Notre Dame Sinks Navy
Notre Dame used a balanced offensive attack and racked up 584 total yards to beat Navy 44-22, in the 92nd consecutive meeting between the schools.
The third-ranked Irish ran their record to 8-0 on the season while the Midshipmen dropped to 2-6.
Jalen Elliott jumped in front of a pass toward the end zone by Navy signal-caller Garret Lewis for a game-sealing interception with 1:41 left in the game.
"I'm glad this game's over," stated Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly. "Any time we play Navy, it is a chore for preparation. They're very difficult to prepare for because you're dealing with the most efficient and effective operation relative to the triple option in all of football.
"I just don't like this week, preparing for Ken's teams. I'm just excited to move on to the next week with a victory."
With the score 37-14 early in the fourth quarter, Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book rolled to the right and let a slung a pass towards the middle of the field and was intercepted by Navy defensive back Jacob Springer.
Two plays later, Mike Martin trotted 33 yards into the end zone for a Navy touchdown with 12:42 left in the game. The Midshipmen went for the two-point conversion and converted it successfully.
Navy had hope down just two scores early in the fourth quarter, 37-22.
Navy’s defense came out with some energy and forced a quick third down, but a pass interference call on Taylor Heflin extended the drive.
The penalty propelled a lengthy scoring drive for the Irish. It was eventually capped by a 22-yard touchdown catch by Miles Boykin. Book placed a perfect back shoulder throw for an easy pitch and catch.
This gave Notre Dame a 44-22 lead with 8:29 left in the game.
Despite a lackluster first half offensively, Navy showed some fight and rhythm to open up the second half.
The Midshipmen drove down the field 75 yards on just four plays and capped it with a one-yard touchdown run by Zach Abey. Slot back Malcolm Perry sparked the drive with a 58-yard run down the left sideline.
Navy scored on back-to-back drives to open the second half and outscored Notre Dame 14-10 in the third quarter.
Book was great once again for the Irish. The junior signal-caller completed 27 of his 33 pass attempts for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Boykin caught four passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns and became the first Irish pass-catcher to grab a touchdown in four consecutive games since Will Fuller did it in 2015.
Dexter Williams was excellent once again. He carried the ball 23 times for 142 yards and three touchdowns and also caught all three of his targets for 27 yards.
"He adds a speed to our offense that we need," Book said of Williams. "You know when you give the ball to Dex, he's going to do his job. That's all you can do when you have a group of running backss like that. Having Dex, Jafar, honestly everybody in the running back room, it's a key for our offense. Obviously, love to have Dexter in the backfield."
Jafar Armstrong, in his first game back from injury, showed why he is so valuable to the Irish offense. He did it all, he carried the ball nine times for 52 yards and a score and also caught five passes for 64 yards to pace the passing game.
Te’von Coney led the defense with 14 tackles (eight solo).
Navy’s offense caught fire after struggling in the first half. Abey brought a spark with tough running in the red zone and scored twice from one-yard out.
Perry, after a 10-yard first half caught fire. The speedster carried the ball 12 times for 133 yards to pace the Midshipmen run attack. Martin ran for 56 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown.
The Midshipmen ended with 292 yards on the ground and 344 total yards after a 72 total yard first half.
Heflin paced Navy’s defense with 13 tackles (eight solo). Sean Williams also ended with 11 tackles (10 solo).
72 yards of total offense is all the Notre Dame defense gave up in the first half, to Navy’s triple-option attack.
The Irish defense was on their heels early in the game when signal-caller Book connected with Boykin for a 13 yards on the first play of the game and Navy’s senior safety Williams forced a fumble. This was just Notre Dame’s second fumble on the year.
After four plays in their own territory Notre Dame was able to stuff on fourth down and two to get the ball back on their own 27-yard line.
Book led the Irish offense back out onto the field and took full advantage. Williams sparked an eight play 73-yard scoring drive with a 33-yard sprint which set up an Armstrong 1-yard plunge to give Notre Dame a 6-0 lead with 9:38 left in the first quarter.
Due to Justin Yoon being out with a groin injury, Jonathon Doerer handled all place kicking opportunities and missed his first attempt on the night.
The defense continued their dominance and the offense was able to feed off their energy. Notre Dame scored a touchdown on three of their next four drives of the first half.
Book completed 18 of his 21 pass attempts for 212 yards in the first half. He is nine different receivers in the first half, but his favorite targets were Cole Kmet (31 yards) and Claypool (48 yards) who each caught four passes.
Williams carried the ball nine times for 73 yards and three touchdowns. Coney led the Irish defense with six total tackles (four solo).
Navy’s offense was held in check in the first half, but Tazh Maloy carried the ball three times for 33 yards and was their leading rusher.
Perry who was the person to watch on this Midshipmen offense only tallied 10 yards on three carries. Williams was the led the Navy defense with seven total tackles (six solo) and a forced fumble.