Notre Dame Football: Game-by-game predicitions for 2018

At one time, this was a date Notre Dame fans would circle on the calendar as a win. However, that 43-game winning streak is a thing of the past. Ever since Ken Niumatalolo took over the helm of the United States Naval Academy, they’ve given Notre Dame fits. In the Kelly era, they are 4-1 (6-1 if you count the vacated wins). However the one win for Navy was two years ago, and last year was a one-possession ballgame.

Teams at the service academies are typically smaller than the their opponents. As a result, they have to win with pure athleticism. It can give teams fits, as they rarely see the triple option, and Navy utilizes it to perfection. Navy has been in their conference championship game twice since joining the American Athletic Conference. So, they’re no slouch. Don’t let last season’s record fool you.

Prediction

This game is going to come down to discipline for Notre Dame. Defending the triple option is about sticking to your assignment, that’s all. It’s hard to do with so many moving parts. However, Notre Dame will have just enough discipline to eek out a victory in San Diego against the Naval Academy.

Notre Dame 27
Navy 24