Notre Dame Football: 5 toughest opponents in 2018

Navy isn’t the most glamorous name on this list. They don’t have the star power of some of Notre Dame’s other opponents, but they ought not to be overlooked. The option rushing attack the Midshipmen employ takes discipline and focus. If Notre Dame has an off day, which has happened more than once over the last several seasons, Navy can make them pay.

Four of the last five games between these squads have been decided by 10 points or less. The clock-control offense employed by the Midshipmen shrinks the clock and magnifies every possession. The Midshipmen beat the Irish in 2016 and the two teams were tied entering the fourth quarter of last season’s contest.

Notre Dame faced Navy last season when Zach Abbey was under center. In 2018 it will be Malcolm Perry. The offense won’t look any different, but the tendencies and decision-making of the man with the ball might change ever so slightly. No matter the score, this is going to be a close game. The Irish best not take their foot off the gas.