Can Notre Dame Cruise By Navy?

Notre Dame was able to leave Boston College with a 25-10 win last weekend to continue its winning streak and bring it to six games straight. When previewing the remainder of the schedule for the Fighting Irish, it was evident that the schedule is favorable for Notre Dame to finish the season 10-2. Further, the only two losses being against ranked opponents and by only four combined points should keep Notre Dame in College Football Playoff contention. The Irish have to keep the momentum going against Navy this weekend.

The Recipe For Success Stays the Same

Notre Dame started slow against Boston College a week ago and looked to be on upset watch heading into the fourth quarter. The Irish were able to pull away toward the end of the game, but starting slow can’t be something that continues for this group. Especially against a strong Navy squad. Navy is 7-1 entering this contest, and the Midshipmen are sitting atop the AAC. Brian Newberry’s squad won seven straight before losing to North Texas a week ago.

The Irish lead the overall record with the Midshipmen, 83-13-1. Most recently, in 2024, Notre Dame cruised to victory against Navy 51-14. Notre Dame is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings between the two programs and is 32-5 at home in the series. Regardless, last week’s overall showing against a struggling Boston College team wasn’t encouraging. The Irish will need to get back on track against a storied rival this weekend.

Keep the Notre Dame Offense Balanced and Keep the Navy Offense Off the Field

Time of possession is the key to success this week. Don’t allow your opponent to get the ball. This is what both sides will be thinking when entering South Bend Saturday night. For Notre Dame, though, this is key. Keeping its offense on the field for long drives is the key to success for Notre Dame. The Irish have cultivated a great attack throughout the last five games and are now a top-10 offense. Mike Denbrock’s unit has found its stride, and it needs to stay on the field. However, sustaining long drives often means converting multiple third downs. This is an area where the Notre Dame offense has struggled compared to the rest of its offensive production. CJ Carr needs to keep his team in a manageable third down, if they get to it, so that the running back duo of Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love can convert.

How Can the Irish Defense Stop Blake Horvath?

Navy’s quarterback Blake Horvath has been the epitome of efficiency this season. Through eight games this season, he has amassed 1,143 passing yards and seven touchdowns through the air. In addition, he has rushed for 926 yards and 13 touchdowns. Horvath has led this Midshipmen team to a 7-1 record, but he has also thrown five interceptions. This is what the Notre Dame defense needs to exploit. The pass rush has been lackluster, so Horvath will likely have time to move the ball; however, the secondary has been great in man coverage. The Irish have 16 interceptions this season and 35 passes defended. Leading the charge are safety Tae Johnson and cornerback Leonard Moore. Both have three interceptions this season, and both are locking down their receivers at a high efficiency rate. These two need to remain productive this weekend, knowing that Horvath likes to utilize his receivers.

If the offense can stay on the field and limit Horvath’s touches on the ball, and if the Irish defense can stay stingy, this should be a cruise to victory.