Three keys to a Notre Dame football victory over the Navy Midshipmen

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Three keys to a Notre Dame football victory over the Navy Midshipmen

Notre Dame will host the Navy Midshipmen later today, and it could be a highly contested game, as the two teams have very similar records.

The difference is that the Irish are steadily improving, winning their last six-games, while Navy had a chance to make this a top-25 contest, but lost last weekend. Notre Dame is firmly in the mix for a spot in the College Football Playoff, as they know they now actually control its own fate.

For them to keep doing so, here are three keys for Notre Dame to keep up its winning ways, and heading towards a playoff berth.

Slow down Navy’s rushing attack

Dec 27, 2024; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Navy Midshipmen fullback Alex Tecza (46) celebrates his touchdown rush during the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

The unquestioned strength of the Midshipmen offense revolves around quarterback Blake Horvath and running back Alex Tecza, both averaging an over 5 yards-per-carry this season. Between the two of them, they’ve accounted for 19 touchdowns on the ground, as the misdirection plays will be plenty on Saturday. The key for Notre Dame will be to stay disciplined, which has improved greatly during the six-game winning-streak. That will have to continue for the Irish, as Navy will look to take advantage of players being out of position.

Feed the ball to Jeremiyah Love

Nov 1, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates with his teammates after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images

The Heisman campaign is in full force for Love, but the best way for him to earn a trip to New York is to get him the ball. He’s been a touchdown machine, only missing scoring in the season opener. Right now Love is hovering around 20 touches, and if that’s upped to about five more, the numbers should be there. Make the Navy defense bring up the safeties, then CJ Carr will have open shots down the field. Those opportunities will be better if Love gains chunk yardage early and often.

Notre Dame plays a clean game

Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish place kicker Erik Schmidt (18) runs the ball after a failed extra point attempt against the Boise State Broncos at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

The kicking issues still are around, and hopefully Erik Schmidt gets the job done later today. It’s been a rocky road for him at times, but now that he’s been named the starter, the hope is that he settles into the role and shores up this area. It’s not just the kickers, as the specials teams have been good this fall, but not nearly as great as they were last year. The plays are there, it’s just a few mistakes that have prevented the plays from working. Playing turnover free on offense wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Shore up these issues, and Notre Dame will keep its win streak alive.

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Three keys to a Notre Dame victory over the Navy Midshipmen

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