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Preview: Notre Dame vs. Navy
UHND.com  - Joe Brunson
11/15/2001

Navy (0-8) At Notre Dame –28 (3-5) 2:30pm ET

Preview

Rick Lantz comes back to South Bend for the first time since he was the Defensive Line Coach under Gerry Faust (‘84-’85). Despite their eighth loss of the season to Tulane, interim coach Rick Lantz motivated the Midshipmen to record season highs in points (28), rushing yards (300), first downs (24) and total plays (90). Their biggest offensive threat all year has been Brian Madden. He has thrown for 755 yards and ran for another 760 while playing in six games for Navy. In fact, he has 57% of the Midshipmen’s total yardage this season despite not playing in the first two games of the year. The 2^nd leading rusher on the team, Marlon Terrell, has only 31 carries and the leading receiver, Jeff Gaddy, has caught only 21 balls. While offensively Navy has played with a spark from Madden, the defense has been horrid. They rank 114^th against the run, 109^th in total defense, and give up 35.5 ppg.

The Irish come into the game seriously banged up. The following players will not suit up for the Irish: Tony Fisher, David Givens, Jason Murray, Donald Dykes, Glenn Earl, Andrew Wisne, and Ryan Roberts. With all of these injuries, the Irish will have a chance to look at some players that may not have otherwise seen action. Defensively, Notre Dame has played solid all year. They are 11^th in pass defense and 14^th overall. Navy will run a spread offense at times, but will be dedicated to option football. Notre Dame’s front seven is the key to their defense and they will have their work cut out for them in stopping Madden and company. On the offensive side of the ball, everything runs through the ability of Carlyle Holiday to make plays. Whether its running the option or scrambling in the pocket, Holiday makes and breaks drives for the Irish. He is the leading rusher for the team, gaining 502 yards on 114 carries and has a 102.9 quarterback rating. Without Fisher in the lineup, Julius Jones will get the bulk of the carries at tailback. He is due for a breakout performance as he is only averaging 3.8 yards/attempt.

Navy Keys to Success

• Force the Irish into passing situations. Notre Dame is not a team that can convert 3^rd and long situations.
• Contain Holiday. Almost everything Notre Dame wants to do offensively revolves around the ability of the quarterback to make plays. Navy needs to force others, such as Jones and Javin Hunter, to make plays.
• Run a balanced offense. The Irish will be looking to stop Madden’s running threat. The Midshipmen need to improvise and throw on 1^st and 2^nd down to keep Notre Dame honest.
• Special teams play has been one of the solid areas of Notre Dame’s repertoire. Navy needs to get a big play from their special teams’ unit to offset that trend. Field position will be very important for this Navy team with few home run threats.
• Make a big play early. Whether this is a turnover or not, if it is big, watchout. The Irish faithful are ready to pounce on anything Bob Davie does that is ineffective. If the fans get down early, momentum could easily swing to the Midshipmen. Notre Dame is playing with little confidence right now, so any negativity coming from the stands could get into their heads.

Notre Dame Keys to Success

• Much the same defensively, as the Irish need to stop Madden and force plays to come from unlikely sources. Navy has not had any game-breakers other than the QB.
• Take control of the game quickly. Irish fans know all too well the fire that academies bring to this game. Last season, Air Force forced overtime in South Bend and in 1999, Navy forced Notre Dame into a last second play. Jarious Jackson hit Jay Johnson from 16 yards out with 36 seconds remaining to get the 28-24 victory.
• Notre Dame needs to make some throws early to open the running lanes for Julius Jones and Terrance Howard. Nice gains from the tailback position will lighten the load for Holiday and allow him to become more comfortable in the pocket.
• Win the turnover battle. Notre Dame has stalled themselves on drives this year by laying the ball down. With Holiday’s six interceptions, the Irish need to be careful of possession and not allow Navy to get the momentum based on "player" mistakes.
• Control the line of scrimmage. As it has been throughout this series, the Irish will outweigh Navy’s front line. The trenches are never more important than games where the option is a major weapon on both sides of the ball.

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