Can't Wait For Saturday | The season barely started and one CFP spot already seems t be claimed

Greetings from "Can't Wait For Saturday," your morning morsel of college football, courtesy of longtime Illini beat writer, AP Top 25 voter and Heisman state rep Bob Asmussen. He'll give you his views each day on the game he loves

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The things (I think) I know for sure:

1. Texas A&M is a difficult place to play for a visitor.

2. New Aggies coach Mike Elko knows his stuff.

3. Notre Dame beat Elko and the Aggies on Saturday with his former quarterback.

4. Notre Dame seems destined for the a spot in the College Football Playoff this season.

My guess is Notre Dame needs 10 wins to earn a spot. By my count, if the current team stays healthy, there are at most three possible losses left on the Irish schedule. And Notre Dame should be favored in two or all three: home against Louisville and Florida State and on the road at Southern California.

Texas A&M played well enough defensively to beat Notre Dame, but couldn't overcome its offensive struggles.

Notre Dame's defense looked Saturday like one of the best in the country, making key stops and forcing turnovers. The secondary is outstanding and the front seven is solid too.,

Marcus Freeman, who isn't even 40, has put together a winning team and coaching staff. He also has the "go for it" attitude that will serve his team well.

The offense is a work in progress with a mostly new line. But Duke transfer quarterback Riley Leonard is the right guy to lead it.

Notre Dame is moving up this week on my Top 25 ballot. Not sure yet how high.