Navy vs. Notre Dame: 5 Things We Learned from Irish's Win over Midshipmen

Notre Dame ended a two-game losing streak to Navy on Saturday with a convincing 56-14 victory.

Brian Kelly's squad was certainly not without adversity this week, having to deal with talk of "quitting" against USC in last week's lost.

Apparently, the Fighting Irish put that one behind them and are readying themselves for a strong second-half finish.

Here is what we learned from the blowout win against Navy.

 

Winning Cures Many Ills

It should be a much easier week of practice for all parties involved in South Bend.

After a controversial week filled with talk of the Irish giving up versus the Trojans, it must feel good for Notre Dame to secure an easy victory versus an easy opponent.

The win puts the Irish at 5-3 on the season, with a very manageable schedule down the stretch.

If Notre Dame can win three games against mediocre ACC competition, the Irish will be 8-3 going into a matchup with Stanford, likely ranked inside the Top 25.

That being said, the Irish have tripped up against inferior competition before this season. Hopefully for Notre Dame fans, that will not be the case this season. 

Turnover Issues Persist

Only the 2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish could win a game 56-14 and still lose the turnover battle.

If the Fighting Irish want to finish the season strong, they have to remedy the careless handling of the football.

Coming into Saturday's game, Notre Dame was ranked 119th in the nation in turnover margin. Second to last.

Against Navy, the Irish were minus-one with a fumble and an interception.

In close games, turnovers have proven to ruin any chances at a BCS bid. It will be crucial that turnovers do not ruin what good can come down the road for the Irish.

 

The Fighting Irish Are Improving Under Brian Kelly

Last season, the Midshipmen defeated Notre Dame 35-17. 

This season, the winning margin for the Fighting Irish was 42 points.

Yes, there have been significant bumps along the road for Brian Kelly and staff in his first year-and-a-half as head coach. 

However, there are signs of change in South Bend. The average margin of victory in the three losses is only seven points. The talent is clearly there. The Irish simply need to correct mental mistakes at key moments.

If coach Kelly can get consistent, disciplined play from his team, Notre Dame is well on its way to being prominent in a year or so.

Just give it time, Irish fans. 

Michael Floyd Is on His Way to Another 1,000-Yard Season

And a first-round selection in the 2012 NFL draft.

Michael Floyd has been nothing short of outstanding the past two seasons at South Bend. He has developed quite the rapport with quarterback Tommy Rees.

He will not match his 2010 total of 12 touchdowns. However, Floyd is on pace to surpass the 1,025 yards he had receiving last season.

Floyd is also elevating his stock in the 2012 draft. With his incredible production, Floyd is raising his stock to the level of Alshon Jeffery and Justin Blackmon.

Floyd is certainly an exciting one to watch. And it will be intriguing to see where he lands on Sundays.

Until then, enjoy him all to yourselves in South Bend. 

Tommy Rees Was the Right Choice

Tommy Rees was the right call by Brian Kelly.

The numbers are undeniable. Rees threw for 237 more yards on Saturday, raising his total to 1,930 yards for the season.

Rees has also thrown for 15 touchdowns on the season. He went 16-of-22 to raise his completion percentage to 65.5.

If Rees can limit the interceptions down the stretch while continuing a very productive season, he could lead the Irish to a very attractive bowl game and reap some positive vibes heading into 2012.