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.

To combat that type of Cover-3 and Cover-4 defenses, Notre Dame will have to throw a few slants to Tate and Michael Floyd, as well as some dump passes to Kyle Rudolph in the middle of the field.

Even quick outs and screens are going to be there for picking, so Clausen and the Irish will have to make the most of it.

Good things will happen when Tate, Floyd, and Allen run after the catch! Another positive will be the presence of David Grimes. This is a game where he could definitely put up some big numbers.

Ball control and moving the chains will be essential; and the only way that will be accomplished is connecting on 60 or more percent of their passes. Heck, if Temple can complete 21-of-28 passes for 409 yards against the Middies, the Irish should do the same, right?

4.) Keeping the ball. Notre Dame can ill afford three and outs and turning the ball over. We all now that if the Irish turn it over a few times, the harder the chances are they will win the game.

The same goes for the success of the Navy defense. The Middies have 20 takeaways on defense this season, which compensates for their yardage they give up through the air.

During their last outing, Temple, who has one of the worst offenses in the nation (115th in FBS) amassed 409 yards. Two costly second half turnovers by the Owls, including a fumble returned for a touchdown, was what gave Navy the spark to win the contest 33-27.

Look for the Irish to limit their turnovers and continue their streak of not punting against the Midshipmen by making the most of each possession.

5.) Safety dance. One of the major keys in stopping the Navy rushing attack is the play of the safeties. For the Irish, the two top tacklers on the squad are Kyle McCarthy and David Bruton. Both will be called upon to creep up and stuff the Midshipmen option.

Look for both to have double-digit tackles, as they will limit Navy to modest yardage on the ground.

6.) Navy QB play. Navy has looked more confident running their offense with senior Kaipo-Noa Kanheaku-Enhada under center. He's the only quarterback since Roger Staubach to have beaten the Irish. Kanheaku-Enhada has been hampered with a hamstring and is questionable on Saturday.

Jarod Bryant, the backup, too has also been hit with the injury bug against Temple, which means Ricky Dobbs could be the starter.

Whether it's Bryant or Dobbs, the Irish need to get to the quarterback and supply pressure and force them into making mistakes. If Kanheaku-Enhada is playing, Notre Dame will have to contain him and not give up big plays or easy third down conversions.

The heart of a team is shown the most through adversity, and this squad has been through it a lot the last year and a half. How they respond on Saturday will show everyone the true character of Charlie Weis and the Fighting Irish.

Make sure to log onto the Irish Band of Brothers site for up-to-date information on Fighting Irish Football and Notre Dame athletics:

http://www.irishbandofbrothers.blogspot.com