Notre Dame Football: Navy Win Doesn't Erase 'Quitting' Against USC, Bad Season

Congratulations Notre Dame. 

For the first time since 2008, you were able to overtake the Navy Midshipmen.

Color me unimpressed.

Notre Dame is perhaps the most scrutinized team in college football. Miscues by coaches, players, and officials are magnified exponentially when the Fighting Irish are involved.

The attention is normal for a team that has its own television deal, separate by-laws for invitations into bowl games, and an illustrious history that includes 11 National Championships.

All of which is precisely why Notre Dame fans should likewise be skeptical about a blowout win over Navy. 

Consider this for a moment. What were the key plays in the USC-Notre Dame game that decided the outcome?

Turnovers. Particularly the fumble that occurred at the USC goal line that was returned for a touchdown. Rather than the Irish tying the game and igniting the raucous home crowd, the mishap sucked the air out of the stadium and resulted in a 14 point swing.

One that could not be overcome by game's end.

In reality, that game script is applicable to the season script for Notre Dame. Turnovers and careless mistakes are crushing the Irish. Not talent.

Don't believe me? The Fighting Irish are second to last in turnover margin coming into today's play.

That ultimately falls back on the coaches. Specifically, Brian Kelly. 

The best programs in the country pride themselves on discipline and consistency on the playing field. A perfect example is Nick Saban. His players' mental mistakes are minimized due to machine-like preparations every week.

No opponent, regardless of talent, is approached differently. Winning is all about self-improvement.

So, yes, while Notre Dame has a quality win over Michigan State and just defeated Navy soundly, the underlying red flags remain.

Inconsistency and discipline. 

The expectation is that Kelly will lead the Irish back to the ranks of the elite in college football. In other words, perennial National Championship contenders.

That may be a significant request for coach Kelly and his staff. But, with high acclaim comes high expectations. It's in the fine print of the contract, Mr. Kelly.

So, yes, congratulations on winning your first game against Navy as Notre Dame coach.

There is still much work to be done.