Week 9 Preview: Notre Dame vs. Navy

Later today, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (6-2, 25^th ranked) return to South Bend to take on the Navy Midshipmen (4-3). Notre Dame is coming off of a 45-10 thrashing of the Air Force Academy last week, while Navy looks to win their second consecutive game after beating Pittsburgh 24-21.

After defeating the Falcons last week, Notre Dame’s BCS hopes are still intact. All the Irish have to do is win their final four games and the rest should take care of itself. For Navy, at 4-3 they are very much alive in the postseason discussion and are just two victories away from becoming bowl eligible once again.

Offensively, Notre Dame will likely try to throw the ball at an up-tempo. The passing game has been clicking in recent weeks, and Navy probably does not have the talent in their secondary to match up with the Irish receivers. However, it is interesting to note that Navy ranks 21^st in the country against the pass, allowing just 204.4 passing yards per game. As impressive as that statistic looks, it may be lower due to the fact that most teams have had success running ball against the undersized Midshipmen front seven. Navy has allowed 187.9 rushing yards per game, good for 89^th in the nation. Either by pass or run, I expect the Irish offense to be rolling once again.

Defensively, Notre Dame will face a similar option attack for consecutive weeks. Although it is a huge bonus to play Air Force and Navy in back-to-back weeks, it should be noted that Navy is traditionally much more efficient and effective in running the option than any other team. The Midshipmen ranked 10^th in the country in total rushing yards at 289.1 yards per contest. While the rushing game is always Navy’s strength, they continue to struggle in the passing game by throwing for a lowly 103.9 yards per game, putting them at 120^th in the nation. After facing Air Force last week, the Irish know what they have to do to stop the triple-option. Outside linebacker Jaylon Smith will be looking to repeat his solid game last week, and I would expect the Irish to bring pressure to the edge with their secondary to help out with the pitch man. Air Force slashed the Notre Dame defense in the opening drive last week when Smith was left out on an island, but Bob Diaco’s adjustments held the Falcon ground attack in-check the remainder of the game.

A second straight week against a triple-option team should do wonders for the Irish defense. Navy is a similar, but better, team than Air Force and I expect the outcome to resemble last week’s contest.

Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Navy 13

-Eric Tichelbaut

Follow me on Twitter @etichel07