One Foot Down - Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Navy Midshipmen Week 2018A never-ending discussion about Notre Dame and the greater CFB landscapehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52610/ofd_fav.png2018-10-30T23:34:40-04:00http://www.onefootdown.com/rss/stream/177770052018-10-30T23:34:40-04:002018-10-30T23:34:40-04:00Notre Dame vs. Navy 2018 – Lessons in Humanness
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<figcaption>Notre Dame vs. Navy - Irish Fest - 2018 | Photo: Jeremy Akers</figcaption>
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<p>Love Thee Notre Dame ... family</p> <p id="6gX6WH">This past weekend I traveled to San Diego to watch the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> face a classic rival, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/navy-midshipmen">Navy Midshipmen</a>. And once again, time with my fellow classmates strengthened the definition of the phrase “Notre Dame family.” What follows is a guest post from my fellow classmate, and dear friend, Oscar McBride. Take it away, Oscar! </p>
<p id="y0QvoJ">“As my family and I enjoyed the most recent Notre Dame weekend in San Diego, I was reminded of the bountiful blessings I’ve received through relationship with my teammates and Notre Dame family. Taking it all in, as I attended only my fourth tailgate ever, I felt as if my cup was filled with love and pride in seeing some of my teammates: Reggie Brooks (Ready B), Bert Berry (B Train), Lee Becton (Beck), Jeremy Akers (Aches & Pains), Reggie Fleurima (Big Flo), LeShane Saddler (Sadds), and Nick Smith (Natty) to name a few, And then, having time to fellowship with some of my other Notre Dame brothers like John Carney, Kory Minor, Joey Getherall, Rhema McKnight, Shane Walton, Kapron Lewis-Moore, <span>Joe Schmidt</span> and <span>Darius Fleming</span>, amongst others. Finally, meeting people that I’ve only chatted with on social media who have become extended Notre Dame family like Mr. & Mrs. Steve Neuman, and seeing my Notre Dame sisters Lisa, Lynne, Amy, Mary, Michele and Kristi.”</p>
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<cite>Photo: Jeremy Akers</cite>
<figcaption>Notre Dame Monogram Club Happy Hour</figcaption>
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<p id="FraBwl">“Yes, it was a Notre Dame Football weekend, and yes we wanted to win, but there’s always something a little different about a Navy game.” </p>
<p id="Ov7lFf">“Allow me to further explain …”</p>
<p id="zCRSEJ">“You see, the United States Naval Academy and the University of Notre Dame Du Lac share something deeper than just a rivalry football game dating back to 1927. They share a foundational bond in building life-long relationships and trust-based leadership, forged through academic rigor, incomparable physical toughness, and fortified with a genuine love for community and each other. This rivalry doesn’t concern itself with the normal hate-filled, ill-willed, juvenile nastiness of today’s sports world; but rather a competition between those destined for greatness; prepared to change the world by employing leadership consummate with the right amounts of influence, empowerment, inclusiveness and love. Ours is one of respect and dignity, where even though we want to defeat our opponent, there is still that fundamental support for his or her success and well-being. This is all galvanized by a sense of duty to community, selflessness and a commitment to excellence.”</p>
<p id="4ckI4z">“I have tremendous respect for the United States Naval Academy and all of our Armed Forces. Thank you for your selflessness, kindness and humanness. You have essentially exchanged your life for those you don’t even know. I mentioned once, a while ago, about a chance meeting with a serviceman outside my hotel in Great Falls, Montana. As he briskly walked to his vehicle, undoubtedly on his way to work; I simply said (as I often do), ‘thank you for your service,’ to which he replied, without breaking stride or hesitation, ‘you’re worth it.’”</p>
<p id="NyXomG">“Insert chills and single teardrop here.”</p>
<p id="ld8rjm">“To close, let me reiterate; Notre Dame is just different. There is a distinction in how this uniquely phenomenal institution asserts its pride and respect. We understand that our humanness and solidarity as a community is what makes us great. Not a cheapened, divisive slogan, but rather true strength, love of community, and family. Money, power, and political status may be impactful for those who have shallow reach in terms of their ethical boundaries and values. However, the depth and breadth of Notre Dame extends far beyond any tailgate, any parking lot, or any game; regardless of stadium attendance or the final score. God, Family, Country, Notre Dame … forever.”</p>
<p id="woJ7B9">Oscar McBride ‘94</p>
<p id="xvduYC">Cheers & GO IRISH!</p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/10/30/18045622/notre-dame-vs-navy-2018-lessons-in-humanness-fighting-irish-midshipmen-san-diegoLisa Kelly2018-10-30T08:29:51-04:002018-10-30T08:29:51-04:003 Things From the Notre Dame 44-22 Victory Over Navy
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Just keep winning, just keep winning</p> <h2 id="62SGEs"><strong>8-0 feels good.</strong></h2>
<p id="NkO9EY">This is from the department of redundancy department, but it still needs to be said. Even through some goofy plays in the second half that the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/navy-midshipmen">Navy Midshipmen</a> always seem to get against us, the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> I would say pretty much dominated the game on Saturday night. The continual wins are good with me, and just winning the games is the necessary part. I thought it was a very solid win, considering that Navy gives us hella fits every year.</p>
<p id="IWAP8z">After 48 hours, here are some of my thoughts.</p>
<h2 id="eObxIj"><strong>3 Things from the ND-Navy Game</strong></h2>
<p id="Nr03fc"><strong>It was GREAT to see the Irish dominate Navy, but this was clearly not a normal Navy team.</strong></p>
<p id="W5u61l">I’m not discrediting the way that the Irish played at all. Esepcially defensively, the Irish had many answers to the Navy triple option. Only allowing 3 TDs was my prediction, and I’m glad they stuck to that. However, I saw a Navy team struggling with their bread and butter. It was kind of strange. I do think that the Irish defense and its depth was clearly too much for them, but usually Navy toughs that out. I saw an uncharacteristic struggle on offense. It was a relief to see, but also just strange. I loved that it happened and that the Irish had too much offensive talent to let Navy come back at all.</p>
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<cite>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="Grnuip"><strong>The team has fully bought into the culture that they have become.</strong></p>
<p id="Zaqlbq">BK 2 FRESH was one of the greatest things I have ever seen (see directly below).</p>
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<p id="GZDsFY">This picture and the way that the whole team buys into a family and “togetherness” culture had made me believe that the team likes each other. They love playing football with one another, and they love to play for Brian Kelly. It just seems like such a loose but also disciplined Irish team. It’s like what Mike Brey has done with the basketball program. They truly do play for each other in the ups and downs. No matter how tough the game is, I have the confidence in the team having the skill and strength to pull out victories. It is awesome what Kelly and the coaching staff have been able to accomplish. I’ve seen talented team and also more lucky teams, but this team seems to fly under the radar with some skill and teamwork, and I flat out love it.</p>
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<cite>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="nNWfsN"><strong>I hate and love playing Navy at the same time.</strong></p>
<p id="zJx62d">Yeah, injuries and a stressful game happen against Navy every year. I am going to deviate a little from what our fearless leader said this past week, though. After watching the alma maters after the game as well as knowing about the history of the game, I don’t mind playing Navy every year. I know this is unpopular, but I like the perspective of bringing in the aspects of what the game means off the field. I don’t care if this sound sappy or off-base, but it’s my thought for the game. Yes, it was absolutely sweet to have the game not be close. But, in a day and age of flash and highlights, it’s interesting and a bit refreshing to watch a game that is unconventional happen every season.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images</cite>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/10/30/18040660/3-things-from-the-notre-dame-fighting-irish-football-44-22-victory-over-navy-win-brian-kelly-defenseMatt Greene2018-10-29T17:36:01-04:002018-10-29T17:36:01-04:00Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS Navy Midshipmen: Top Player Performances
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Irish improved to 8-0 with a 44-22 win.</p> <p id="iTQn9K">The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> are 8-0. That is something I could read all day long. This win was pretty uneventful as the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/navy-midshipmen">Navy Midshipmen</a> did not put up much of a fight. It was a good game to get your rhythm back after a bye week. Now comes a four week stretch with only one home game and some tough road tests. On to the player performances.</p>
<h2 id="isfNbZ"><span>Dexter Williams</span></h2>
<p id="JAeRYz">Now that he is back in full swing, <span>Dexter Williams</span> is without a doubt the best offensive weapon Notre Dame has on the team. You never know what can happen when he gets the ball in his hands. Dexter Williams finished the game with 169 total yards and 3 touchdowns with a 6.2 yards per carry average. Not a bad deal when you get an average of 6 yards on a play. A healthy and focused Dexter Williams is force to be reckoned with. </p>
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<cite>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<h2 id="RQqekE">
<span>Jafar Armstrong</span> </h2>
<p id="32h9fd">Another running back. <span>Jafar Armstrong</span> came back from a knee injury that caused him to miss 3 games. We all know that running back is the most delicate position in football. Jafar Armstrong is turning into a problem on offense. A two headed monster in the backfield is a real thing with Notre Dame. The defense never gets a break with Dexter Williams or Jafar Armstrong always on the field. We should all feel more comfortable going forward after seeing Jafar Armstrong return to game action.</p>
<h2 id="GHFBoB">Te’von Coney </h2>
<p id="90bRLB">The guy was a tackling machine. There was a point during that game that I seriously thought was making every tackle. I saw #4 making plays all the time. Coney finished with 14 tackles, 8 being solo. I feel like Coney has gotten over looked a little bit this year just because we have come to expect his great play. Don’t worry Te’von Coney, I have not forgot about you.</p>
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<cite>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="Iv4EcD">So Notre Dame is still undefeated and now a trip to Evanston to play Northwestern is next. This should almost be a home game for Notre Dame with the game being played close to Chicago. But this won’t be like playing Navy. Northwestern has gotten better throughout the year and is on their way to winning their division in the Big 10. It will be Northwestern’s Superbowl. The Irish will have to build on this performance to improve to 9-0.</p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/10/29/18038392/notre-dame-fighting-irish-vs-navy-midshipmen-top-player-performances-dexter-williams-jafar-coneyjeffczern2018-10-29T07:36:35-04:002018-10-29T07:36:35-04:00OFD Podcast: The Homestretch to the Playoffs For The Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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<figcaption>Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>ND will run the table and be in the CFP.</p> <p id="bWwu1T">The Brothers Sweigert sat down this week to discuss the 44-22 win the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> had over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/navy-midshipmen">Navy Midshipmen</a>, the schedule, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">college football playoff</a>, and so much more. </p>
<p id="RC5Lrk">It’s important that you follow follow <a href="https://twitter.com/IrishTightness">@irishtightness</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NDMcFly">@NDMcFly</a> o Twitter. </p>
<p id="EItAle">You can listen in the Soundcloud player below, but you can also find the OFD Podcast on iTunes and Google Play for all of you that are on the go. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, but also please take a moment to rate and review.</p>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/10/29/18036618/ofd-podcast-the-homestretch-to-the-playoffs-for-the-notre-dame-fighting-irish-navy-college-footballirishtightness2018-10-28T18:38:55-04:002018-10-28T18:38:55-04:00Navigating Past Navy
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<figcaption>Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Beating Navy is never a breeze, but it was hardly a struggle for the Irish en route to 8-0.</p> <h2 id="Bi3g75">Navigating Past Navy</h2>
<p id="9fluQh">Despite the shared history between the two programs, many <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> fans oppose the idea of playing the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/navy-midshipmen">Navy Midshipmen</a> on a yearly basis. </p>
<p id="3SPXOJ">Okay, “oppose” might not quite do it justice - they <em>despise</em> this game.</p>
<p id="GwhAtT">And there are plenty of valid reasons to feel this way. It’s a game that often leaves many Irish players battered and beaten, and is also frequently far too close for comfort. Its perceived benefits are few, and its perceived detriments are many.</p>
<p id="2MALfh">But it will be an annual part of the schedule for the foreseeable future, so Notre Dame might as well steamroll them when they play.</p>
<p id="q037EF">And on Saturday, that’s what they did. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="sKf6iZ">In a game that was far from perfect for the Irish, they still managed to bully Navy throughout the entirety of the game. </p>
<p id="6kyXJR"><span>Ian Book</span> picked apart the Midshipmen from start to finish. His one blemish came with a late interception, but his stat-line on the day rested at a comfortable 27-33 with 330 yards and 2 touchdowns. There were no struggles through the air.</p>
<p id="CoDlyY"><span>Dexter Williams</span> continued to carve defenses up on the ground to the tune of 142 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. <span>Jafar Armstrong</span> joined him in his return to action, with 116 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. </p>
<p id="fbbP11">The offense fired on all cylinders.</p>
<p id="urUcri">The defense had its struggles, as tends to be the case when facing triple option teams. Navy wasn’t able to top 350 yards on the day, although if the Irish hadn’t handed them a few big plays, it likely would have been under 250 yards for Navy. </p>
<p id="OMr4Tn">Some of those busted plays could be attributed to defensive captain <span>Drue Tranquill</span> going out of the game early with a lower leg injury. It looked potentially devastating, but he avoided an ACL/MCL injury and came out with a comparatively minor ankle sprain. </p>
<p id="5uGgwe">Not losing him for the year may have been the greatest win for the Irish on Saturday.</p>
<p id="6s6Xvi">It wasn’t pretty all the way through, but Navy never truly threatened the Irish. Notre Dame did their job, and remained undefeated for another week.</p>
<p id="ksJmwl">On to the <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/">Northwestern Wildcats</a>.</p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/10/28/18034942/notre-dame-fighting-irish-football-navigating-past-navy-ian-book-jafar-armstrong-drue-tranquillAKGallagher2018-10-28T15:49:53-04:002018-10-28T15:49:53-04:00Notre Dame Stays Put At #3 In Week 10 Coaches Poll and AP Poll
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<figcaption>Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Irish are still in good shape after a resounding win over Navy this weekend.</p> <p id="cNef3n">The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> stayed undefeated over the weekend with a <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/10/27/18033568/notre-dame-too-much-early-for-navy-and-finishes-the-game-with-a-score-win-ian-book-dexter-williams">44-22 victory</a> against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/navy-midshipmen">Navy Midshipmen</a> on Saturday. That keeps them at the #3 spot in both sets of national rankings this week. This week was light on upsets as far as the top ten is concerned, so much of that group remained the same as well.</p>
<p id="0lLYen">Here’s the complete week ten USA Today Coaches Poll:</p>
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<p id="2bm5n3">The top five remains the same after those teams held their own against their respective competition this week. Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio State and UCF all moved up one spot after winning or being on their bye week. West Virginia also joins the top ten this week after a 58-14 rout of Baylor. Texas fell out of the top ten after a close road loss to Oklahoma State. This week also sees seven newcomers join the rankings, including Syracuse at #24 who face Notre Dame on November 17th at Yankee Stadium.</p>
<p id="Dsgzrq">Here’s the complete week ten AP Poll:</p>
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<p id="33QikE">It’s a similar story to the Coaches Poll here. The top five is the same. Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and UCF all move up slightly with the Buckeyes rejoining the top ten. Washington State is in the top ten this week, however, after back-to-back big conference wins. Syracuse is slightly higher in the AP Poll at #22 as opposed to being #24 in the Coaches Poll. </p>
<p id="mTd7HM">The Irish next take the field on Saturday, November 3rd at <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/10/25/18019110/notre-dames-lost-rivalry-trophy-shillelagh-northwestern-wildcats-fighting-irish-rockne-cosgrave">Northwestern</a>. </p>
<p id="eJmsV6">As far as Notre Dame’s playoff chances go, the first set of official <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">College Football Playoff</a> rankings will be released on Tuesday, October 30th.</p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/10/28/18034594/notre-dame-stays-put-at-3-in-week-10-coaches-poll-and-ap-poll-national-college-football-rankingsJoe Londergan2018-10-28T02:29:02-04:002018-10-28T02:29:02-04:00Highlights And Post Game Interviews From Notre Dame’s 44-22 Win Over Navy
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<figcaption>Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Game highlights and press conferences with Brian Kelly and players.</p> <p id="UeGwgK">The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> are 8-0 for the first time since 2012 after beating the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/navy-midshipmen">Navy Midshipmen</a> 44-22 in San Diego, California. </p>
<p id="sXo98i">The Irish racked up almost 600 yards of offense, and completely shut Navy down for the entire first half. If the goal was to start fast and then pour it on, they mostly got it right against the always tricky triple-option.</p>
<p id="SM1eIN"><span>Dexter Williams</span> received the game ball after rushing for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns, but it was his blocking that caught the eye of Head Coach Brian Kelly.</p>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/10/28/18033894/highlights-and-post-game-interviews-from-notre-dames-44-22-win-over-navy-dexter-williams-irishJoshua Vowles2018-10-28T02:12:39-04:002018-10-28T02:12:39-04:00The Navy Hangover
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<img alt="Navy v Notre Dame" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/17C6Y1eX8wUEFJT9RmxRoF36z-Q=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61936153/1054455992.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Some things were pretty and others were not — a normal night out on the town.</p> <p id="Vs3tJy">It’s funny how a college football game can feel so good in the first half, and by the time the fourth quarter rolls around, it has people begging for the game to just hurry up and finish. </p>
<p id="GJo07i">The 44-22 win that the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> got over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/navy-midshipmen">Navy Midshipmen</a> on Saturday night was never really a close game, and the Irish were never in any real danger of losing. Still... it had enough twists to leave a weird feeling in the stomach.</p>
<p id="MgxHUK">Our Hangover is early — and we need to get past this.</p>
<h2 id="WZC5fJ">RUNNING BACK AT FULL STRENGTH</h2>
<p id="GmLvbv"><span>Dexter Williams</span> returned to form against Navy. The senior running back carried the ball 23 times for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns. He remains Notre Dame’s most explosive offensive player, and is able to find the smallest crease to slip through for yards. </p>
<p id="i22GCd"><span>Jafar Armstrong</span> returned to form after a few games off, and gained another 52 yards and a touchdown on 9 carries. <span>Armstrong</span> showed that power and one cut and go ability that he started to make a name for himself during Notre Dame’s first three games.</p>
<p id="oxF7Vu">The most impressive thing for me, was the involvement of Dexter and Jafar in the passing game. Armstrong especially was really good as he led all receivers with 5 receptions for 64 yards. Dexter added 3 receptions for 27 yards. As the season continues, this added dimension to the offense should prove valuable — even more so on 3rd down.</p>
<h2 id="iQTglD">IAN BOOK STILL BOOKING</h2>
<p id="bfoMsP">It was another performance from <span>Ian Book</span> that we have grown accustomed to this season. He was 27/33 for 33 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a bonehead interception. His 82% completion percentage could have been a little better (so weird to complain about this) because he was a little inaccurate with a few deep seam passes. <span>Book</span> also gained a smooth 50 yards on the ground.</p>
<p id="TILRt0">So... it was a fairly normal day at the office for Book. Despite the claims that Notre Dame’s schedule is weak down the stretch, the Irish are going to be tested quite a bit, and the pressure will be turned up to almost an unbearable point. Can Book rise above all all of that and deliver? So far he’s shown that he absolutely can, but he’s also shown enough head-scratchers to cast some doubt.</p>
<h2 id="d9S9Ne">A REALLY GOOD DEFENSE BUT STILL NOT GREAT</h2>
<p id="gLyG2D">Notre Dame has been fantastic on defense this season, and the first half performance against Navy was inspiring. The Irish only allowed 74 yards in the first half against the Midshipmen, but they got really sloppy in the second half.</p>
<p id="nekpxl">The scheme was sound, and the assignments were played fairly well — but the execution was rather poor in the third quarter especially. Notre Dame was arm tackling Navy, and they were whiffing badly. <span>Troy Pride Jr.</span> had a really rough time, and even provided a “turbo boost” for Malcom Perry to rattle off a 58 yard strike.</p>
<p id="hPgi4c">A lot of the physicality and sure tackling in the first half gave way to slopping around. It wasn’t terrible the entire final 30 minutes, but it had enough moments to have you wondering if they go too comfortable with their early success. A great defense plays the full 60, and Notre Dame just isn’t there yet. They certainly can get there, but that “foot on throat” mentality needs nurtured. </p>
<h2 id="ECqF5s">HEAL</h2>
<p id="qtZEmn">Notre Dame is fighting through some injuries now. <span>Justin Yoon</span> sat this game out, and <span>Jonathan Doerer</span> was called upon to fill the void. <span>Doerer</span> missed his first PAT, but settled in quite nicely.</p>
<p id="yP0SPT"><span>Drue Tranquill</span> went down with a leg injury that scared the crap out of everyone. Even though <span>Jordan Genmark Heath</span> and <span>Shayne Simon</span> were listed on the depth chart behind <span>Tranquill</span>, <span>Drew White</span> was the one that came in in Drue’s place. It would appear that Drew is the new “<span>Greer Martini</span>” when it comes to the option. He played a solid game and ended with 6 tackles.</p>
<p id="afOg8l">Brian Kelly said <span>Yoon</span> could have played tonight if they needed him to, so we should expect him back next week against the <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/">Northwestern Wildcats</a>. </p>
<p id="h15xvs"><span>Tranquill</span> came out of the locker room with a boot on, and had an ankle sprain. The good news, according to Kelly, was that before the game was over, Tranquill had ditched the boot and was walking around fairly well. It will still be a few days, I’m sure, before we get a better grasp of how Drue will be moving forward. </p>
<h2 id="Zpg6A1">WIN</h2>
<p id="E8J7N6">I’ll end the Hangover with a very simple... Notre Dame is 8-0 for the first time since 2012. </p>
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https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/10/28/18033790/notre-dame-football-the-navy-hangover-ian-book-dexter-williams-drue-tranquill-jafar-armstrong-whiteJoshua Vowles