No. 12 Notre Dame Upsets No. 24 Navy

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Post on Oct 27, 2024

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Fighting Irish Upset Midshipmen in Thrilling Contest

Notre Dame, Indiana – In a game that had the feel of a classic rivalry clash, the No. 12 Notre Dame Fighting Irish emerged victorious over the No. 24 Navy Midshipmen, securing a hard-fought 24-17 win at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday. The victory extended the Irish's winning streak to three games and kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

A Tale of Two Halves

The first half was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. Navy's triple-option attack, known for its punishing ground game, was largely contained by the Irish defense, while Notre Dame's offense sputtered, failing to find the end zone despite several promising drives. The halftime score reflected the tight battle: Notre Dame 6, Navy 3.

The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Notre Dame's offense finally broke through, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions. Quarterback Drew Pyne connected with tight end Michael Mayer for a 27-yard touchdown, while running back Audric Estimé added a 1-yard rushing touchdown.

Navy, however, refused to go quietly. They responded with a touchdown of their own, cutting the lead to 20-10. The game remained tense throughout the fourth quarter, with both teams trading field goals.

Clutch Plays and Key Moments

The game's turning point came late in the fourth quarter. Facing a fourth-and-goal situation, Navy quarterback Tai Lavatai was intercepted by Clarence Lewis in the end zone. This pivotal turnover effectively sealed the win for Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish defense played a dominant role, limiting Navy to just 147 rushing yards, significantly below their season average. Defensive end Isaiah Foskey recorded a sack and forced fumble, further disrupting the Midshipmen's offensive rhythm.

Looking Ahead

The victory for Notre Dame was a crucial one, not only for their conference standings but also for their national aspirations. The Fighting Irish will now face a tough test next week against their rivals, the USC Trojans.

The Navy Midshipmen will look to bounce back from the loss as they continue their season. Their next opponent is the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, a game they will be looking to dominate and regain their winning form.