Notre Dame Football: What We Learned from Week 1 vs. Navy

Following a 50-10 Notre Dame demolition of the Navy Midshipmen, the lessons to be learned are many. 

During the course of 60 minutes of action from Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, the Irish broke in a slew of first-time players—most notably redshirt freshman quarterback Everett Golson. 

Those young players have given this season's squad a different feel from the 2011 version, and in a very positive way. 

Let's take a look at what we learned from the team's Week 1 win over Navy. 

The Turnover Bug Is Gone

During last season's opening game against the South Florida Bulls, the Fighting Irish turned the ball over a mind-numbing five times. It continued to be a chronic issue for the remainder of the season, as Notre Dame finished in the cellar of the FBS in turnover margin at a clip of minus-1.15. 

In the team's first contest since a disheartening loss to Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl back in December, the turnover woes seemed to be a thing of the distant past. 

The only turnover of the game came on a late throw from quarterback Everett Golson in the second quarter, his only turnover on the day.

Considering 19 of the Irish's 29 turnovers a season ago stemmed from the quarterback position, it was refreshing to see Golson play within himself while making smart, safe decisions with the football. 

As a team, the Irish did an excellent job of securing the football and avoiding the devastating types of turnovers that were so common a season ago. 

The Cornerback Position Remains Unstable

While the Irish front seven is among the nation's elite, the secondary is light years behind. 

Irish head coach Brian Kelly was forced to move true freshman KeiVarae Russell from running back to cornerback one week prior to yesterday's game, with Russell getting the starting nod. 

Well, Russell played like a freshman yesterday, which is going to be a legitimate cause for the concern for the Irish defense heading forward. The 6'0", 170-pound freshman gave up the lone passing touchdown of the game, hesitating on the play, giving the Navy receiver a step ahead and an easy touchdown grab. 

Navy quarterback Trey Miller completed 14-of-19 pass attempts for 192 yards and one score yesterday morning at Aviva Stadium. For a triple-option offense, those are staggering figures.

Despite the defense having to place a strong emphasis on stopping the Navy ground game, a defense such as Notre Dame's should never give up those type of passing numbers to a service academy. 

How the Irish secondary will fare against pass-happy teams such as USC, Oklahoma and Purdue is a thought that is likely going to keep Brian Kelly awake at night. 

The Rushing Attack Is Lethal

Running the football will be the bread and butter of this season's Notre Dame offense, and that mantra was on display in full on Saturday. 

Theo Riddick and George Atkinson combined for 206 of Notre Dame's 293 net rushing yards behind an offensive line that controlled the line of scrimmage for 60 minutes. And it all came without presumptive starting running back Cierre Wood, who was suspended for the season's first two games by head coach Brian Kelly for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

Both Atkinson and Riddick showed versatility, with physical runs between the tackles along with some more elusive runs to the outside. When that dynamic duo becomes a trio, watch out.  

When Wood does return on Sept. 15 at Michigan State, the Irish will possess what is, perhaps, the most potent trio of running backs in the country behind those of Nick Saban's Alabama squad. 

QB Everett Golson Distanced Himself from the Competition

Entering Saturday's contest, redshirt freshman Everett Golson accepted the fact that he was going to make mistakes. That acceptance and willingness to learn will define his rookie season. 

Golson completed 12-of-18 pass attempts for 144 yards and one touchdown on the day, all while displaying the poise and moxie expected from the leader of the offense. Golson was a cool customer during three quarters of action while being an excellent manager of the game. 

He successfully avoided injury and and inconsistent play, both of which would have doomed his starting job. 

Whether or not Golson's performance on Saturday was a sign of things to come, his job is safe for next weekend's game against Purdue. The challenge will be replicating a similar performance against a feisty Purdue team. 

The Offensive Line Is Severely Underrated

With four of five starters returning along the offensive line, the Irish should have no trouble controlling the line of scrimmage this season. 

Saturday was an excellent start, as Braxston Cave, Mike Golic, Jr., Christian Lomabard, Chris Watt and Zack Martin set the tone early against an overmatched Navy defensive front. 

The group paved the way for an Irish ground game that amassed 293 net rushing yards and did not give up a sack all afternoon (or morning? Depends on who you're asking). Should the line continue to play like it's capable, it won't be a secret for much longer.