Navy Midshipmen look to exploit Notre Dame in trap game
By Tommy Tabler
The Navy Midshipmen have historically struggled against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but can they pull an upset this weekend?
Navy seems to be adapting well to joining a conference. The Midshipmen are 4-0 and are looking to grab another victory against a reeling Notre Dame team who lost in the closing seconds against Clemson on a failed two-point conversion try.
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The Navy offensive attack is led by record-breaking quarterback Keenan Reynolds who already has nine touchdowns orchestrating the Midshipmen option attack and the Irish could be vulnerable after a tough loss and USC looming next weekend.
Reynolds will be running into a Notre Dame defense that ranks 60th in the nation, allowing 152 yards per game on the ground. If Navy can consistently churn out long drives and end them with seven points instead of settling for a field goal, the Irish could fall victim to an upset at the hands of the former Independent turned member of the AAC.
Notre Dame’s offense can’t afford to get out to a slow start and needs to have the same intensity they had agaisnt Clemson when they rallied late but fell one play short. Quarterback DeShone Kizer needs to play well and limit mistakes in this game after turnovers killed the Fighting Irish last week.
The Navy defensive unit has quietly had a terrific season, allowing only 15 points per game, but will be without safety Kwazel Bertrand for the next few weeks. As Gene Wang of The Washington Post described, “Bertand’s absence places the secondary in a precarious position.” Wang is right on the money, the Notre Dame receiving corps will give the Navy defense some problems.
Both Notre Dame and Navy have a great deal to play for this season and a victory for both teams puts them in terrific shape in terms of bowl bids, but a loss for Notre Dame would officially end their chances for a national championship.
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