Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Notre Dame Football: Irish look to preserve undefeated season vs. Navy

By Jacob Wilson

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 18: Kevin Stepherson #29 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs as Sean Williams #6 and Justin Norton #5 of the Navy Midshipmen close in at Notre Dame Stadium on November 18, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Navy 24-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 18: Kevin Stepherson #29 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs as Sean Williams #6 and Justin Norton #5 of the Navy Midshipmen close in at Notre Dame Stadium on November 18, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Navy 24-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Following a narrow victory over Pitt, Notre Dame football looks to preserve their undefeated season in a neutral site meeting with Navy.

Considering the grueling nature of Navy’s offense under head coach Ken Niumatalolo, having your bye week fall either before or after such a matchup is quite timely. While head coach Brian Kelly has handled Navy for the most part during his time with Notre Dame, the Midshipmen have been a thorn in the side of the Irish on numerous occasions.

In what is one of the most historic rivalries in all of college football, Navy and Notre Dame will meet for the 89th time in this week’s matchup at SDCCU Stadium. The Irish currently hold a commanding 75-13-1 series lead over the Midshipmen, a testament to Notre Dame’s dominance over the years.

Nevertheless, Navy has remained competitive in most of their recent matchups vs. Kelly’s Irish. Despite the statistical differences between these two teams in 2018, don’t be surprised to see that same kind of competitiveness this weekend. Here’s how to watch the Midshipmen take on the Irish as 24 point underdogs.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 27
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: San Diego, CA
Venue: SDCCU Stadium
TV: CBS
Live Stream: CBS Sports or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

Heading into this week as heavy favorites, Notre Dame must put forth a stronger effort in this game compared to what was offered against Pitt. Despite Navy’s attempts to limit their opponent’s offensive opportunities, the Midshipmen have been shredded through the air this season. Look for the Irish to take home the win if Ian Book is able to maintain this trend.

Navy’s formula for victory has remained in place throughout the years, with Niumatalolo stressing the run game and clock control as methods for success. While the success has been fleeting this season, Navy maintains one of the most grueling rushing attacks in the nation. Their third win of the season will be within grasp if they can control the clock and capitalize on a turnover or two.

Betting Odds

Odds provided by OddsShark

Point Spread: Notre Dame -24
Over/Under: 54.5

Next. NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round entering Week 9. dark

Prediction

Navy has played spoiler to the Irish on occasion, but it’s been a while since the Irish have had such a complete team. Most importantly, Book provides a dynamic passing attack that should be good enough to guide the Irish to victory. I think the Midshipmen will cover the spread, but it shouldn’t be as close as some of the last few matchups between these two storied programs.

Final Score: Notre Dame 28, Navy 17

Home/Notre Dame Fighting Irish