When Notre Dame steps on the field against Navy, they will be 27.5-point favorites against a team that was undefeated until last weekend.
Before the 31-17 loss to North Texas, the Mids were undefeated and had scored at least 21 points in every game, with six games over 32+ points. Last weekend’s undoing came at the hands of turning the ball over.
Starting quarterback Blake Horvath was responsible for all three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble).
Other than that, the Navy’s offense had been putting up video game numbers against its opponents.
If the Fighting Irish aren’t respecting their opponent this week, the unthinkable could happen, or, at least, there could be a scare like last week against Boston College.
Notre Dame has been Notre Dame’s worst enemy, and it’s why games against Navy and Pitt aren’t necessarily a given even if the Fighting Irish ultimately win both.
The Fighting Irish defense has had games when the tackling has been poor and the discipline has been nonexistent. Just look at some of the penalties Notre Dame has on defense.
Navy wants to chew up time. They want to stay ahead of the chains. Notre Dame’s defense can help in this regard by not fouling the ball handler on the first hit or extending drives with penalties.
Trust me, the Fighting Irish don’t want to see a 24-23 game going into the fourth quarter for two reasons. One, they don’t want to lose, and two, the committee gave them a mulligan for the Boston College performance, they might not get another one.
Then there’s the kicking game. Notre Dame’s field goal kickers look like a bad episode of Peanuts with Lucy pulling the ball away from Charlie Brown. They keep missing field goals and extra points, and if it doesn’t catch up with them this weekend, it will catch up with them in Pittsburgh.
Offensively, it’s limiting the turnovers. Notre Dame will have a chance to make big plays in both the passing and running games. It’s staying patient with the playcalling and CJ Carr being better than he has been the last couple of weeks.
Other than that, Jeremiyah Love should have a big day, and Jadarian Price will be looking to bounce back from last week’s benching.
As silly as it sounds, Notre Dame needs to be as dialed in as it can be for Navy, no matter what the talking heads will tell you on Saturday morning.
