Navy Preview - Where's Me Pot O' Gold?

First Impressions
Navy floats into South Bend this weekend a much more formidable opponent than Washington State (no disrespect to the Cougars).  While Notre Dame is favored to win this game, as they should be, the memory of the 2007 streak-ending shock that the Midshipmen sent through Notre Dame Nation still rings clear.  Most consider the upcoming Pittsburgh game to be the biggest remaining test on the schedule, which presents the opportunity to overlook a disciplined Navy team that has had this date circled for months.

I, like many Fighting Irish fans, have experienced a week of up-and-down emotions as we learned of Michael Floyd's return in the same breath that brought the bad news of Dayne Crist's season ending injury.  Not only have we looked past this weekend's contest, we have speculated about the state of the offense heading into next season.  My hope is that these distractions have not interfered with the crucial preparation that is required when facing a dangerous Navy rushing attack. 

What should we expect from Navy?
The Midshipmen offense approaches this game the 3rd ranked rushing attack in the country at nearly 280 yards per game.  Only Air Force has more rushing attempts on the season.  While their game plan is predictable, it can be difficult to stop if the defense is not disciplined.  Navy doesn't like to pass the ball unless forced to.  In fact, Navy beat Wake Forest 2 weeks ago without attempting a single pass.  That is not to say that they wont throw the ball at opportune times.  Ask Ohio State, who gave up 156 passing yards against the Midshipmen in week 1.  Those numbers shouldn't scare a defense, but Notre Dame's secondary has a habit of making opposing QB's look like Heisman candidates.

In his presser on Tuesday, Coach Weis said "In the five years I have been here, (this is) bar far the best Navy defense they've had."  They allow just over 315 yards per game and rank in the top 10 on third down efficiency.  In other words, their defense gets off the field and their offense chips it's way down the field.

Notre Dame will be bigger, faster and stronger than this team, but they will be more disciplined.  They execute their style of football very well and don't trouble themselves with careless penalties.  Navy is the least penalized team in the country with just 31 penalty yards per game.  Those points alone give Navy a fighting chance each week.

Where's me pot o' gold? (What I'm looking for from the Irish)

The first key to the game will be stopping the dynamic Navy rushing attack.  Notre Dame has seen marked improvement in this area as the season has progressed.  Navy is a fairly one-dimensional team on offense.  If we can come up with some drive-killing stops our offense shouldn't have trouble putting up enough points to walk away with the W.

A balanced offensive attack is the goal each week.  With a stable of running backs and the best passer in the game, Notre Dame should be able to mix up the play calls and keep the defense on their heels.  Navy should not have an answer for the weapons that we bring to the battle.

Speaking of weapons, we are all waiting to see how Michael Floyd establishes his presence after returning from a 5 game hiatus.  I think it is important to get Floyd involved, not only for the outcome of this game, but to get some reps under his belt before the Pitt game.

In the past Charlie has looked at other team's strengths and said "I bet we can beat you at your game.  Simply put, I don't want Charlie to abandon what has worked all year, just to prove a point.  Coach, don't get stubborn in your play calling.  Don't call the obvious play just because we should convert it.  Keep teams guessing, don't get cute, and stick with what works.  Heck, who am I to question your play calling Charlie?  I'm no offensive genius.

The last thing I am searching for this game:  good special teams play.  Lets punt the ball further than 11 yards fellas!  Oh... and please don't forget to cover the onside kick!

What will happen Saturday?
I expect Navy to put up a good fight, as they always seem to do.  I also expect Notre Dame to continue the offense firework show and hang quite a few points on this team.  The Irish defense will have their hands full up front, but I am confident in their run-stopping ability at this point in the year.  I expect Jimmy to finish with big numbers, along the lines of 4 TD passes and 350 yards.  Our secondary will likely get torched at least once, and Navy will grind out a couple scores on the ground.

Final Score: ND 35 - Navy 21


I would like to mention a personal tie to the Navy program.  The current coach of my high school football team happens to be the former Navy head coach, Eliot Uzelac.  He chose to wind his coaching career down at my Alma Mater and has transformed a wavering football team into a state title contender for the past few years.

Here is video of Coach Uzelac talking about his reaction to the Navy win over ND 2 years ago. Even though I like the guy and I hope he wins his rivalry playoff game this weekend, lets hope he doesn't have anythin gto cheer about Saturday afternoon.
http://www.wndu.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4269665&flvUri=&thirdpartymrssurl=

Navy Preview - Where's Me Pot O' Gold?