Navy vs. Notre Dame: Brian Kelly and Irish Need a Win Over Navy

The Notre Dame Irish must beat the Navy Midshipmen in order to conclude their season on a high note.  A promising year with high expectations has turned into a desperate reach for respectability.

The Midshipmen matchup is far from the end of the road for the Irish this season.  However, the implications for losing a third straight game to a service academy may bring unwanted attention to a program that is already under fire.

USC quarterback Matt Barkley commented that the Irish “quit” during the fourth quarter of USC’s 31-17 thumping of the Irish last Saturday night.

With turmoil in the air in South Bend, this victory is important for bowl considerations, Brian Kelly’s job security and the future of the Notre Dame Football program.

Read on as I examine these implications.

Avoid 3 Straight Losses vs. Midshipmen

Throughout the history of the Notre Dame Irish vs. Navy Midshipmen, no Notre Dame team has ever been beaten three consecutive times by the Midshipmen. 

No service academy, in fact, has been able to record that feat.

As the Irish prepare for the 2-5 Midshipmen this weekend, they should be wary of the task ahead of them.

Navy has not been impressive overall, but they have not played as badly as their record indicates.  For starters, their rushing game is currently third in the nation.

They also took 13th ranked South Carolina to the wire in Week 3, losing 24-21.

In order to avoid the upset, the Notre Dame defense needs to contain the powerful Navy rushing attack that has brutalized them the past two seasons.  If the defense can marginalize that attack and the offense can execute and move the chains, the Irish should avoid their third straight loss at the hands of Midshipmen.

Salvage Season

As mentioned, the Irish's expectations couldn't have been higher coming into the 2011 season.  Following two straight disappointing losses, the Irish did rebound and set off a streak of four consecutive wins.

Everything looked to be coming together heading into the USC matchup.  Then, everything came unraveled.

Suddenly the explosive Irish offense was inept against a struggling USC defense.

The nightmare against USF in Week 1 was relived last Saturday night.

For the Irish, a strong finish to this already lost season is important for the program.  More significantly, it is important to seniors like Michael Floyd, who decided to stay for his senior year in hopes of succeeding on the progress made in 2010.

Floyd and a strong group of seniors will all play their last down for the Irish at the end of the season.

If this season cannot be productive and continues to turn downhill, what are the prospects for next year? 

For 2013?

Build for the Future

Brian Kelly has been labeled a great recruiter. 

How much longer will he be able to sustain the excellent recruiting classes he is bringing in if he cannot translate those talented players into a consistently successful football program?

As such, this game is very important.  It’s important because it is winnable.

It’s a must-win for Kelly and the Irish. 

Not just for this year’s team but for the following years.

Save Brian Kelly's Job

No other coaching job in the nation is held under as much scrutiny as the Notre Dame Irish's head honcho.  The implications for failing as the Irish head football coach are fatal for coaches.

Tyrone Willingham lasted only three seasons with Notre Dame after failing to turn the team around.  Charlie Weis was heavily scrutinized during his entire tenure in South Bend, despite some signs of progress.

Brian Kelly is no different than the last two.  The brightest lights in the nation are shining on Kelly as he struggles through his second season with the reigns.

His job may not immediately be in danger at the end of this season.  However, the conversation is beginning to brew following the previously mentioned accusations that the Irish “quit” last week in the fourth quarter of their loss to rival USC.