Notre Dame Targets Navy at Gillette Stadium After Loss to BYU
The Fighting Irish host the Midshipmen in Foxborough on Saturday, aiming to end an eight-game losing streak in the series and recover from a controversial defeat.
By Grace Anderson ·
Notre Dame football enters its matchup against Navy at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Saturday at noon, looking to restore its momentum following a first-place loss of the season. The Fighting Irish, currently ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, sit with a 6-1 record after falling to then-No. 8 BYU last week. Their opponents, Navy, hold a 2-5 record and have lost eight consecutive meetings against Notre Dame, a streak that dates back to 2016.
The contest serves as a neutral-site game for both programs, providing Notre Dame with an immediate opportunity to rebound from a controversial defeat in Utah. Coach Marcus Freeman emphasized that the team used its bye week to analyze the loss rather than simply dismissing it. Freeman stated that the squad needed to own its mistakes and shortcomings, noting that lessons learned from losing help players prepare for future opportunities.
Navy presents a distinct tactical challenge for the Irish, employing an option-spread offense that ranks third in the nation in rushing yards per game, averaging 307.7. Fifth-year linebacker Jaylen Sneed noted that the team focused on eye alignment and technique to prepare for the Midshipmen. Sneed said the coaching staff ensured both younger and veteran players were ready for the specific style of play Navy utilizes.
Navy coach Brian Newberry said the team is not dwelling on the long-standing losing streak against Notre Dame. Newberry stated that the message for the week is to win one play at a time, treating each play as independent. He added that the Midshipmen must play extremely well and hope for a few breaks, such as the ball bouncing in their favor, to secure a victory.
The Midshipmen arrive in Foxborough after back-to-back losses in the American Conference to Texas-San Antonio and North Texas. In their most recent game, Navy allowed four scores of 50 yards or more, including a 76-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 63-yard fumble return for another score. Newberry said the team is coming off strong seasons of 11 and 10 wins in the previous two years but has struggled to maintain that level recently.
Notre Dame’s defense faces a significant adjustment early in the game with the absence of sack leader Boubacar Traore. Traore was ejected for targeting just five plays into the BYU game. Freeman called the 6-foot-5, 253-pound senior a playmaker who draws attention from NFL scouts. Freeman estimated that losing Traore costs the team at least seven points, noting that his presence typically prevents at least one touchdown.
Freeman said the team used the ejection as a teaching moment regarding playing time. Freeman recalled telling Traore that he did not need to be yelled at, but rather asked if he wanted to sit out another game like that. Freeman said Traore responded no, and the team will ensure he hits in the strike zone to avoid missing another play.
The last time Navy defeated a ranked Notre Dame team was on November 7, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana, when the Midshipmen beat the No. 19 Fighting Irish 23-21. Saturday’s game at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, marks the next chapter in this long-running series as both teams seek to define their current seasons.
