Keys to The Notre Dame-Navy Game

Honor, Courage, Commitment, are Navy's core values; and you could say the same for what Notre Dame's team will be fighting for during the remaining 2008 season.

Notre Dame's Mission: Back to Respectability starts Saturday when the Irish face a 6-3 Midshipmen squad looking to make it two in a row.

1.) Playing with emotion. A very simple thing to ask for, right? Well it has been a little difficult the past few weeks after losing a heart breaker at home to Pittsburgh and then being totally non-existent against Boston College.

After Golden Tate's fumbled punt return, and after Notre Dame stopped the Eagles on their first possession of the second half, the team was lost and seemed like they were just going through the motions.

On Saturday, the Irish need to have some fun and play with passion. In fact, they should play pissed-off. Not only have they lost two straight, but they also owe a little payback from last season at Notre Dame Stadium. They still have a lot to play for, including a bowl game. If that doesn't get their juices going, then I don't know what will.

So look for the Irish to play some inspired ball from start to finish on both sides.

2.) Establish a running game. If Notre Dame needed their running game the most, now would be the perfect time. Pittsburgh and Boston College have provided a perfect example of what the Irish offense should expect with Cover-3 and Cover-4 defenses and five to seven defenders back in coverage. Having some sort of a running game will make the Midshipmen defense honest, and help the Irish spread out their passing attack.

The battle of this game starts up-front with the push of each team's offensive line. Whoever dominates the line of scrimmage will win the game.

Navy doesn't have the size or speed, but makes up for it with heart and discipline. Notre Dame will have to match that heart and tenacity so they can provide a smash-mouth style of ball. Navy's strength on defense is stopping the run, as they yield only 116.3 yards per game (30th nationally). So this is the one key area to watch closely.

Two years ago James Aldridge had his coming out party with several good runs, and last season Armando Allen had a game he would rather forget. Watch for the both of them to have strong performances behind an inspired run-blocking offensive line.

3.) Pass efficiency. Jimmy Clausen cannot afford to have another multiple interception game. He needs to make the most out of each and every single pass he throws against Navy. Like I stated earlier in #2, defenses are putting a ton of defenders back to stop the Irish passing attack and Navy has the second-worst pass defense in the country as they give up 256.67 yards a game.

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