Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/744639
46 NOV. 7, 2016 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED BY LOU SOMOGYI OVER & UNDER In 2016, the Naval Academy overachieved through the first two months of the season while Notre Dame underachieved. After last season's amazing 11-2 ride that enabled Navy to finish with its highest Associated Press ranking (No. 18) since 1963, the Midshipmen, per Phil Steele, had the second fewest starters returning in 2016 with eight (two on offense and six on defense). The only team listed with fewer on offense and defense was Ohio State with six (three on offense and three on defense). Not only did Navy have to replace all-time NCAA touchdowns leader Keenan Reynolds at quarterback, but his replacement, Tago Smith, also was lost for the year with an injury in the opener. Its lone return- ing starter on that side of the ball was senior wide receiver Jamir Tillman, although senior slot back Dishan Ro- mine has starting experience. Yet there was Navy entering the Oct. 29 weekend ranked No. 22 — highlighted by defeating then-No. 6 Houston, its first conquest of a top-10 ranked foe since 1984. Therein again is the difference be- tween a program and a team. With its time-tested system, Navy consistently maximizes and goes beyond its talent level — neither its 2014 nor 2015 recruiting classes were in Rivals' top 100, while the 2013 haul was No. 95 and this past February's was No. 90 — to average eight or nine wins per season, making it a program. Notre Dame also averages eight or nine wins, but has not fulfilled its full potential the way Navy has. OFFENSIVE NUMBERS Every year when Notre Dame plays Navy, the pregame banter usually centers on how much the Fighting Irish defense can slow the Midship- men's vaunted triple-option attack that annually places among the top three nationally in rushing offense. Seldom does the spotlight turn to how Navy's defense can stop Notre Dame's offense, which is generally GAME PREVIEW: NAVY Top STorylineS Big-play receiving threat Jamir Tillman was the only returning starter on offense for Navy this year. PHOTO COURTESY NAVY