Notre Dame Football: Key Offensive Matchups vs. Navy

The Notre Dame offense will look to have some sustained success against a tougher than normal Navy defense.

Limited possessions is always the biggest obstacle when playing the Midshipmen. They are an effective offensive team that will convert 3rd and short situations and go for it on 4th down more than the average opponent. With the amount of runs due to the triple-option, this means a lot of time off the clock when they have the ball. Notre Dame will have to make the most of their possessions and score more often than not.

Navy is ranked No. 23 in the country and their defense is better than usual, which could provide a variable that the Irish are not accustomed to in this matchup. Couple that with the inefficient offense that Notre Dame has had at times this season, and it makes for an enticing game on Saturday.

However, my rule of thumb when Notre Dame and Navy face off is the same every year. When Notre Dame is good, they typically win easy. When Notre Dame is bad, they typically don’t.  I think Notre Dame will have an easier time on offense than many expect.

Chip Long Game Plan vs. Navy Defensive Game Plan

Irish fans have not been happy with Chip Long this season, and for some reasons that is deserving. One of those reasons is the perceived stubbornness of his offensive game plan. I am asking him to be stubborn on Saturday. Regardless of how effective Navy has been this year on that side of the ball, they have yet to face a team with the athletes Notre Dame has. No disrespect to Memphis and Tulane — whom have solid offenses — they still don’t compare from an athletic standpoint.

I don’t really care what the game plan is, but it should work. If that means throwing it up to Claypool, Kmet and the other Notre Dame skill position weapons, that is fine. Keep doing it even if it stalls every now and then. If that means getting Armstrong and Jones on the edge away from the interior defensive line of Navy, I am all for it.

I am putting my trust in Chip Long and the Notre Dame offense, that not only will they be able out-athlete Navy, but they will be able to out-scheme them as well.

Notre Dame Run Game vs. Navy Front Seven

Brian Kelly mentioned in his pre-game presser that Navy had a much bigger defensive line than usual. With some 300 pound guys in the middle of that front seven, the Irish interior offensive line will need to do a good job moving those guys and creating space. Armstrong and Jones will also need to be patient and find the holes available to them, and even find the edge where their speed vs. Navy should be apparent. It might even be a day to get Avery Davis and C’bo Flemister some time to see if their burst can be an asset.

Part of the inefficiency of the offense has been the inconsistencies of the running game. Games like Virginia and USC were great, and therfore, the offense had better days. Games like Michigan, Georgia and Virginia Tech ended in losses or close wins because the offense had no balance and became one dimensional. The run game hasn’t had a great day in awhile, and it would be nice to see a 200+ yard day from the running backs.

Offensive Turnovers vs. Defensive Turnovers

I am including this because it is the key to pulling away from inferior opponents or keeping them in games. Against Virginia Tech, this was a problem, and big reason why Notre Dame needed a late score to win. When it comes to Navy, making the most of your offensive possessions and not turning the football over are likely the two most important items on the agenda. In all honesty, it is not strictly about winning the turnover battle, it is about having a completely turnover free game and keeping the ball away from the Navy offense as much as possible.

Play a clean game, and there should be no issue beating the Midshipmen tomorrow afternoon.