No. 10 Notre Dame vs Navy: Time, TV, Preview & Prediction
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The respect is matched only by the unique difficulty. Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly opened his week discussing the tradition of playing Navy and the “incredible amount of respect” he has for both the Midshipmen and this series, about to kick off its 94th meeting. His very next sentence, the second one of his week, acknowledged the triple-option’s frustrations.
“It’s a hard game, it’s a difficult game, I’ll be quite honest with you,” Kelly said. “These games are never easy because you’re playing a style of football that goes contrary to what you’ve been teaching for the past four months. It’s a challenge to the coaches and the players to prepare themselves, and you’re preparing against great competitors.
The weaknesses usually derive from the obvious recruiting limitations of a service academy, but this year they have also stemmed from the Midshipmen not having a transcendent quarterback, a la Keenan Reynolds or Malcolm Perry. Without such a star, Navy has struggled to a 2-6 record while averaging fewer than 20 points per game.
Kelly was watching his son, Kenzel, play Ketterer’s school — New Prairie High School, about 20 miles west of South Bend — when Ketterer caught the Irish head coach’s eye a few years ago.
“I just really liked the way he competed,” Kelly said Thursday. “I liked his athleticism. We’re always looking for that preferred walk-on quarterback that can help us with the triple-option, and I thought he’d be a great fit. …
“Certainly glad that night happened, got a chance to see my son play and found our quarterback to help us with Navy. He helps us in other areas, as well. He’s a really valued member of our football team.
Fact of the matter is, Notre Dame has had little trouble against Navy of late.
In their three meetings during the Irish resurgence since the start of 2017, Notre Dame has won by an average score of 40-20
Irish eyes will be a smiling
Notre Dame 45, Navy 17.
8/31
Minnesota 8 point favorite against Nebraska
