After another big win against Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Notre Dame now gears up for one of their most storied rivalries, the Navy Midshipmen. With the Naval Academy now sitting at 6-0, and scoring an unprecedented amount of points, this game is shaping up to be one of the most surprisingly exciting games remaining on the Irish schedule. These two teams are set to clash on Saturday at MetLife Stadium for the 97th time. Let's take a trip down memory lane, and highlight some of the more exciting matchups between these two teams in recent history, as well as pay homage to a great rivalry that is rooted in respect.
Photo via Notre Dame Athletics
Notre Dame versus Navy is the longest lasting intersectional rivalry dating all the way back to the first annual matchup in 1927. Although the two teams have been playing since the late 1920's, the series took on a whole new meaning during the height of World War II. During this time, Notre Dame was having significant financial troubles due to low enrollment. Notre Dame, an all boys school at the time, lost a lot of their students to men enlisting to serve in the military. Because of this problem, Notre Dame reached out to the Navy and offered their facilities to help train Naval officers. This agreement not only helped solve Notre Dame's financial problems, but it is also helped the Navy and the war effort. As a debt of gratitude, Notre Dame's president at the time, Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, pledged to always open a spot for Navy on Notre Dame's football schedule.
This matchup has been mainly dominated by Notre Dame, holding an 80-13-1 record all-time. The record also contains a 43-game winning streak, which is the longest streak for any annual college football rivalry. Although this is football, and the goal is to win, this game has always been about more than that. The main theme of this game is always about respect. Navy is grateful to Notre Dame for always leaving a spot on their schedule, and Notre Dame always wants to help pay off the debt that they owe them. Not only for helping keep the school afloat, but it is also for all the courageous work the Navy does for this country. Both schools cherish this long lasting rivalry that has been around for almost as long as the sport itself. This respect shows up on the field at the end of every game, thanks to former Notre Dame head coach, Charlie Weis. In 2005, following a Notre Dame Victory, Weis had his players stand behind Navy during the Navy alma mater. Since then, this has become a tradition in this rivalry, even following Notre Dame losses.
Although this series has not exactly been competitive, Navy has been able to pull off a few upsets throughout the years. This most recently came in 2016, when Navy beat Notre Dame 28-27 in Jacksonville, FL. This also isn't the first time they have faced off at MetLife Stadium. That happened in 2010, and saw Navy win in commanding fashion, 35-17. Notre Dame walks into this upcoming matchup on a six-game winning streak against Navy, however. Last year, the two teams faced off in Dublin, Ireland, in the first week of the season. The game was not close, as Notre Dame won 42-3. This year, it may not be so lopsided. Both teams come into this game ranked with serious playoff implications on the line. Notre Dame cannot afford to lose another game if they want to control their own destiny into the playoffs, and Navy may not be able to lose a single game if they want a chance to see the playoffs. So far, Navy has avoided losing, but Notre Dame will be their biggest test by far. This will surely be one of the most important games of this rivalry for both teams.
Although this rivalry is not used to a lot of upsets or close games, it does not mean they are don't happen. Let's take a look at some of the most recent memorable moments of this historic series.
Notre Dame Crushes Navy, 42-3 (2023)
Notre Dame and Navy got the 2023 season kicked off at a special venue in Dublin, Ireland. The game was never really close, as Notre Dame scored on the opening drive and never looked back. Their new quarterback, Sam Hartman, had a very successful Irish debut, throwing for four touchdowns. The defense was just as impressive in this game. They managed to hold Navy's unique triple-option offense to just 126 yards rushing, spurred by elite defensive line play from the Irish. This win got Notre Dame off to hot start, going 4-0 until losing a heartbreaker to Ohio State in South Bend.
Notre Dame Holds on and Beats Navy, 35-32 (2022)
At another neutral sight game in Baltimore, Notre Dame was close to blowing a big second half lead against Navy. In the first half, it looked like it would be another easy game for Notre Dame. QB Drew Pyne was responsible for five touchdowns, and gave Notre Dame a 35-12 lead heading into halftime. This game was a tale of two halves, however. In the second half, Navy proceeded to score 20 unanswered. Notre Dame's offense completely stalled, but they were able to run out the remaining time and escape with a win in a game that came down to the final play.
Navy Secures Win over Notre Dame, 28-27 (2016)
In this game, the two teams faced off in Jacksonville, amidst Brian Kelly's worst year as the Notre Dame head coach. Notre Dame's defense was the downfall for the Irish in this matchup, as they were unable to get stops, allowing Navy to piece together their signature quarter-eating drives, and limiting possessions for the Irish. Notre Dame brought the game back to just a one point deficit with a little over seven minutes to go. Unfortunately, Notre Dame's lackluster defense failed once again on the ensuing drive, allowing Navy to run out the remaining time. This loss continued the already nightmarish season for the Irish, who ended up finishing at 4-8, their worst record since 2007.
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