The No. 24 Navy Midshipmen are looking to shock the college football world, but they got off to a pretty shaky start on Saturday.
Navy fumbled twice in the first quarter against No. 12 Notre Dame, marking both the first time it had committed a fumble since Aug. 31 against Bucknell and its first fumbles lost all year.
The Fighting Irish took quick advantage of the early mistakes, jumping out to a 14-0 lead. Horvath responded with a 47-yard rushing touchdown, but two scores from Jeremiyah Love and 32-yard field goal by Zac Yoakam put the Fighting Irish up, 31-7, by halftime.
Saturday’s game is being played in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It’s the 97th edition of the long-standing rivalry.
The Midshipmen haven’t won against Notre Dame since 2016, when they pulled out a close victory in Jacksonville, Florida. They’ve beaten the Fighting Irish just 13 times across 96 games, so an upset would be a historic moment.
Navy (6-0) is looking to keep itself in the College Football Playoff conversation with a win, as it also tries to keep pace with traditional rival, Army (7-0), in the American Athletic Conference.
Notre Dame (6-1) cannot afford a loss to a lesser foe as it also navigates its path to the playoff as an FBS independent.
