The key for Navy to score a win on the road against Notre Dame is simple. Work the clock as much as possible and get points at all costs, and capitalize on any mistakes by the Irish. So far, so good? Almost.
Navy is tied with Notre Dame in Notre Dame Stadium at halftime, 10-10. Navy took advantage of a turnover by the Irish special teams unit, but the defense could not hold off a few big plays in the final minute that led to a Brandon Wimbush rushing touchdown to draw the game even at 10-10 just before halftime.
Chris Finke fumbled a punt to give Navy the football at the 39-yard line on the Notre Dame side of the field. Navy then marched 39 yards over 11 plays to take a 10-3 lead with a Zach Abey touchdown push.
⚠️ SLIPPERY WHEN WET ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/Ic1lUr3rlT
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) November 18, 2017
Navy has held the football for just over 20 minutes in the first half, which means everything is going according to plan. It will be important for Navy’s defense to avoid giving up some big plays against the Irish. Big plays allowed Notre Dame to move down the field into position to the game just before halftime.
Notre Dame running back Josh Adams moved up the school record book by becoming the fifth-leading rusher in school history in the first half.
Josh Adams is now the fifth all-time leading rusher at Notre Dame.#GoIrish ☘ #NavyvsND pic.twitter.com/l4KXBqXdFp
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 18, 2017
Notre Dame still has plenty to be playing for a week after an embarrassing loss at Miami. If Notre Dame has an advantage, it is the depth and strength the Irish should be able to take advantage of in the second half. But if Navy can keep working the clock, utilizing that advantage may not be effective.