC State, but opted to enter the transfer portal this offseason after his sophomore year. Playing a majority of his reps from the slot, Concepcion is a dynamite player in space. He has the talents to win as a route runner, as well as after the catch. With how much the Irish struggled in the nickel against Miami, you can bet that the Aggies will try to get Concepcion involved in the game plan early and often. 

RB Le’Veon Moss 

It’s pretty shocking to see Moss listed at only 208 pounds. He runs way bigger than that, possessing a tremendous balance of contact balance, explosiveness, and determination. If the linebacker group led by Drayk Bowen isn’t ready, Moss could give them a long day. He is the type of runner who gets even stronger in the second half. 

Honorable Mention 

WR Mario Craver

The former Mississippi State transfer isn’t the biggest wide receiver of all time, but he makes up for it with his combination of long speed and acceleration. Through two games, Craver is the Aggies leading receiver with 13 receptions for 236 yards and three touchdowns. You should expect Craver to get some opportunities down the field against Christian Gray, an area in which the Notre Dame cornerback struggles some at times. 

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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