Navy vs. Notre Dame: A Gridiron Rivalry Steeped in History and Honor

Posted on October 20, 2024

The Countdown Begins: October 26, 2024

As the autumn leaves begin to turn and the crisp air fills with anticipation, college football fans across the nation are marking their calendars for October 26, 2024. On this day, two of the most storied programs in college football will face off for the 97th time: the United States Naval Academy and the University of Notre Dame. This isn't just a game; it's a celebration of tradition, resilience, and mutual respect that has spanned nearly a century.

A Rivalry Forged in Respect and Gratitude

The Early Years: 1927-1941

The Navy-Notre Dame series began in 1927, inaugurating what would become one of college football's most enduring rivalries. From the outset, these contests were characterized by hard-fought battles on the field and a deep sense of mutual admiration off it.

World War II: A Bond Strengthened

The rivalry took on new meaning during World War II. In a time of national crisis, Notre Dame opened its doors to the U.S. Navy, establishing the V-12 Navy College Training Program on campus. This program not only provided the Navy with much-needed officers but also helped keep Notre Dame financially afloat during the war years. It was a gesture of patriotism that forever cemented the bond between these two institutions.

Post-War Era: The Streak Begins

Following the war, Notre Dame's football program entered a golden age under legendary coach Frank Leahy. The Fighting Irish began to dominate the series, initiating what would become a 43-year winning streak against Navy.

2007: The Year the Streak Ended

Setting the Stage

As Navy prepared to face Notre Dame on November 3, 2007, the weight of history bore down heavily. The Midshipmen hadn't tasted victory against the Fighting Irish since 1963 - a streak of 43 consecutive losses. But under the leadership of Head Coach Paul Johnson, there was a sense that this year could be different.

Key Players and Moments

Quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada: The Navy QB was the engine of the triple-option offense, rushing for 122 yards and scoring the decisive touchdown.
The Triple-Option Offense: Navy's signature offensive scheme kept Notre Dame's defense off-balance throughout the game.
The Crucial Fourth Down: In the second overtime, Kaheaku-Enhada's gutsy fourth-down conversion kept Navy's hopes alive.
The Defensive Stand: Navy defensive end Chris Kuhar-Pitters' game-winning tackle on Notre Dame's two-point conversion attempt in triple overtime sealed the historic victory.

The Final Score: Navy 46, Notre Dame 44 (3OT)

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Navy 46, Notre Dame 44. The 43-year drought had ended in a triple-overtime thriller. The scene that followed was one of unbridled joy, with Navy players and fans celebrating a victory that was about more than just football - it was about perseverance, belief, and the realization that no streak lasts forever.

Looking Ahead: The 2024 Matchup

As we approach the 2024 game, both Navy and Notre Dame find themselves at crucial points in their seasons. This year’s matchup promises to be a test of skill, strategy, and resilience on both sides.

Navy's Outlook

The Midshipmen have shown remarkable progress this season under the command of starting quarterback Blake Horvath. His leadership and playmaking abilities have been instrumental in Navy's offensive success. Horvath's decision-making in the triple-option attack has kept defenses guessing, allowing Navy to control the clock and maintain a balanced offense. His accuracy on critical passes and agility in executing rushes have made him a versatile threat to opponents.
Navy's rushing attack, led by running backs Daba Fofana and Alex Tecza, has proven to be a formidable force. Fofana’s power running and Tecza’s speed have enabled the Midshipmen to consistently break through defensive lines, adding crucial yards on every drive. Their contributions have helped maintain Navy’s reputation as one of the most difficult ground games to defend in college football.
On defense, linebacker Will Harbour has been a standout performer. His keen ability to read offenses and make key tackles has been central to Navy’s defensive resurgence. Harbour's leadership on the field is evident in the way he motivates the unit to remain disciplined, particularly when containing opponents’ big plays. Alongside him, the secondary has also shown improvement, focusing on minimizing passing yards and closing gaps quickly.
As they prepare to face Notre Dame, Navy will rely heavily on their defensive line to disrupt the Fighting Irish's rhythm and force mistakes. The Midshipmen's success will hinge on their ability to control the game's pace with their triple-option offense and capitalize on key defensive stops. Their focus on discipline and maintaining assignment-sound football is critical, as any slip-ups could be costly against a high-caliber team like Notre Dame.

Notre Dame's Perspective

The Fighting Irish enter the game as one of the nation's top programs, boasting a well-rounded roster on both sides of the ball. Their offense, known for its dynamic and multifaceted playbook, has been a challenge for defenses throughout the season. With a talented quarterback and a strong receiving corps, Notre Dame has the ability to adapt its game plan based on the opponent, making them a tough team to predict.
On defense, Notre Dame is known for its aggressive and disciplined approach. The unit will need to stay focused and assignment-sound against Navy's triple-option offense, a scheme they face rarely. This matchup requires the Irish to quickly adjust their defensive strategy to counter the unique rushing threats Navy poses.

The Game Within the Game

The Navy-Notre Dame rivalry is more than just a contest of athleticism; it’s a strategic battle between two different styles of football. Navy’s emphasis on ground control through the triple-option will clash with Notre Dame's dynamic offensive style. For Navy, the keys to victory lie in executing their option offense efficiently, limiting turnovers, and sustaining long drives to keep Notre Dame’s high-powered offense off the field. Defensively, Navy must focus on forcing Notre Dame into uncomfortable positions, applying pressure, and capitalizing on potential mistakes.

More Than a Game: The Significance of Navy vs. Notre Dame

This rivalry transcends the boundaries of sport, embodying values that both institutions hold dear:

Service: Both Navy and Notre Dame emphasize service to others, albeit in different ways.
Tradition: Few rivalries in college football can match the history and tradition of Navy vs. Notre Dame.
Respect: The mutual admiration between these programs is evident in their continued commitment to the series.

Game Day Experience: What Fans Can Expect

Whether you're lucky enough to be in the stadium or watching from home, the Navy-Notre Dame game is always a special experience:

Pageantry: From the March On of the Brigade of Midshipmen to the playing of both schools' alma maters post-game, the traditions surrounding this game are unparalleled.
Atmosphere: The energy in the stadium is electric, with both Navy and Notre Dame fans bringing passion and respect to the proceedings.
Competitive Spirit: Despite the historical record favoring Notre Dame, these games are often closely contested, with Navy's unique style keeping things unpredictable.

Old Salt Coffee: Fueling the Rivalry

At Old Salt Coffee, we're proud to be part of the Navy football tradition. Our coffee is the perfect companion for early morning tailgates or late-night game rewatches. Just as the Midshipmen on the field embody the values of dedication and perseverance, we strive to bring that same commitment to every cup we brew.

As you prepare for the big game, consider starting your day with a cup of Old Salt Coffee. It's more than just a beverage - it's a connection to the rich history and traditions of the Naval Academy and a salute to the players who give their all on the gridiron.

In Conclusion: A Rivalry Like No Other

As October 26, 2024, approaches, fans of both Navy and Notre Dame eagerly anticipate another chapter in this storied rivalry. Regardless of the outcome, we can be certain that the game will be played with the utmost respect and competitive spirit that has defined this series for nearly a century.

So mark your calendars, prepare your viewing parties, and get ready for a game that represents the very best of college football. And as you cheer on the Midshipmen, remember the words of the great Navy football coach Eddie Erdelatz: "A football game is never over until the last play is over, and even then you may have to go into overtime."

Go Navy! Beat Notre Dame!