Texas A&M Stuns No. 8 Notre Dame with Last-Minute Touchdown

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Texas A&M scored a thrilling last-minute touchdown to defeat No. 8 Notre Dame 41-40 on Saturday night at Notre Dame Stadium. The victory marks the Aggies’ first win against a top-10 opponent since 2014.

The game was filled with dramatic moments as both teams fought for control. Texas A&M, now 3-0, was faced with a critical situation late in the fourth quarter when a Notre Dame defensive penalty gave them new life inside the 10-yard line.

Quarterback Marcel Reed completed 17 of 37 passes for 360 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning throw to tight end Nate Boerkircher with just 19 seconds remaining. Boerkircher, who only had one catch in the game, secured the touchdown on a fourth-down play.

Texas A&M found themselves trailing 40-34 after Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love capped a 75-yard drive with a touchdown run. However, the Irish missed the extra point, leaving the door open for the Aggies.

After a penalty negated a potential touchdown return by Terry Bussey, Texas A&M quickly moved into scoring range. Despite setbacks with false start penalties, Reed managed to keep the Aggies’ hope alive by connecting with Boerkircher for the decisive score.

Reed was praised for his calmness under pressure, as the Aggies had to battle through penalties and incomplete passes before converting the pivotal fourth-and-goal opportunity. After the game, Reed commented on the play, stating, “He has arguably the best hands on the team, so I threw the ball into him, and he caught it.”

The back-and-forth contest showcased offensive fireworks from both teams. The Aggies launched a fast-paced attack, with Reed’s standout performance complemented by receiver Mario Craver, who recorded 207 receiving yards.

Notre Dame struggled to contain Texas A&M’s high-octane offense, allowing several large plays throughout the game. The Fighting Irish, now 0-2 for the season, faced challenges in finding momentum after their earlier loss to Miami.

In a game that displayed the intensity of college football, Texas A&M’s win not only serves as a confidence booster for the young team but as a highlight in coach Mike Elko’s ongoing development of the program. The Aggies’ historic win is expected to resonate with fans for years to come.