ISD Game Prediction:s Navy
It’s Friday, and that means game prediction time once again. The Irish are hoping to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Navy bring an undefeated record and an explosive offense to the game on Saturday. This game is usually a battle. Which team will come out on top?
Mike Frank
I have faith that this Irish team will come prepared to play. I believe Notre Dame’s offense will have success against Navy’s defense. I also trust that Al Golden will have the correct game plan to beat Navy. What I don’t know is if the Irish players will play discipline enough on defense to execute that plan.
The Irish have a great defense, but playing Navy is a completely different animal. My only concern here is that so many ND defenders have never faced the Navy offense, and that gives me some concern. But, I feel ND will score enough on offense, and they will likely give up some early points before they start to clamp down on the Midshipmen.
I expect ND to get the running game going, but also RIley Leonard throws a couple of passing TDs in this game.
Notre Dame 34, Navy 23
Greg Flammang
As an offensive football team, Navy is definitely good. Weak teams or not, their numbers are impressive, and the efficiency in which they play cannot be discounted. They will move the ball on Notre Dame, and their first two possessions will end in touchdowns, in my opinion.
That said, Notre Dame is a better defensive team than Navy is an offensive team, and they will figure out how to solve the Navy problem eventually.
The worst unit on both sides is Navy’s defense and there is no adjustment to be made when a team can simply out athlete you, as Notre Dame can. So when Navy stops scoring, the Irish will keep scoring and will eventually take control.
Notre Dame 38, Navy 24
Jamie Uyeyama
Navy's offense has been great this season against a lot of bad defenses. Notre Dame's defense is not bad. I don't know if there is a defense in the country that prepares and adjusts better to all of the window dressing an offense can present better than Notre Dame.
Navy will have some success on offense, but they'll be like everyone else and not find enough against a defense that has too many playmakers.
The fact that Navy is 84th in EPA per rush on defense is a bad thing to be against Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Riley Leonard. Notre Dame's offense will roll with a big day running the football and the defense causes two turnovers to help the Irish pull away.
Notre Dame 42, Navy 20
Matt Freeman
Notre Dame hasn't had issues with the triple-option under Marcus Freeman and that doesn't change in 2024. The Irish defense does what it's supposed to do, but Navy gets the usual big plays to make Notre Dame fans squirm. Riley Leonard tops the 100-yard rushing mark for the first time since Miami OH after he gets loose for an 81-yard touchdown run. Jeremiyah Love adds his usual two touchdowns.
Notre Dame 34, Navy 17
Christian McCollum
This one isn't all that fun for Irish fans.
In fact, it's downright frustrating.
Navy maintains a major time of possession advantage in the first half as the Irish offense is unable to sustain drives outside of a touchdown march to open the game.
After being tied 7-7 at the halftime, Navy jumps out to a 14-7 lead early in the third quarter before the Irish bust a big play for a score followed by another long touchdown drive to go up 21-14.
With the Midshipmen trailing in the fourth quarter, they're forced to play faster, which the Irish take advantage of. A field goal midway through the final quarter essentially seals it for Notre Dame.
The stat sheet at the end isn't awful, but few Irish fans are pulling this one up again on DVR for a rewatch.
Notre Dame 24, Navy 14