Navy Midshipmen vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish 8/26/2023 – The anticipation for football is at its peak as we transition from the NFL preseason to the official kickoff of the 2023-24 college football season. This Saturday, August 26th, at 2:30 PM ET on NBC, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will host the Navy Midshipmen in a thrilling matchup at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. While the Navy vs. Army game traditionally closes the college football season, this time the Midshipmen are stepping onto the field for the first game of the year in a remarkable showdown. The college football betting odds are up and running as these teams clash in this exciting game.
Navy Midshipmen vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish 8/26/2023
| When: | Saturday, August 26, 2023 2:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Aviva Stadium |
| TV: | TV |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midshipmen | +20 (-110) | 51 o (-110) | +558 |  |
| Fighting Irish | -20 (-110) | 51 u (-110) | -904 | |
| ||||
Game day! Ready for @NavyFB pic.twitter.com/5PPqEkFo6h
— Navy Equipment (@NavyEquipment) August 26, 2023
Brian Newberry vs Marcus Freeman
Undoubtedly, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish enter this matchup as clear favorites. Ranked at an impressive #13 in the preseason poll, they’re genuine contenders for a spot in the highly coveted College Football Playoff. The question that arises is whether the Navy Midshipmen can hold their ground against such formidable opponents. The point spread, hovering around three touchdowns, sets the stage for a fascinating battle, prompting us to delve deeper into our Navy vs. Notre Dame Prediction.
When it comes to Navy and military schools in general, one phrase sums up their approach: old school. Characterized by a ground-and-pound style, they make no secrets about their strategy – they’re going to charge straight ahead. Navy’s offense is renowned for its triple-option play, which essentially turns their quarterback into an additional running back.
Consider this perspective: In the previous season, the Midshipmen threw for an average of just 85.8 yards per game (the third lowest in the nation), while their rushing game thrived with an average of 241.2 yards per game (the fourth highest). The significance of this lies in their ability to control the pace of the game by effectively running the ball. In essence, this style reduces the number of possessions Notre Dame has to construct a commanding lead of three touchdowns.
Navy’s Strategic Shifts and Defensive Strengths: A Look Ahead to the 2023 College Football Bowl Season
Navy’s ability to keep games tight is well-documented. In their last 10 encounters with the Fighting Irish, their win-loss record stands at 1-9. However, their against-the-spread record paints a different picture, nearly even at 4-6. This trend, combined with the neutral site advantage, points towards the Midshipmen narrowing the margin of victory, potentially aligning more closely with the original 17-point spread.
As we gear up for the 2023 College Football Bowl Season, the opening clash unfolds between the Navy Midshipmen and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, set in the picturesque backdrop of Dublin, Ireland. For those yearning to experience the game’s magic from the heart of Ireland, this is an event not to be missed. And for those seeking insights, our collection of college football picks awaits.
The Midshipmen are emerging from a somewhat lackluster four-win season, leading to the departure of veteran head coach Ken Niumatalolo. Sporting a remarkable fourth national ranking in rushing offense, averaging 241.2 yards per game, Navy seeks to infuse some passing vigor under new offensive coordinator Grant Chestnut. The spotlight falls on QB Tai Lavatai’s recovery from knee surgery and their pivotal role in leading an offense that averaged 21.9 ppg.
A shift in leadership positions defensive coordinator Brian Newberry as Navy’s head coach. The defense, holding a commendable sixth rank in stopping the run, boasts an array of talent. Particularly noteworthy is their formidable secondary, spearheaded by hard-hitting FS Rayuan Lane.
NCAAF Odds: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -21 ; O/U 50.5
On the Notre Dame front, the Fighting Irish commenced last season with consecutive losses. Yet, under first-year head coach Marcus Freeman, they staged a remarkable recovery, clinching victory in nine out of their final 11 games. Notably, the Fighting Irish have strengthened their offense by enlisting Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman, a prolific passer who tallied 38 touchdowns last season. An improvement is expected in their passing offense, which previously languished in the bottom 50 with an average of 207.1 yards per game.
The Notre Dame offensive line stands as a stalwart in college football, primed to lead the charge alongside RB Audric Estime, who amassed an impressive 920 yards. While Notre Dame boasts a historically robust defensive line, three veteran departures necessitate strategic replacements. The task ahead involves reinforcing their red zone defense, aiming to curb the 32 scores conceded in 34 possessions. On the flip side, sophomore CB Benjamin Morrison, with a team-high six interceptions, emerges as a pivotal asset.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Trends
Notre Dame are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Notre Dame’s last 7 games.
Notre Dame are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Notre Dame’s last 12 games against Navy.
Notre Dame is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games against an opponent in the American Athletic Conference.
Notre Dame are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games played in week 1.
Navy Midshipmen Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Navy’s last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Navy’s last 12 games when playing Notre Dame
Navy Midshipmen vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Pick
Navy holds the potential to vie for an American Athletic Conference Championship, while Notre Dame eyes a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. A noteworthy trend in recent seasons is the profitability of service academies as underdogs, often favored by two touchdowns or more. Given this context, the Midshipmen’s pursuit of victory, backed by their defensive prowess, gains prominence.
In conclusion, the clash between the Navy Midshipmen and Notre Dame Fighting Irish promises to be a captivating spectacle to kick off the 2023-24 college football season. While the odds may sway in favor of Notre Dame, the Midshipmen’s resilience, strategic gameplay, and historical trends hint at a closely contested battle. As the clock ticks down to the opening whistle, the world of college football stands on the cusp of an exhilarating journey. The college football picks today are in favor of the Fighting Irish to secure their first victory.
