Paul Finebaum believes Notre Dame is already walking a fine line when it comes to its College Football Playoff chances. Following a season-opening loss to Miami and an idle Week 2, the Fighting Irish face Texas A&M this weekend in South Bend with their postseason hopes hanging in the balance.
The defeat against the Hurricanes exposed several concerns, and Finebaum argued that the Irish cannot afford another slip-up.
“If they lose, they could be out of the Playoff before we even get to the first day of autumn,” Finebaum said on The Matt Barrie Show. “They feel the heat.”
Notre Dame enters Week 3 with a 0-1 record, and history suggests the margin for error is almost gone. In the four-team playoff era, two defeats in the first two weeks were virtually disqualifying. Even in the expanded field, a 10-2 finish may not be enough if other teams with similar records bring stronger resumes or carry the advantage of conference championship appearances.
Last season, Notre Dame and Texas A&M met in College Station, where the Irish pulled away late for a 10-point win after being tied 6-6 at halftime. Riley Leonard went 18-for-30 for 158 yards without a touchdown but contributed 63 rushing yards.
Running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price carried the load, combining for 135 yards and two scores. Finebaum noted that the circumstances are different this year.
“Last year, this game was the opener. A&M just wasn’t ready, and they slopped around and let Notre Dame win. But this game carries more weight now, especially for Notre Dame,” he said. “I think pressure is on, and that might tilt things a bit toward Texas A&M. But make no mistake—this is a sneaky, sneaky great game.”
The Aggies arrive undefeated at 2-0 with victories over UTSA and Utah State. For Notre Dame, this marks a chance to rebound from the early setback and prove they remain in the playoff conversation. Another loss, however, could shut that door before the season even reaches its first turn of autumn.