Here is everything we learned from Texas A&M's 41-40 win over Notre Dame

No. 16 Texas A&M sent a message on the biggest stage during Saturday night's epic road test against No. 8 Notre Dame , which felt like eternity, but only lasted the regular four quarters. Coming away with the 41-40 victory that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, coach Mike Elko's team still has its issues, but the Aggies passed the first significant test of the 2025 season.

"Epic" is an understatement given the back-and-forth battle that came down to the final possession. At the same time, Notre Dame's botched extra point after taking a 40-34 lead provided a clear opening to win the game, leading to the now memorable 13-play, 74-yard touchdown drive with 2:53 left in the fourth quarter after starting quarterback Marcel Reed connected with tight end Natre Boerkircher for the game-winning score.

Reed, who only completed 17-37, threw for a career high 360 yards and two touchdowns. At the same time, the Aggies' elite wide receiver duo saw Mario Craver produce his own historic receiving game with 207 yards, while KC Concepcion followed with 82 yards, including two clutch catches that set up A&M's fourth touchdown before the half.

One underrated aspect of the game was Texas A&M kicker Randy Bond, who won the starting job last week, hitting two of three attempts, including a 43-yard and 45-yard field goal late in the third and fourth quarters. However, Texas A&M's defense surrendered 429 yards, which, during the first half, resulted in Mike Elko throwing a folding chair in anger, an entirely understandable reaction.

While we all continue to come down from the utter chaos that was Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame, here are five key takeaways from the Aggies' massive 41-40 win over the Fighting Irish .

QB Marcel Reed proved he has the clutch factor

Is Marcel Reed the most underrated player in all of college football? Possibly, and after throwing for 360 yards en route to Saturday's 41-40 win over Notre Dame, you can be sure that the national media will now take notice after the Tennessee native shredded the Irish's respected secondary throughout the night.

Yes, Reed only completed 17/37, which isn't very accurate, but explosive plays were, and will continue to be, the focus instead of padding stats. Credit to OC Collin Klein for providing his QB the opportunities to hit his receivers in stride. Reed will only improve and become more accurate as the season progresses.

After the game, Mike Elko stated to the media, "Hopefully, you guys don't have to ask me if Marcel (Reed) can throw." Well, the critics won't go away any time soon, but this is undoubtedly the start of what could be an incredible season for the redshirt sophomore.

Reed's actual clutch moment came during the final drive to win the game, backed up in the red zone after several false start penalties, only to find Nebraska transfer tight end Nate Boerkircher for the game-tying touchdown, who, apparently, didn't see the ball until the final seconds.

Texas A&M's defensive line had its moments, both good and bad

It wasn't a banner day for Texas A&M's revamped defensive line, which allowed 136 rushing yards on 39 attempts for an average of 3.5 yards per attempt. Those numbers are respectable, as Mike Elko's weekly second-half adjustments led to a vast improvement, essentially shutting down Notre Dame's explosive runs, despite allowing late rushing scores.

Playing in a demanding environment against one of the better offensive lines is never easy. Still, two names along the defensive line stood out throughout the night, and Pro Football Focus agrees. According to the site, junior defensive tackle DJ Hicks earned the highest defensive grade (78.3) and 74.3 run defense grade, followed by senior DL Albert Regis's 76.4 run defense grade.

However, Texas A&M had 17 missed tackles on the night, which isn't just a defensive line problem, but something Elko and his staff need to work on during the bye week. Overall, I expect this group to continue improving, especially if Hicks, Regis, and senior edge Cashius Howell , who also recorded three tackles and a tackle for loss, continue to make an impact in the trenches.

Texas A&M's rushing attack is beginning to show signs of life

Senior running back Le'Veon Moss had to be relieved to get back to form after he reportedly dealt with an in-game health issue, but came back in the lineup to produce his best game of the season. Averaging a respectable 4.1 yards per attempt against Notre Dame's stout defensive line, Moss reached the end zone three times thanks to Texas A&M's prolific passing game.

Moss finished the games with 20 carries, 81 yards and three touchdowns, taking nearly every carry, followed by QB Marcel Reed's seven attempts for 37 yards, while Rueben Owens and Amari Daniels received a combined four carries for nine yards.

The fact that Moss received nearly every snap isn't shocking, as the Louisiana native is the most trustworthy running back in short-yardage situations and understands the importance of fighting for every yard and avoiding negative plays.

Moss will continue to be the workhorse based on matchups, but I'd expect we'll continue to see this deep group see the field throughout SEC play. One notable play in the passing game came from Rueben Owens, who caught a 24-yard pass that set up a touchdown.

Minimizing penalties, especially in the trenches, will be key moving forward

Texas A&M's 13 penalties on Saturday were the most on the season thus far, and nearly cost the Aggies the win after the final offensive drive included multiple false starts and snap infraction penalties that, if it weren't for Marcel Reed's impressive throw to Nate Boerkircher, would have likely resulted in a Notre Dame victory.

This issue is by far the most fixable compared to performance-based problems, and it starts with preparing Texas A&M's offensive line to play in loud environments, both outside and at home in Kyle Field. Again, you have to give Texas A&M's O-line credit for not surrendering a sack and just two tackles for loss, as Reed had plenty of time to go through his progressions all night.

Still, penalties have hindered the Aggies' progress, and without placing all the blame on the O-line, cornerback Dezz Ricks ' late hit out of bounds, which resulted in a Notre Dame touchdown a couple of plays later, can also be easily avoided.

Sophomore Mario Craver is one of the best wide receivers in the country

What a performance from the former Mississippi State wide receiver, who currently leads the nation in receiving yards (443) after reeling in seven receptions for 207 yards, including an electric 72-yard touchdown on Saturday night. Paired with KC Concepcion's 82 receiving yards, Craver has become Marcel Reed's go-to target for chunk gains through the air.

Craver's speed, quickness, and improved route running have made him one of the toughest matchups in the country, on par with Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith and Alabama wideout Ryan Williams.

Throughout the offseason, it was clear that Texas A&M's offense needed an explosive element in the passing game. Still, no one knew just how impactful Craver would become, especially on the road against a Notre Dame secondary that many considered elite.

Just three games in, the sky is the limit for Craver, who is on his way to becoming Texas A&M's first 1,000-yard receiver in nearly a decade.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M football’s top takeaways from 41-40 win over Notre Dame