ERIC THOMAS (Recruiting Reporter)
Headed into South Bend on Saturday evening, along with the rain, will be the No. 1 most efficient rushing offense nationally, the Mids averaging 6.3 yards per carry this fall. There to meet them will be an Irish defense that sits just outside the Top 10 in yards per carry allowed, at 2.8 yards per carry.
This modern Navy offense is a significant evolution of options past, with the Midshipmen throwing the ball on nearly 25 percent of their offensive snaps. Despite the marked uptick in passing volume, the Navy offense is No. 2 nationally in yards per pass at 10.9, sitting one spot ahead of Notre Dame at 9.9 yards per pass.
The Navy defense is not really special in any one category, although they are Top 50 in opposing yards allowed per rush at 3.9 and opposing rush yards per game at 142.1.
Outside of those categories, that unit becomes much more exploitable on paper, especially through the air. The rain could dampen that advantage for the Fighting Irish, but if the skies are clear enough that aerial activity can commence, look out for the Notre Dame slot receivers to have a good day against out-gunned Navy linebackers in coverage.
Key Predictions:
– Jadarian Price has a bounce-back game after his goal-line fumble last week, with over 100 yards from scrimmage and two scores.
– Jeremiyah Love with one touchdown and one successful hurdle, each.
– Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa will have the (almost) annual “linebacker who dominates Navy” performance, with over 8.5 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss.
– Navy won’t be giving the ball away like last year, but the Irish will still notch at least two turnovers, including a pick by Adon Shuler.
-Eager to get the kicking issues sorted, the Irish attempt two field goals, making one.
Notre Dame 38, Navy 14