Uncharacteristic turnovers put Navy in early hole against Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish took quick advantage of the early mistakes, jumping out to a 14-0 lead. Horvath responded with a 47-yard rushing touchdown, but two scores from Jeremiyah Love and 32-yard field goal by Zac Yoakam put the Fighting Irish up, 31-7, by halftime.

Saturday’s game is being played in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It’s the 97th edition of the long-standing rivalry.

The Midshipmen haven’t won against Notre Dame since 2016, when they pulled out a close victory in Jacksonville, Florida. They’ve beaten the Fighting Irish just 13 times across 96 games, so an upset would be a historic moment.

Navy (6-0) is looking to keep itself in the College Football Playoff conversation with a win, as it also tries to keep pace with traditional rival, Army (7-0), in the American Athletic Conference.

Notre Dame (6-1) cannot afford a loss to a lesser foe as it also navigates its path to the playoff as an FBS independent.