The University of Notre Dame delivered a commanding performance against Navy on Saturday, securing a 49-10 victory that highlighted the significant disparity in talent between the two teams.
In South Bend, Indiana, the Fighting Irish, ranked No. 10, showcased their dominance, leaving little doubt about the outcome. Former Navy coach Paul Johnson”s adage, “Physical superiority cancels all theory,” resonated throughout the game as Notre Dame”s athletes outperformed their opponents at every position.
Defensively, Notre Dame exerted control by overpowering Navy at the line of scrimmage. While backup quarterback Braxton Woodson managed to rush for 101 yards, his passing game faltered, completing only 3 of 8 attempts for a mere 22 yards. Much of Navy”s offensive production stemmed from his running, particularly a single 41-yard dash. However, the overall effectiveness was lacking, with the team limited to just 228 total yards.
Linebacker Jaiden Ausberry led the Fighting Irish defense with eight tackles, contributing to a performance that included five tackles for loss and two sacks. The Notre Dame defense consistently pressured Woodson, disrupting any potential rhythm for the Navy offense.
Navy”s primary offensive threats, including fullback Alex Tecza and wide receivers Eli Heidenreich and Brandon Chatman, were effectively neutralized. Head coach Brian Newberry acknowledged the struggle to connect with playmakers, stating, “A lot of what we do comes off reads, so sometimes guys get the ball and sometimes they don”t.”
On the other side of the field, Navy”s defense aimed to contain Notre Dame”s formidable rushing attack, which features standout tailbacks Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. The Mids” strategy initially bore fruit as they limited Notre Dame”s ground game in the first half. However, this approach left their secondary vulnerable, which Notre Dame exploited.
Freshman quarterback CJ Carr excelled in the passing game, completing 13 of 16 passes for 218 yards and three touchdowns. His efficiency was underscored by his connection with wide receiver Malachi Fields, who recorded four catches for 97 yards. Navy cornerback Justin Ross struggled to contain Fields, resulting in two costly pass interference penalties.
Navy”s pass defense has been a consistent concern this season, ranking among the lowest in the nation for passing yards allowed. Despite an initial defensive focus on stopping the run, they were unable to maintain that momentum into the second half. Love”s second touchdown came on a remarkable play where he evaded multiple defenders to score, a moment that Newberry labeled a “backbreaker.”
As the game progressed, Navy”s defense showed signs of fatigue, succumbing to a relentless Notre Dame offense that finished with 249 rushing yards. This win marked the seventh consecutive victory for Notre Dame over Navy, with a string of lopsided scores in recent years.
The enduring rivalry between these two programs, steeped in tradition, continues to evoke discussions about its future, particularly after such one-sided contests. However, for Navy, the chance to compete against a prestigious program like Notre Dame holds significant value in recruiting and exposure.
As this series unfolds, it is evident that Notre Dame will likely remain the superior team in most matchups, which is a reality both programs must face.
