Charlie Weis Finds Redemption in Notre Dame's Win Over Navy

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame headed east to Baltimore for revenge against long-time rival Navy for beating the Irish at home last season in overtime to snap a 43-game winning streak.

A lot of attention going into the game revolved around Irish Head Coach Charlie Weis' job security; however, after a mid-week announcement from Notre Dame's athletic director Jack Swarbrick informing fans that Weis is there to stay, attention focused to today's game against Navy to see if his vote of confidence was in vain. 

The 5-4 Fighting Irish squared off against the 6-3 Navy Midshipmen, a team that ranks second in the nation in rushing yards per game. Defense was the story of the first half as the teams went into their locker rooms at halftime with a 10-7 score in favor of the Irish.

Jimmy Clausen coughed up three turnovers in the first half, consisting of two interceptions and a fumble. Despite the turnovers, the Irish defense was able to keep them in the game.

Notre Dame took to the field in the second half with a purpose as they blanked Navy 14-0 in the third quarter.  As the Irish led 27-7, Weis emptied his bench and played the second string in the fourth quarter with Evan Sharpley at QB and freshman Jonas Gray at running back.

After Weis' 3-9 season in 2007 he has grown to understand the importance of playing second-stringers when you have a convincing lead and with an abundance of young talent, experience is important.

Weis' plan almost backfired on him as Navy was able to score a touchdown late in the fourth quarter and recovered an onside kick. The next Navy QB Ricky Dobbs connected with Tyree Barnes on a deep pass to put Navy on the Irish 1-yard line.

Navy scored again pushing the score to 27-21 and attempted another onside kick. In dramatic fashion, the Midshipmen recovered their second onside kick in 19 seconds. The Irish did not panic, however, and the defense forced a four-and-out.

This was a big win for Charlie Weis and the Irish, as it makes them bowl-eligible. With a win next weekend against Syracuse, the Irish will most likely qualify for the Gator Bowl regardless of their outcome against USC.

What was most impressive in today's win was the Irish running game, where three different backs ran for a combined total of 230 yards, which doubles their season average.

Also, the Notre Dame defense allowed only 178 yards, which is the lowest rushing total Navy has had since 2006.

The fact that Weis was able to pull off an important victory despite five turnovers and an injured Michael Floyd speaks volumes for the progress his team has made in the last year.

Although Irish fans are happy to see the blue and gold win on the road against a quality opponent, much attention is on freshman standout WR Michael Floyd, who left the game early in the first quarter with an injury, as well as top sophomore linebacker Brian Smith.

Injurires to Floyd and Smith would be a devastating blow to the Irish team.