After Navy’s First-Half Control, Notre Dame Left Doubt as It Sinks Navy in Second Half
A win with questions
Notre Dame secured a victory over Navy before turning its attention to Miami, which visits South Bend on Saturday night. The win also marked the Fighting Irish’s 1,000th all-time victory.
Even so, the performance left concerns that could shape the buildup to the Miami game. Notre Dame has often played better after halftime, while early struggles have recurred this season.
Slow starts persist
The article points to games against Wisconsin, Michigan State, North Carolina, BYU and Navy as examples of Notre Dame failing to build momentum early. In those matchups, opponents got off to strong starts.
Notre Dame recovered to win all of those games except the loss to BYU. The article characterizes the repeated slow openings as a warning sign, particularly with Miami next on the schedule.
Defense faces scrutiny
Notre Dame’s defensive rankings remain impressive over the season, but the article says the unit has not consistently looked comfortable. BYU controlled the first half of its game, and Navy did the same despite Notre Dame’s two weeks of preparation.
The article says the cause of the defensive problems is unclear, raising scheme, communication and player execution as possible factors. It argues the defense has not matched the aggressive, lockdown unit anticipated before the season.
Miami becomes a test
The article calls the Miami matchup a decisive test for defensive coordinator Chris Ash and his defense. It argues Notre Dame will need to play four strong quarters, a standard it says the team has rarely met in 2026.
The writer hopes the Irish simplify their approach and play aggressively, allowing players to use their strengths. A slow start against Miami, the article warns, could be much harder to reverse.
Key points
- Notre Dame beat Navy and recorded its 1,000th all-time victory.
- Navy controlled the first half despite Notre Dame’s two weeks of preparation.
- Slow starts have featured in several Notre Dame games this season.
- The Miami matchup is framed as a major test for Chris Ash and the defense.