(Photo: AJ Houk)
Navy comes in at 7–1, with its only loss of the season coming last week to a tough North Texas team, 31–17, in that game Navy turned the ball over three times (2 interceptions 1 fumble) and gave up four rushing touchdowns.
Notre Dame has won seven straight in the annual series, including last year’s 51–14 rout in East Rutherford, N.J., when the Irish capitalized on six Navy turnovers.
Horvath Leads the Way
Quarterback Blake Horvath led the Midshipmen last year, and returns and overall is playing better than ever. The senior has been outstanding this year, and you get the sense he may be looking for redemption after last season’s loss, when he fumbled near the goal line and threw an interception that turned into Irish points.
Horvath is the engine of Navy’s so-called “Millennial Wing-T” offense — an evolution of their traditional triple option that mixes in multiple formations and more passing.
He’s 16–4 as a starter and leads the team in both passing and rushing. Horvath has completed 63.6% of his passes for 1,143 yards and seven touchdowns, while also rushing for 926 yards and 13 scores. He typically throws about a dozen times a game but running the football remains the focal point of Navy’s attack.
Offensive Weapons
Behind Horvath, Alec Tecza provides a strong complementary threat in the backfield, with 90 carries for 523 yards and six touchdowns. Horvath’s top target is Eli Heidenrich, who scored against the Irish last year and leads the team with 31 receptions for 575 yards and four touchdowns.
Navy ranks No. 1 in the nation in rushing offense and 16th in total offense, averaging 34.8 points per game, good for 27th nationally.
Defense by Design
On defense, the Midshipmen rely on speed, versatility, and chaos. They use multiple fronts designed to offset their lack of size and create turnovers.
Linebacker MarcAnthony Parker leads the team with 68 tackles, while defensive tackle Landon Robinson has 5.5 sacks. Navy has forced 11 turnovers — four interceptions and seven fumble recoveries — and sits tied for 57th nationally in turnover margin at plus-one.
Overall, Navy allows 380 yards per game (81st nationally) and 24 points per game (69th). They’ve been stronger against the run than the pass, relying on quickness to plug lanes and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
The Matchup
Navy’s offense will test Notre Dame’s discipline and tackling, especially with Horvath directing the expanded “Millennial Wing-T.” But the Irish defense has been outstanding against the run and has forced 12 interceptions in the last four games — a tough formula for a Navy team that thrives on rhythm and ball control.
Offensively, Notre Dame’s size, depth, and balance should eventually wear down the Midshipmen front.
The Irish enter the game as a 25.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 55.5.
The Fighting Irish Preview Prediction:
Notre Dame displays a living breathing kicking game, contains the option, forces a few key turnovers, and pulls away after halftime.
Notre Dame 38, Navy 17.