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Oct. 23—SOUTH BEND — Not since 2019 has a possible Navy upset of Notre Dame been so real.
One could argue that the Midshipmen’s last real chance of taking down the Irish goes even farther back, perhaps to 2016 when Navy beat Notre Dame in Jacksonville, Florida, during the Irish’s 4-8 season.
Ranked 24th in the country, Navy (6-0) could play the spoiler to No. 12 Notre Dame (6-1) when the two face off at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this Saturday.
“It’s going to be a great challenge for our program,” Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman said. “They’re putting up big numbers offensively. They’ve really done a job of enhancing what they do offensively.”
“They’ve been tremendous in the red zone on offense and defense,” Freeman said. “They’ve done a great job in terms of creating turnovers and protecting the football. They’re really good in the turnover-margin battle. They’re playing great complementary football, they’re playing hard, they’re playing sound and it’s going to be a great challenge for our program.”
The Midshipmen have lost the last six matchups against the Irish, but an offense that averages just under 45 points per game (fourth in the FBS) and a defense that ranks second in the nation in turnover margin (12) is what Navy head coach Brian Newberry has created in just his second season.
According to Pro Football Focus, quarterback Blake Horvath is also the No. 1 rated signal caller in the nation. He’s rushed for 621 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, and while Navy continues to run a triple-option inspired offensive attack, look to Horvath again to find out what changes the Mids’ offense is boasting. The junior has thrown for 888 yards and 10 touchdowns.
“He makes really good decisions,” Freeman said. “He’s a good decision maker. If you give him one read, he’s going to do exactly what he’s supposed to…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nd-football-upstart-unbeaten-no-021600838.html
Author : Goshen News, Ind.
Publish date : 2024-10-24 02:16:00
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