By Liam Farrell｜Writer｜Twitter @LiamFarrell_IT
Via ON3
The time is now. All the dog days of the winter and spring, drowning ourselves in entertainment by watching old highlights of our Irish; or 2020-2022 Wake Forest offensive highlights are now over. It is game week ladies and gentlemen, and there is no better place to start this year than a game across the pond in Dublin against Navy. When breaking down or previewing Navy, there are always certain essentials. Let's take a deep dive into what the Irish must do to make a Week Zero statement against the Midshipmen.
Stay Disciplined and Know Your Assignment
Via 247Sports
This sentiment makes sense in multiple aspects. On one hand, Navy embodies what it means to stay disciplined. They will barely commit any penalties and almost certainly not turn the ball over. Navy plays a near perfect game from a fundamental aspect because well, they need to granted they don't have the same caliber of athletes on the football field.
From Notre Dame's perspective, the daunted triple option is a test that the Irish must face year in and year out. The good news for Notre Dame? The Irish return the same defensive coordinator, Al Golden, who has seen the triple option before, including the Irish's win last year in Baltimore. The Irish also return the same linebacking core who saw the triple option last year. Essentially, experience is the biggest component in mastering the art of defending the triple option, and with that experience, the Irish front seven must stick to their responsibilities and do their job.
Capitalize on Every Possession
Via Michael Conroy- Associated Press
On the offensive side of the ball, Notre Dame has to capitalize on every single possession that they have the ball. Navy will do what Navy does. They will hold the ball and have long methodical drives. While it is the Irish defense that must put a stop to that, the offense must have the mindset that they might only get the ball 5-7 times and they have to score on at least 80% of those possessions.
As I was rewatching some of the old Navy games, there was one congruent theme that led to easy Notre Dame victories: getting up early. In 2018, Ian Book and the Irish jumped out on Navy early and often in San Diego that led to an Irish blowout. Couple that with the next year in 2019, where Book and the Irish led Navy 28-0 in the first half. Notre Dame simply has to convert on opportunities early in the game and force Navy to go with a more up tempo approach.
Don't Make it Close
Via University of Notre Dame
I mean this in the nicest way possible. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the Naval Academy and the sacrifice they are making for our country, but BLOW THEM OUT. Much of the "NOTRE DAME doesn't play anyone" Twitter crowd revolves around the Irish lining up against Navy every year.
I enjoy the Navy game. It is great to honor the institution that kept Notre Dame afloat. However, when we step in between those lines, the Fighting Irish have to be able to destroy Navy. The game cannot be close. There is an extremely wide talent gap between the two teams and the final score must reflect the aforementioned gap.
Wrap-Up
To be able to say that Notre Dame will play football this week is an absolute dream. Hopefully it will be all smooth sailing across the Atlantic for Marcus Freeman and co. The Irish just simply have to take care of their business, leave an impression to all of the college football community, and get back to the States 1-0. Go Irish. Beat Navy.
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