Week 0 is upon us. No. 13 Notre Dame kicks off the 2023 season far from South Bend, taking on the Navy Midshipmen in Dublin, Ireland. The Notre Dame-Navy rivalry, which stretches back to 1927, is entering its 96th game. The Irish have won five straight and 10 of the last 11 meetings between the two teams. And Notre Dame will look to improve on its 81-13 overall record against Navy. The Midshipmen’s most recent victory in the series came in 2016.
There is plenty of buzz around Notre Dame’s football team this season, and rightfully so. Head coach Marcus Freeman is entering his second season at the helm, looking to build off a 9-4 season a year ago. Despite losses against seemingly inferior opponents Marshall and Stanford last year, the Irish closed out the season with a Bowl game victory, defeating South Carolina 45-38 in the Gator Bowl.
Notre Dame-Navy Rivalry Game Week 0
More Questions Than Answers
Another reason for optimism is the new starting quarterback, Sam Hartman. The fifth-year signal caller makes his debut in blue and gold against Navy after transferring from Wake Forest. Hartman’s presence and his play-making ability give Notre Dame’s offense more options in 2023. Hartman was productive in the slow-mesh offense at Wake Forest. Following solid spring and fall camps, he should be acclimated to Notre Dame’s more traditional pro-look offense.
For an offense that could be implementing more RPO plays, Hartman will have an ideal opportunity to showcase his growth in the first game of the season. Also, with Hartman under center, Notre Dame has the personnel to stray from a ground-and-pound attack. Instead of relying heavily on leading rusher Audric Estime, the Irish can look to the air more. That may prove beneficial on Saturday as Navy possesses a stout run defense. With Hartman needing go-to targets, the promising but still unproven skill players will need to step up. They include Jayden Thomas, Tobias Merriweather, Chris Tyree, and Deion Colzie.
Midshipmen’s Defense a Worthy Foe
Navy’s defense against the run was among the best in the country a year ago. The defensive line—the strength of the team—returns all three starters. Last year, Navy’s hard-nosed rushing defense held opponents to just 88.9 yards on the ground per game and 3.01 yards per carry. Navy limited the Notre Dame offense to 66 rushing yards on 34 carries in last year’s meeting. While the Irish won that game 35-32, they will once again face a pressure-heavy Navy defense.
Like Notre Dame, Navy is also beginning a new era. First-year head coach and former defensive coordinator Brian Newberry replaces long-time head coach Ken Niumatalolo. Navy, coming off a 4-8 season, will likely stick to a ball-control offense in their option approach. But under new offensive coordinator Grant Chesnut, the offense might also feature more of a passing game than in previous seasons. Quarterbacks Tai Lavatai and Blake Horvath are both expected to share responsibilities this season. If Navy upsets Notre Dame, Newberry will be the first Navy coach in team history to defeat a ranked opponent in his first game.
Offensive Line Plays a Key to Success for the Irish
To avoid an 0-2 start like last season, Notre Dame’s offensive line will need to protect. The offensive line features a pair of next-level tackles in Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, as well as Zeke Correll at center. The unknowns include both guards—Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan—who will both be making their first starts against Navy. Both players boast size and strength, but their inexperience is the biggest question mark on offense.
Notre Dame is an overwhelming favorite against Navy. Despite the talent advantage, the Irish should be tested against the Midshipmen in the first game of the season. Freeman’s era got off to a rocky start a season ago. But his talent-laden squad should be ready for the spotlight this time around. Expect Irish eyes to be smiling after a vastly improved Fighting Irish team takes care of business in the storied Notre Dame-Navy rivalry.
