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It’s finally here! After yet another seemingly never-ending offseason shrouded in speculation and anticipation, the Texas Longhorns are now 24 hours and counting away from taking the field against the No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
In preparation for what may be the ‘Horns most highly anticipated matchup of the Charlie Strong era, we at Burnt Orange Nation have churned out some thoughts on pretty much everything you would want and need to know before the game:
- The ‘Horns are seeking validation, not redemption against the Fighting Irish.
- The battle in the trenches will have a significant say in which historically dominant program comes out on top.
Defensively, a thin group of experienced defensive tackles for the ‘Horns will go against one of the best offensive lines in college football, a statement that may seem surprising on the surface since the Irish lost left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Nick Martin to the NFL Draft and right guard Steve Elmer to politics.
But even with those losses, Pro Football Focus still ranked the unit as the best in college football heading into the season, in part because of the proficiency of Harry Hiestand, who may be one of the most underrated offensive line coaches in the country.
- How Texas can take advantage of a Notre Dame secondary that appears vulnerable after injuries and attrition.
Notably, Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly is playing Sebastian and Tranquill, a 225-pounder who may be best served near the line of scrimmage, because he believes that they won’t make mistakes in assignment.
But when lined up against Longhorns junior wide receiver Armanti Foreman, freshman wide receiver Devin Duvernay, who runs a verified 4.38 40-yard dash, or former quarterback Jerrod Heard, the sophomore who recently changed positions, how much of a chance do players like Tranquill or Sebastian have against that type of speed?
- The visitor list on Sunday is absolutely stacked, as four five-star prospects headline a contingent of more than 25 targets set to watch Texas.
- The Burnt Orange Nation staff predicts the outcome of Texas - Notre Dame.
How to watch, listen, and stream
TV: ABC. 6:30 p.m. CT
Commentary: Joe Tessitore will handle the play-by-play call while Todd Blackledge will provide the analysis. Holly Rowe will serve as the sideline reporter.
Radio: (LOCAL): Texassports.com, Longhorn Radio Network, (NATIONAL): Sirius XM Channel 84
Online Streaming: WatchESPN
Weather: 92 degrees
Odds: Notre Dame (-3.5)