Tim Prister

Navy has created an offensive attack that has been a headache for the AAC. The Midshipmen are scoring at a high pace and doing so rapidly. It's not nearly as much about time of possession as it used to be. But Navy still must deal with the fact the Irish will have superior personnel on the field.

Navy adds a twist to the annual game against the Irish with the addition of OC-Drew Cronic, the former head coach at Mercer. Notre Dame will have to deal with a passing element of the game rarely utilized by Navy. The Midshipmen have the physical challenge offered by the Irish.

Riley Leonard’s surge passing the football in the last five games – he has completed 80-of-115 (69.5 percent) – has lifted him to No. 23 in the country in passing percentage. His 66.7 percent mark is better than all seven starting quarterbacks the Irish have faced this season.

Notre Dame came into the game with eight forced fumbles and just three recoveries. They came out of this game with no additional forced fumbles, but five unforced fumbles recovered by five different Irish defenders en route to a 51-14 waxing of the Midshipmen.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, the Irish have developed a well-rounded football team since its loss to Northern Illinois. Notre Dame certainly can run the football. The passing game has been efficient. The defense is as stout as ever. Now it’s time to finish off the regular season one confident step at a time.

Notre Dame’s defense wasn’t flawless. It’s impossible to be without mistakes against a well-functioning Sling-T offense orchestrated by Drew Cronic. But the Irish limited its defensive mistakes and took full advantage of Navy’s six turnovers and other flubs.

Beaux Collins has been Leonard’s favorite if not most accurate target. Greathouse remains a high-percentage option. Perhaps the player most likely to receive the most targets in November is Faison, who offered as spark against Navy. If not Faison, then perhaps a healthy Evans.

Notre Dame's 216.5 yards rushing per game sits solidly among the nation's top 15 while the passing game has made up ground with the rejuvenation of Riley Leonard through the air. The Irish have protected the football but still need to improve their big-play capabilities in the passing game.

Army has put up flashy numbers on the defensive side of the football. But it's been accomplished against a schedule worse than Navy's. Defenses vulnerable to the pass include Notre Dame's final two home-game opponents – Florida State and Virginia.

A great opportunity to finish off the regular season with 10 straight victories lies ahead in November. Florida State has been off-the-chart bad and Virginia is struggling after a strong start. Army will be another academy challenge while finishing on the road in Los Angeles is always a dangerous proposition.