Black Knights Challenge Fighting Irish in a Rivalry Renewed

Nov 21, 20243 min read

Knights challenge Irish — © Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

On Nov. 23, the sixth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-1) will travel to Yankee Stadium at 7 p.m. EST in the Bronx, N.Y., to battle the 19th-ranked Army Black Knights (9-0, 7-0 American Athletic Conference) as the teams battle for playoff positioning. In the 52nd meeting between the two programs, the Fighting Irish hold an all-time lead at 39-8-4. The Fighting Irish won the last meeting in 2016, 44-6. How will the Black Knights challenge the Irish in this year's matchup?

What is on the Line?

For the Fighting Irish, a third win against a ranked opponent can help as they battle for positioning in the College Football Playoff. Without a conference affiliation, the Irish can go as high as the fifth seed. Getting a win against the undefeated Black Knights would be a huge boost for head coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame. The third win can be essential as the Fighting Irish continue their climb toward the playoffs.

For the Black Knights, recognition is on the line. They have taken care of business and already secured a spot in the AAC championship game. Without a signature win, Army finds itself on the outside looking in for the playoffs. A win against the sixth-ranked team in the country in a neutral site can derail Notre Dame and be a monumental boost for the Black Knights and head coach Jeff Monken.

Who to Watch for the Fighting Irish

The offense runs through quarterback Riley Leonard. As a passer, Leonard has completed 64.7 percent of his passes and thrown for 12 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He is also second on the team with 641 yards rushing and leads with 13 rushing TDs. Running back Jeremiyah Love has stepped into the lead back role and excelled. He currently leads the team in rushing with 720 yards and has accounted for 13 total TDs. He has averaged just over 6 yards per carry and contributed as a receiver.

Defensively, linebackers Jack Kiser and Dryak Bowen have been tackling machines for the Irish and defensive coordinator Al Golden. The duo has 100 tackles, two sacks and three forced fumbles combined. The defensive line, led by Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III, has been an absolute terrors for opposing offenses. Between Mills, Cross, Donovan Hinish and Boubacar Traore, they have combined for 16.5 sacks and 88 tackles. Safeties Xavier Watts and Adon Shuler have patrolled the secondary and been able to neutralize momentum from opposing offenses. The duo has seven INTs and 10 pass breakups combined.

Who to Watch for the Black Knights

Running the tricky triple-option style offense, quarterback Bryson Daily has excelled. The dual-threat QB has thrown for seven TDs and led the charge with 1,062 yards rushing and 21 TDs. He has full control of this offense. Daily has shown he can react to opposing defenses and gain chunks of yards on every play. Running back Kanye Udoh has been the go-to playmaker for Daily, averaging just under 7 yards a carry. He's also accounted for nine TDs.

Defensively, linebackers Elo Modozie and Andon Thomas have led a Black Knights defense that has only given up 93 points this season. The duo has accounted for 77 tackles and five sacks. They play disciplined football and have the team operating on the same page.

Matchup to Watch

Riley Leonard vs. Bryson Daily

In a matchup of two dual-threat QBs, whoever gains the advantage will go a long way in determining the game. Leonard is a strong passer who can make throws and deliver the ball accurately to his playmakers. His drive to lead Notre Dame is impressive as Leonard routinely makes plays with his legs to help his team win. On the other sideline is Daily who, while more of a run-first QB in the offense, has shown an ability to get the ball into his playmakers' hands. He currently averages 12.6 yards per completion. Which quarterback can find the extra gear that may be needed to get their team to victory?