Maximizing Possessions: Notre Dame's Keys Against Navy
- Liam Farrell
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
No. 10 Notre Dame faces off against their storied rival in a game that always presents a difficult challenge.
Photo by The Irish Tribune
The Navy Midshipmen have always presented Notre Dame with an interesting test of patience and assignment responsibility.
Navy's triple option scheme has been modified over the past two years, especially with offensive coordinator Drew Cronic reinventing the system. Cronic has been able to make Navy much more well-rounded, which has been especially easy with Blake Horvath operating the offense. Horvath has been one of Navy's best quarterbacks in recent memory, channeling a unique blend of arm talent and overall speed.
For the Irish, the main storyline coming into the game will be how defensive coordinator Chris Ash handles the triple option in his first season. While Ash is new to the system, Notre Dame's entire defensive coaching staff was present for the Irish's thrashing last year against the Midshipmen at the Meadowlands. However, last season Navy handed the Irish the game on a silver platter due to six total turnovers.
Let's look at the keys for Notre Dame against Navy.
Maximizing Possessions
One of the biggest X-factors whenever Notre Dame plays an academy team is maximizing possessions. While Navy's triple option offense offers a bit more explosiveness, the Midshipmen still hold the ball for a lot of the game.
With the clock being drained when Navy has the ball, it makes every single offensive possession even more important. Starting fast normally isn't an issue for the Notre Dame offense, besides last week when the Irish were shutout in the first quarter for the first time since week one against Miami.
However, this week more than ever, capitalizing in the red zone and not settling for field goal attempts will also be imperative. It may be sad to say, but the extra points will also be a premium this week. Every possession matters when you play an academy team, so Notre Dame's offense needs to be firing on all cylinders for all four quarters.
Limit Navy on Early Downs
Navy's offense used to be all about three yards and a cloud of dust. While the big play affect is more apparent than ever, and so is the aerial passing game, Navy still likes to get their consistent yards.
Even in this revolutionized offense, Navy is still a not on-par with a traditional passing team. If the Irish can force Navy into 3rd and longs, or even 3rd and medium, the Irish will be in the driver's seat. In the past, aggressive Notre Dame teams have had the most success against Navy. The ones that struggle are those that are too concerned about missing their assignment that it's already gone.
If the Irish defense can play with their instinctiveness and aggression, then Notre Dame's athletes should outshine the Midshipmen's.
Get an Early Lead
Notre Dame's offense is their greatest strength in this game, but because of the complementary nature it can have for the Fighting Irish defense.
If the Irish can get up on Navy early and force them to press the issue, then it makes the Midshipmen offense even more one dimensional, but more importantly, one dimensional in the skill they have less talent in.
Last season, Notre Dame got the ball first and marched down the field to take a 7-0 lead. The following possession, Navy turned the ball over and then the Irish scored once again to jump out 14-0. The game was basically over from then. If Notre Dame can get up multiple possessions over Navy, and keep them at an arm's length, then Navy's trickery and clock management strengths can be resolved.
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