ISD Game Predictions: Navy

It’s Friday, and that means it’s that time once again!  The Irish travel to face Navy on Saturday and they’re looking to build upon their impressive win over Clemson last week with another dominant performance over Navy—easier said than done.  Will Navy play the spoiler role once again for the Irish, or has Notre Dame fully turned the corner on this season?  

Mike Frank

This has “let down game” written all over it. Navy is an improving, albeit beat up team, but also a group of men who won’t just lie down for the Irish.  If the Irish are going to win, they will have to earn it.

Navy’s rush defense has been very sound this year, but so had Clemson’s, and they have better talent.  I think it’s important to get Drew Pyne some confidence in the passing game in this game, but with limited possessions in a game like this, Tommy Rees can’t get too stuck on that idea.  However, Pyne and the Irish passing game have to find a way improve if they want to beat USC in a few weeks.  This is a perfect game to do it as Navy’s pass defense is poor.  Hopefully we will see that happen! 

I expect Notre Dame to play well, but they might have a slower start in this game.  

Notre Dame 37, Navy 10

Jamie Uyeyama

A noon kickoff after playing an emotional, physical game the week before feels like a bad spot to play Navy. If this was a better Navy team, this might be a spot where Notre Dame could be upset by an inferior squad.

I don't see that happening. I see Notre Dame continuing to run the football and establish who they are on offense despite Navy's success stopping the run. I also see Notre Dame's passing game having a big day throwing against one of the worst pass defenses in the country.

As for Navy's offense, they just aren't at the level they used to be. They might put a drive or two together, but they'll need a lot more help than that.

The Irish win comfortably. 

Notre Dame 31, Navy 14

Matt Freeman

Navy is not Navy of the past. Now, the triple-option is once again new to Al Golden, but no worries, the Irish have a plan and the athletes to stop it.

Notre Dame holds Navy to under 220 yards rushing, while Drew Pyne tosses three touchdowns. 

Notre Dame 45, Navy 13

Christian McCollum

The final score doesn't do justice to show that Tommy Rees' offense continues to roll and this time with flashes from an aerial attack.

The only reasons the Irish don't get closer to a 40-point output is Navy's clock-controlling offense and the Irish's ability to dominate with its own running game.

The duo of Audric Estime and Logan Diggs continues to carry the load for the Irish. Quarterback Drew Pyne has his finest outing since the BYU and North Carolina games, looking sharp and confident while allowing further emergence of freshman wideout Tobias Merriweather.

Marcus Freeman talked about Al Golden having some great ideas for stopping the option and, although it's a small sample size, his approach definitely works in this matchup.

Notre Dame 27, Navy 10

Andrew Mentock

Notre Dame is coming off an emotional victory against No. 4 Clemson, and I expect them to experience a few offensive miscues early against Navy. The Midshipmen have struggled this season, but they still have one of the best rush defenses in the country, and that’ll give the Irish problems early. 

At the same time, I expect Notre Dame to dominate defensively from the jump, and that’ll give the Irish time to get going offensively. 

Eventually, Notre Dame strings together a few dominant drives on the ground and goes on to win comfortably. 

Notre Dame 27, Navy 3