Notre Dame Football: 5 Predictions for Navy Matchup

After a tough loss to rival USC last week, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a chance to bounce back this week when they play host to yet another rival, Navy.

At 4-3, Notre Dame is heavily favored against the 2-4 Midshipmen, but Navy has won three of the teams' last four matchups, so anything could happen.

Here are five predictions for this Saturday's showdown.

Navy Rushing Attack Will Impress

Navy struggles mightily when passing the ball, but they make up for their woes in the passing game by boasting the No. 3 rushing attack in the nation.

The Midshipmen are averaging a ridiculous 325 rushing yards per game so far this season, ironically putting them behind only Army and Air Force. Both Quarterback Kriss Proctor and running back Alexander Teich have rushed for over 500 yards this season, and they make for a nasty backfield duo.

While Notre Dame's defense is fast, and they fly to the ball, they will be certainly be in for a challenge as they try to contain Navy's potent ground game. Navy utilizes an option attack similar to that used by Air Force when they racked up 363 rushing yards against the Irish earlier this season.

Look for Navy to pound the ball all day and rush for 200 plus against ND's mediocre defense.

Michael Floyd Will Erupt

When Notre Dame has the ball, junior wide receiver Michael Floyd is without a doubt their biggest weapon.

Floyd is one of the most dynamic athletes in all of college football and has already recorded 57 catches for 667 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Navy's defense is respectable, but Floyd is too much for them to handle and he should have a huge game this week. Look for Floyd to record at least 100 yards and a score against the Midshipmen.

Notre Dame Will Score 30+

Up until last week's collapse against USC, Notre Dame's offense had been improving steadily. The Irish exploded for 38 against Purdue, and 59 a week later against Air Force. They truly looked to be getting everything on track until they ran into the Trojans.

Luckily for Notre Dame, Navy is no USC.

The Midshipmen defense is allowing just over 30 points per game, while Notre Dame's offense is scoring just over 30. The Irish should be able to spread the ball all over the field and find the end zone with relative ease.

Midshipmen Will Keep It Close If They Can Force Turnovers

Navy's best bet at surprising Notre Dame this weekend is to force turnovers.

The Irish turned the ball over 10 times in their first two games (both losses), but cut down on giveaways the following four weeks and rattled off four straight victories.

Navy could make things awfully interesting if they can force the Irish into foolish mistakes.

Irish Will Avenge 2010 Loss to Navy

The stage is set for an exciting, high scoring affair in South Bend, but look for the Irish to run away with this one. Brian Kelly and his boys will be out for payback after falling to the Midshipmen last year, and they'll get that payback in the form of a big-time victory.

Score Prediction: 38-23 Notre Dame