Oct 242 min read

Navy Navigating Nemesis in New Jersey: Notre Dame

Navy Midshipmen vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish — © Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

A historically significant matchup between the No. 24 Navy Midshipmen (6-0, 4-0 American Athletic Conference) and the No. 12 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-1), is scheduled to get underway at noon EST on Oct. 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The Midshipmen and Fighting Irish have played 97 times, with Notre Dame holding a commanding 82-13-1 all-time lead in the series. Navy last beat ND in 2016. The Midshipmen are seeking their first 7-0 start since 1978 and are one of only 10 undefeated FBS teams.

Navy is also one of only three teams at the FBS level to win all of its games this season by double digits. The other two are No. 23 Army (7-0, 6-0 AAC) and No. 13 Indiana (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten Conference).

Notre Dame slipped earlier in the year with a stunning loss at home to the Northern Illinois Huskies (4-3, 1-2 Mid-American Conference).

Playoff Berth at Stake

The winner of this clash in the Meadowlands will have a viable path to a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. The loser, however, likely won't. A second loss to a non-Power Four team would effectively disqualify Notre Dame. A loss for the Midshipmen would not affect their AAC championship aspirations but would imperil their prospects of securing the lone CFP spot guaranteed to a Group of 5 team.

Notre Dame Knock-Outs

Featuring a strong rushing attack, the Fighting Irish have outgained opponents by 675 yards (1,467-792). Sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love and dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard have led the way with 462 and 456 yards, respectively. Leonard has rushed for 10 touchdowns and Love has tallied 7.

Standout safety Xavier Watts is a dominant defender on the ball-hawking Notre Dame defense. The Fighting Irish have 9 interceptions, 3 of which were snared by Watts.

Marvelous Midshipmen

Through the first six games of their 2024 campaign, the Midshipmen have outscored opponents by an average margin of 44.83 to 19.67.

Elite dual-threat QB Blake Horvath sparks Navy's prolific offense and has played his way into contention for the Heisman Trophy. While passing for 888 yards and 10 TDs, with only 1 INT, he has rushed for 654 yards and 10 more TDs, averaging 8 yards per carry.

Key defenders for the Middies include linebacker Colin Ramos and cornerback Dashaun Peele. Ramos, who was recently named a Lott IMPACT Award quarterfinalist, has already amassed 68 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss, and Peele has reeled in 3 INTs.