Cavalier Corner Digital

10.30.13.Navy Preview

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nationally, 204.4 yards allowed per game), but a lot of that has to do with opponents opting to gash the Midshipmen defense on the ground. Three of four starting defensive backs returned in 2013, and they have shown an aptitude for forcing turnovers, with seven interceptions through seven games. Advantage: Notre Dame Special Teams Navy sophomore kicker Nick Sloan has not been called upon often, but he has struggled in limited duty (5 of 8 overall on field goals). He did, however, succeed in the clutch against Pittsburgh with a game-winning 30-yarder as time expired. Junior punter Pablo Beltran led the 32nd-ranked unit with an average of 42.7 yards per punt through seven games. Junior kicker/punter Kyle Brindza has quelled preseason concerns at the positions with an impressive 2013. For the Irish, kickoff and punt return coverage have been a concern. USC punt returner Nelson Agholor's returns nearly beat Notre Dame, but the defense held each time. The Irish, however, won't face an athlete of his caliber against Navy. Advantage: Notre Dame Coaching Kelly (and Diaco) endured a nightmarish loss to Navy in 2010, but the past two years have shown that the pair's struggles against the triple option have subsided. Niumatalolo led Navy to wins over Notre Dame in 2009 and 2010 (as well as a near upset in 2008), but his program has slipped from its peak a few years ago. Games that the Midshipmen consistently won under former coach Paul Johnson and early under Niumatalolo have been losses the past couple years (see defeats to Western Kentucky, Duke and Toledo in 2013). Advantage: Notre Dame Intangibles Navy typically plays its best game of the season against Notre Dame, but even that shouldn't be enough for an upset at Notre Dame Stadium this year. The Irish have too much talent for the Midshipmen and are focused on entering their season finale against Stanford with BCS aspirations. Notre Dame's defense has improved dramatically in recent weeks, but faces a triple option attack for the second straight week. If recent performances are any indication, the scheme adjustment will be no issue for the Irish in the penultimate home game of 2013. Advantage: Notre Dame Predictions Tom Loy: Notre Dame 27, Navy 17 The Fighting Irish will continue throwing the football in hopes of establishing an early air attack to put the game out of reach, although it would seem to make more sense on paper to run against the smaller defense. They should have success against a Navy secondary that has struggled against the pass for much of the season. Senior quarterback Tommy Rees should play very well and Notre Dame should win this one comfortably. Dan Murphy: Notre Dame 47, Navy 21 The triple option can be tricky, but the Irish got a good warm-up against Air Force in Colorado last week. The offense should also be ready to throw its weight around against another undersized defensive line. Notre Dame won't get to 50 for the third time in a row against the Midshipmen, but some of the second-team offense, including senior quarterback Andrew Hendrix, should have an opportunity to get into the action in the second half. Andrew Owens: Notre Dame 38, Navy 14 After losing three of four to Navy, the Irish have blown out the Midshipmen in each of the past two seasons. Between Brian Kelly and his staff figuring out how to stop the triple option and Navy's regression the past couple of years, expect Notre Dame to again win in decisive fashion. The opportunity exists to focus on a struggling rushing attack while the Irish chase BCS dreams. Head coach Ken Niumatalolo led Navy to wins over Notre Dame in 2009 and 2010, but the Irish have outscored the Midshipmen 106-24 the past two seasons. photo courtesy navy ✦ Page 4 Lou Somogyi: Notre Dame 35, Navy 17 Generally if a Notre Dame regular on the schedule loses handily two years in a row to the Irish, I expect a tougher, more hard-fought contest the third time (see Michigan State this year). Notre Dame breezed through both of the last two meetings with the Midshipmen, so it might not be as easy the third time, especially if a healthy Keenan Reynolds can find a rhythm at quarterback to keep it competitive.

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