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Notre Dame Football: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for 2018

By Sonny Martinez

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Brian Kelly the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gives instructions to his team during the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl against the LSU Tigers at LP Field on December 30, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Brian Kelly the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gives instructions to his team during the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl against the LSU Tigers at LP Field on December 30, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 09: The Navy Midshipmen sing the Navy Blue and Gold after the loss to the Army Black Knights on December 9, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.The Army Black Knights defeated the Navy Midshipmen 14-13. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 09: The Navy Midshipmen sing the Navy Blue and Gold after the loss to the Army Black Knights on December 9, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.The Army Black Knights defeated the Navy Midshipmen 14-13. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Navy (in San Diego)

Best: Notre Dame completely shuts down the Navy rushing attack, as is key with any Navy game. Because of this, the Midshipmen are forced into uncomfortable passing plays, as well as awkward east/west run situations.

Navy remains hot and cold on defense, but the pass defense remains a struggle, allowing for Wimbush to help both Myles Boykin and Chase Claypool have 100+ yard receiving days.

Worst: Navy’s triple option, as can happen at times, can’t be figured out. Navy ends up having multiple 8-10 minute drives, keeping the ball out of the hands of Irish offense, lead by Malcolm Perry’s huge 250+ yard day on the ground. The Midshipmen’s bend-don’t-break defense does just enough to hold back Notre Dame, and although the offensive stats are solid for the amount of time they had possession, Navy repeatedly forces the Irish into close range field goals.

The game feels similar to the 2016 version, and much like that game, Navy sneaks out with a close victory.

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