The 10th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish will look to win their seventh straight game this weekend against an old rival, the 7-1 Navy Midshipmen. Notre Dame will need another impressive win in order to continue standing out in the eyes of the College Football Playoff committee.

Location: Notre Dame Stadium (Notre Dame, Ind.)
Date: Saturday - November 8th
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Network: NBC/Peacock
Spread: Notre Dame -26.5, O/U: 55.5

The Irish Breakdown staff has made our predictions for this matchup:

BRYAN DRISKELL, OWNER

Prediction: Notre Dame 48, Navy 20

The Notre Dame offense has not been playing to its potential for the last month, at least not as a unit, and that needs to change in a hurry. One week the pass offense is rolling and the run game struggles, the next week the pass game isn't as sharp and the run game is flourishing. Sometimes that's the defense focusing on stopping one area, but too often the Notre Dame offense just can't get everything - and everyone - on the same page.

I'm predicting that gets turned around against Navy, and the Irish come out hot and take it to Navy. I don't see how the struggling Navy defense, which has allowed at least 31 points in each of its lost four games, can stop this Notre Dame offense. Notre Dame has a huge size advantage, so running the ball should be something the Irish can do even if Navy is loading the box. But a blowout will also require CJ Carr to be on his game, the line to give him protection and for the Irish coaching staff to do more to make sure that Malachi Fields and Eli Raridon are focal points of the pass game.

On the other side of the ball, the Irish defense are going against the most talented Navy offense in a long time, at least on offense. Quarterback Blake Horvath is a dynamic playmaker, fullback Alex Tecza, wide receiver Eli Heidenreich and slotback Brandon Chatman give the Midshipmen legit playmakers all around. They will make some plays, but I still expect the Notre Dame defense to dominate the trenches. As long as Notre Dame remains assignment correct and has a sound game plan they should keep the Navy offense in check enough to earn a dominant win.

VINCE DEDARIO, FOOTBALL ANALYST

Prediction: Notre Dame 49, Navy 10

This feels about right when you look at how these two teams stack up. The Irish just have too much firepower on both sides of the ball plain and simple. CJ Carr should be able to pick apart Navy’s secondary with ease, especially with how well the Irish have been spreading the ball around lately. Add in that the run game has been rolling with Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, and it’s hard to see Navy keeping up. We will all be watching to see if Price has cleaned up his fumbling issue as well. This is game two with the new look offensive line and they should be able to capitalize on that experience. 

On the other side of the ball, Navy’s triple-option attack is just as good as it has always been but they attempt to mix in more modern looks as well. This will certainly be a test for what we all believe is a disciplined and physical Notre Dame defense. The Irish front seven should bottle things up early, forcing Navy into uncomfortable passing situations they’re not built for. And when Navy’s defense gets tired chasing around Notre Dame’s athletes all afternoon, that’s when the floodgates open. By the fourth quarter, it’ll be all Irish with the backups getting reps, the crowd celebrating, and another lopsided win in the books.

TREVOR TROWBRIDGE, STAFF WRITER

Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Navy 14

This team is more than capable of repeating the performance from last season's Navy win, but as the season progresses, the less consistent the offense is becoming. They have all the talent in the world, they just haven't been able to start fast, remain fast or finish on long drives. The offense has scored under 30 points in 3 of their last 4 outings, but I do think that changes this weekend. The defense will have its hands full, like it always does when they face Navy, but having experienced players and position coaches will go a long way in this matchup. 

Notre Dame will drive right down the field, like they do on most opening drives, to take an early lead. I expect the run game to be a dominant force in this matchup given the undersized defensive front for Navy, and the expected weather conditions for Saturday night as well. I think Navy will score both of their touchdowns in the first half, but remaining consistent with what we've seen from this defense for the majority of the season, halftime adjustments will pay major dividends; the Irish defense will shut down the Midshipmen's offense in the final two quarters. 

ANDREW MCDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR

Prediction: Notre Dame 28, Navy 17

The Fighting Irish renew their rivalry with Navy on what could be a cold, sloppy night in South Bend. The weather, plus Navy's emphasis on ball control and limiting possessions are why I'm picking a lower scoring Notre Dame win. 

Ultimately, I don't think the Midshipmen are going to be able to consistently stop the Notre Dame offense and the Fighting Irish will pull this one out. Navy ranks 83rd in the nation in total defense and has surrendered more than 30 points in each of their last 4 games. When the Notre Dame offense is on the field, they will move the ball. The Fighting Irish rank 8th in the nation averaging 7.2 YPP. However, I think that Navy's offense will actually be the Midshipmen's best defense. Navy ranks first in the nation in rushing and averages around 4 minutes more time of possession than their opponents. The Fighting Irish defense has been mediocre on third down, checking in at 65th in the nation. Like Boston College did last weekend, look for Navy to stay ahead of the sticks and limit possessions to keep the Notre Dame offense off the field and the points down.

If Notre Dame can get Navy to third and long, the Irish will have a good chance to force turnovers and turn this one into a blowout. Navy QB Blake Horvath is talented but has a tendency to put the ball in danger - he has thrown 5 interceptions in just 115 pass attempts, including 2 picks in the loss to North Texas last week. 

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