Navy At Notre Dame Predictions

Navy (4-0) comes to ND with what Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo says is his best team in years – some are even saying since the 1960’s. Great, that along with cut blocks is just what we need.

Navy’s option attack while similar to Georgia Tech relies on more formations and movement and they have a better QB in Reynolds. He is a very good runner and he can pass. That’s great – also especially with our defense getting easily confused.

It seems everyone can run the draw play against us, so look for their FB as well as the QB to try to exploit this. Our ILB’s Schmidt and Smith have trouble getting off blocks and both seem to disappear at various times during games.

The triple option is a relatively simple system to run especially if you have the right QB and Navy sure does. Obviously, assignment football is in order here and that’s where ND has problems.

Just remember that despite smothering Georgia Tech – they did score 15 pts. in 1 minute. I think the key to this game is Navy’s first possession – if they score – look out.

On offense ND must hope to get the first possession of the game and score a TD. On defense ND must attack constantly – don’t just play watch and catch. That worked against Georgia Tech, so that should be the ND base defense for this game.

ILB Martini was very effective against Georgia Tech so I’d make sure he’s in the rotation. Also, ND on defense must get DL subs in especially Trumbetti – gotta rotate these guys or 4th quarter will be a nightmare.

I’d like to see a whole lot of play action for ND – we have great receivers so open the play book.

Kelly says LG Nelson should be able to play. He has a high ankle sprain and they usually take forever to fully heal – I would not play him, let’s get Bars some playing time.

This will be a high scoring game which ND can easily lose in the 4th quarter. I would like to see ND play one game with Navy intensity.

Notre Dame 44 Navy 31