Notre Dame Football: Score predictions vs. Navy

Here’s how some of our writers see today’s Notre Dame football game against Navy shaking out.

It’s another chapter in a historic rivalry. This time, it’s between two Top 25 teams. Here’s what our writers think in terms of how the Notre Dame football game shakes out this afternoon.

Carlee North

Every year this is the one game I always dread playing on the schedule. It’s without a doubt the most frustrating games on a consistent basis for Notre Dame each season. This year won’t be any different, especially with Navy now being ranked and it being the first time both teams play each other as ranked opponents since 1978.

I’d expect the Irish offense to have no more than 8 possessions, and because of that they must score touchdowns early and often. Navy’s defense is better than years past, so that could be a major concern if the Irish can’t move the ball and punch it in the endzone.

As for Navy on the offensive side of the ball, we know what to expect. They will do everything possible to win the time of possession and keep the ball away for the Irish offense. The defense must be gap sound and play smart disciplined football while sticking to the game plan. Winning on third down will be a huge factor for this game. I think the Irish get a late score to put the game out of reach for Navy, but it’ll be a nail biter for much of Saturday afternoon. Irish win 31-20 and head into senior night 8-2.

Connor McJunkin

It was nice to see some offensive and defensive improvement in last week’s win over Duke. The key now is can that continue vs. a sneaky good Navy team. This game will solely be decided by the play of the defense vs the No. 1 rush offense in the country. Not letting them control the clock and putting points on the board when you do have the ball is key. I see Claypool and Kmet having big games and the defense doing enough to get the win. Irish move to 8-2 and win 34-24.

Jack Leniart

Irish fans are mentally and physically preparing for one of those classic frustrating games against Navy. The Midshipmen are 7-1 and ranked 23rd in the most recent rankings from the College Football Playoff Committee. Navy is averaging 39 points per game this season, which is very impressive for a triple option offense. The bottom line is: Notre Dame should win this game. It will not be an easy victory, though. I think it will be a one possession game in the fourth quarter, and I am not confident the Irish will cover the 7.5-point spread. Notre Dame 30, Navy 24.

Mason Plummer

Notre Dame has limited possessions due to Navy’s style of offense that drains the clock. Expect Navy to get a few scores because 1. they’re a very good team 2. a majority of this ND team hasn’t seen the triple option the way they run it. 27-21, Notre Dame.

Matt Clark

This is a shootout reminiscent of the triple overtime 2007 game that ended the 43 game win streak the Irish had over Navy. Notre Dame just lost star pass rusher Julian Okwara and linebacker Jack Lamb for the season. While they have more depth than past years, it will be tested by the fast paced triple option Navy offense. As a result, this game is like a heavyweight boxing match, with the two fighters trading punches to the very end. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an overtime game for the first time this season for the Irish. Ultimately, Notre Dame is standing victorious when both teams line up to hear their alma matters played by their respective bands. Notre Dame 43, Navy 41.

Nathan Erbach

Lot of people are worried about this game, and maybe I’m naive to how well Navy is playing this year. However, one of my rules of thumb for Navy every year is when ND is good this is usually closer to a blowout than an upset. ND is good this year. Notre Dame is able to find their way on offense and control the game from start to finish. 38-17, Notre Dame.

J.P. Scott

I’ll say the same thing I always do when I predict bad news for the Irish: I hope I’m wrong. I just feel like between the drama and the injuries, this Notre Dame football team is not mentally ready for four quarters with one of the better Navy teams in the modern era. I think the Irish are going to have a tough time getting off the field on defense, getting gashed by huge runs between the tackles. Limits possessions are a factor, as Navy wins 31-21.