Prediction
Let’s get very specific about these predictions. On Navy’s first offensive play, they will come out in a pistol formation and look to pass the ball in an effort to establish the “run-and-shoot” aspect of their offense. They also know it will be an easy way to gain a few yards early on an Irish defense that will be playing soft on the receivers.
Then, Navy will run a traditional triple-option play with the ball likely going to the fullback. On their third play, the Midshipmen will play-action and take a shot down field with the hope that they catch former Navy safety, now Notre Dame captain, Alohi Gilman, cheating up.
If this works, Navy runs away with the upset.
A more likely scenario is that the Notre Dame defense remains disciplined early in the game. The Irish and the Mids will go back-and-forth all game. The game will come down to the wire and end in a game-winning field goal by the freshman kicker from Navy, Bijan Nichols, for his second game-winner of the year.
Final Score: Navy 30, Notre Dame 27