One Foot Down
A never-ending discussion about Notre Dame and the greater CFB landscape
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How Notre Dame’s opponents fared in WEEK 9 of the CFB season
Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule has largely lived up to expectations, with the Irish winning seven of their first nine games. Highlights include a 42-13 season‑opener over Wisconsin, a 52-0 shutout of Rice, a 58-7 demolition of Stanford, and a 35-13 victory at Navy. Their only setbacks are a 28-24 loss to BYU and a 37-26 win over North Carolina that exposed some rain‑soaked struggles. Upcoming: a prime‑time clash against No. 1 Miami in South Bend. The article also lists each opponent’s current record, showing most remain below .500 despite Notre Dame’s dominance.
Three Things We Saw in Notre Dame’s Win Over Navy
Notre Dame edged Navy 31‑24 in a gritty Foxborough showdown, overcoming a first‑half surge that saw the Midshipmen dominate the clock and briefly take the lead. Coach Chris Ash’s defense and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock were criticized for slow adjustments and a hesitant run game, but both made pivotal changes at halftime, allowing the Irish to exploit their physical edge. The offensive line paved the way for a 7‑yard‑per‑carry rushing attack, while quarterback Carr recovered to limit Navy’s pressure. Despite the win, key defensive injuries raise concerns ahead of Notre Dame’s upcoming marquee home game.
Notre Dame Football Stats: Week 9 Review of Win over Navy
Notre Dame breaks out of its bye week with a 35-13 victory over Navy in Week 9, shutting out the Midshipmen after a tight first half. The Irish posted 426 total yards (222 passing, 204 rushing) and held Navy to just 13 points. QB CJ Carr completed 19 of 29 passes for 210 yards and two TDs, while rookie running back Nolan James Jr. rushed for 107 yards and two scores. Wideout Jerome Bettis Jr. caught six passes for 78 yards and a TD. The win lifts Notre Dame’s season average to 40.3 points scored and 13.4 allowed per game, with a 27-point differential per contest.
Not much movement for Notre Dame in the latest AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll
Notre Dame remains steady in the latest College Football rankings, holding No. 4 in the AP Top 25 and No. 5 in the Coaches Poll as the CFP rankings approach. Despite a dominant 35‑13 victory over Navy, the Irish saw no movement, but an upcoming showdown with No. 1 Miami could boost their CFP chances and shake up the top‑5. Analyst predicts the team will stay in the top 10 but likely slip out of the top five when the playoff committee releases its final list.
Notre Dame Women’s Basketball: Irish were too much for Villanova to handle in Rome
No. 13 Notre Dame women’s basketball launches its season with a 99-75 triumph over Villanova in a historic tip‑off in Rome. Three‑time All‑American Hannah Hidalgo erupts for 32 points (11‑19 FG) while sophomore Leah Macy adds 27 points and 14 rebounds, scoring 15 in the fourth quarter. Transfer Madison St. Rose contributes 17 points, and freshman Jenica Lewis chips in 11. The Irish lead by as many as 21, never trailing below a 17‑point margin, and finish 1‑0 before hosting Stonehill on Nov. 6. The game showcases an offensive explosion that sets a high bar for the season.
Notre Dame Men’s Basketball: Irish comeback to down Villanova in Rome
Underdog Notre Dame rallies from a 10‑point second‑half hole to beat Villanova 74‑72 in the Eternal City Tip‑Off in Rome. The Irish spark a 14‑4 run in the final 3:37, highlighted by Braeden Smith’s clutch free throws (10‑of‑11) and Logan Duncomb’s first career three‑pointer. Smith and Brady Koehler each finish with 16 points, while the defense forces 20 turnovers and grabs 18 offensive rebounds for 16 second‑chance points. Coach Micah Shrewsberry lauds the comeback as the team’s first win of the season, moving to 1‑0.
WOMEN’S CBB GAME THREAD: Notre Dame VS Villanova in the Eternal City Tip-Off
The No. 13 Notre Dame women’s basketball team heads to Rome for the Eternal City Tip‑Off, facing Villanova on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 12 PM EST in the Palazzo dello Sport. Coach Niele Ivey leans on star forward Hannah Hidalgo, while the rest of the squad’s cohesion will shape the season. Notre Dame enters as an 8.5‑point favorite with a 143.5 over/under, and the game streams on FS1. A live game thread invites fans to discuss the action beyond 280‑character limits.
MEN’S CBB GAME THREAD: Notre Dame VS Villanova in the Eternal City Tip-Off
Notre Dame opens its 2026 men’s basketball season in Rome, Italy, facing Villanova at the Palazzo dello Sport on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m. EST, live on FOX. The Irish enter as 7.5‑point underdogs (FanDuel) with an over/under of 147.5, and analysts warn they’ll likely be outmanned throughout the year. The post includes a game‑thread for fans to discuss the matchup beyond Twitter and Bluesky, plus a reminder to check The Feed for live updates and highlights.
The 2026 CFB season was always going to be about Notre Dame VS Miami
The author predicts Notre Dame will slip from No. 5 to No. 7 in the AP poll and land a No. 7‑8 spot in the initial CFP rankings, but the season’s real test is the upcoming showdown with Miami. After two straight Miami wins—one aided by officials—the Hurricanes head to South Bend as likely No. 1, with ESPN’s College Gameday in tow. The writer insists a Notre Dame victory is essential for a playoff run, arguing that beating Miami eclipses all other outcomes. The article frames this clash as the defining game of the 2026 college football season.
Notre Dame’s Catholic Guilt Keeps Forcing this Navy Game Every Year
The author argues that Notre Dame’s reluctant continuation of its annual football game against Navy is driven more by tradition and “Catholic guilt” than genuine rivalry. Citing the recent October 31, 2026 loss at Gillette Stadium, he highlights repeated injuries caused by Navy’s alleged dirty play—such as illegal cut blocks and unsportsmanlike conduct—that have sidelined several Irish defenders. Despite 99 meetings and a historic V‑12 connection, the piece contends the series is unnecessary and should be dropped, questioning why a school like Stanford would keep such a matchup.
Pope Leo IV isn’t on Notre Dame’s side against Villanova
At a Vatican audience on Oct. 31, 2026, newly elected Pope Leo IV — a Chicago native and former Villanova graduate — receives a basketball from delegations of Villanova and Notre Dame. While both schools' men’s and women’s teams face off on All Saints’ Day, the Pope announces he will remain neutral, despite his known fandom for the Chicago White Sox and Bears. The quirky moment highlights the unexpected sports tie‑in of the first American pontiff.
ESPN announces College Gameday will be in South Bend for Notre Dame VS Miami
ESPN announces that College GameDay will broadcast live from South Bend on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, ahead of the Notre Dame vs. Miami showdown. The road show follows Notre Dame’s 35‑13 victory over Navy, and while Miami still faces North Carolina, the South Bend game could serve as a de‑facto playoff decider for a top‑five spot. Expect a full day of hype, analysis and fan excitement as the marquee matchup approaches.
Notre Dame overcomes rough start to sink Navy, 35-13
Notre Dame rallies from a shaky start to beat Navy 35-13 at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 31, 2026. After trailing 13-7 at halftime, running back Nolan James ignites the comeback with a 52‑yard touchdown and finishes with 107 yards on nine carries. The Irish respond with a 3‑yard run by Jonaz Walton and a second James TD, extending the lead to 28‑13. Quarterback CJ Carr adds a 31‑yard touchdown pass to Jerome Bettis Jr., sealing the win. Notre Dame’s defense shuts down Navy in the second half, allowing no points after the break. The victory follows a recent loss at BYU, reigniting the Fighting Irish’s season.
GAME THREAD: No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS Navy Midshipmen
Notre Dame heads to Gillette Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 31, for a 12:00 PM EST matchup against Navy, broadcast on ABC. The Fighting Irish enter as 30.5‑point favorites with a 54.5 over/under, according to FanDuel. The article links to a game thread for live updates, encouraging fans to discuss the action beyond Twitter’s 280‑character limit. Key details include the kickoff time, venue in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and betting odds, making it a must‑follow contest for Irish supporters.
The Anti-Preview: No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS Navy Midshipmen
Notre Dame (6‑1, No. 5) heads to Foxborough for its bi‑annual neutral‑site showdown with the Navy Midshipmen. The author dismisses the usual hype around the service academy, praising Navy’s triple‑option and players while urging respect for their athletic efforts. He recommends a New England‑style tailgate – shower beers and lobster rolls – and notes other weekend games: Wisconsin‑Iowa, Miami‑North Carolina, and Ohio State‑USC. Despite recent setbacks, the preview predicts a dominant Irish victory, projecting a 47‑13 win over Navy.
Notre Dame’s cornerback depth is a growing concern
Notre Dame’s secondary faces a growing crisis after starting cornerback DJ McKinney suffers an ankle injury at BYU that will sideline him through the Nov. 7 clash with No. 1 Miami. Coach Marcus Freeman confirms an “extended period of football” for McKinney, leaving Jayden Sanders as the next starter while his backup Mark Zachery recovers from a concussion. Freshmen Chaz Smith is out for the season, and Khary Adams remains limited. With ranked opponents Miami and No. 19 SMU looming, the Irish must rely on nickel back Christian Gray and safety Joey O’Brien to fill the gaps.
Notre Dame Football: Navy Midshipmen Q&A with Mitchell Northam
Notre Dame returns from a BYU loss to face a struggling Navy Midshipmen team (2-5) in Foxborough, a matchup that could be tougher than the record suggests. USA TODAY reporter Mitchell Northam explains Navy’s dip after a 21‑5 run in 2024‑25, citing the loss of key players like Blake Horvath and Landon Robinson. He highlights quarterback Jackson Gutierrez—seven TD passes, 869 rushing yards, and 12 scores—as the primary threat, with backs Michael Barrown and Vic Listorti supporting. Defensively, Navy’s pass defense is porous (255.9 yards per game, 16th worst) and they force few turnovers, giving Notre Dame a clear aerial advantage. The preview offers insight into why the Irish must shake off rust before tackling a potentially deceptive opponent.
Notre Dame should “one up” the rest of the CFB world with its schedule
The article argues that Notre Dame’s football schedule, already strong under the upcoming 24‑team playoff format, should become even tougher. While the Irish now run a 10‑2 model, the author urges them to add another Power‑4 opponent each season—suggesting swaps like Kent State for Kansas, Mississippi State or Colorado, and pushing for marquee games with USC, BYU or Wisconsin in future years. By playing 11 Power‑4 teams instead of 10, Notre Dame could set a new standard for independents and boost its playoff chances.
A Little Extra Love (Or Hate) for Miami: Notre Dame’s 2012 Shamrock Series Showdown
On Oct. 6, 2012 ninth‑ranked Notre Dame trounced Miami 41‑3 at Soldier Field in the fourth Shamrock Series, a game remembered as much for its electric atmosphere as the result. A pre‑game pep rally in Millennium Park and a star‑studded House of Blues party highlighted a weekend that drew over 62,000 fans, bagpipers, and the marching band, making Chicago feel like home. Despite quarterback Everett Golson’s late‑night mishap, he and the Irish defense silenced the Hurricanes, extending Notre Dame’s 4‑0 start. The article revisits the memorable sights, sounds, and alumni reunions that defined that cold Chicago Saturday.
Monitoring the weather for Notre Dame VS Miami
The No. 1 Miami Hurricanes travel to South Bend on Nov 7 to face No. 5 Notre Dame, a rematch of the 2025 season‑opener loss, with Notre Dame listed as a -3.5 favorite. Early forecasts suggest typical mild November weather—cool but not freezing, with no snow or heavy rain expected—though conditions could shift as the game approaches. Fans are advised to keep an eye on the forecast in the coming days.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL: Irish LB Drayk Bowen is a Butkus Award semifinalist
Senior linebacker Drayk Bowen, Notre Dame’s defensive captain, earns a spot as a 2026 Butkus Award semifinalist. Bowen leads the Irish with 38 tackles (22 solo), a fumble recovery touchdown against Purdue, and a key role in a defense that tops the nation in total yards allowed (235 per game) and ranks among the best in rush defense (67.3 ypg) and points allowed (13.4 per game). Notre Dame faces Navy on Oct. 31 at Gillette Stadium.
Three things I want to see when Notre Dame plays Navy
The No. 5 Notre Dame Irish head to New England for their 99th meeting with Navy, needing a big win to protect a slipping SOS. Writer demands a no‑BS approach: CJ Carr should run the ball straight up, the defense must dominate the Midshipmen’s run game (which has averaged just 186 yards over the last three matchups), and Coach Marcus Freeman should implement bold changes, even if it means upsetting players. While the focus stays on health ahead of next week’s crucial clash with Miami, the piece highlights that staying injury‑free could be the Irish’s best shot at a playoff‑relevant season.
When, Where, and How to Watch No. 5 Notre Dame VS Navy Midshipmen
Notre Dame, now 6-1 and ranked No. 5, faces Navy for the 99th time on Saturday, Oct. 31 at noon EST at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The Irish lead the series 84‑13‑1 and are 30.5‑point favorites, with an over/under of 54.5 per FanDuel. The game airs on ABC, offering a marquee showdown as Notre Dame eyes its final five regular‑season games, including a clash with No. 1 Miami.
2026 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL: Irish VS Navy Midshipmen
Notre Dame heads to New England for the annual “Wookie Life Debt” showdown against a struggling Navy Midshipmen squad. Coming off a bye, the Irish use the game as a tune‑up before facing No. 1 Miami in South Bend, though the matchup offers little strategic benefit. Odds heavily favor Notre Dame, and the piece links to game streams, weather, injury reports, and depth charts. Recent AP poll drops and Coaches poll rise are also noted.
Notre Dame Women’s Basketball: Irish lay Truman State to waste, 125-59
The 13th‑ranked Notre Dame women’s basketball squad hands Truman State a staggering 125‑59 exhibition demolition ahead of their season‑opening trip to Rome. The Irish shoot 61.9% from the field (52 of 84) and hit 12 of 23 three‑pointers, scoring 74 points in the paint while forcing 27 turnovers. Six players hit double figures, led by Hannah Hidalgo’s 33 points; Leah Macy contributes 22 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, and four steals in her debut. Jenica Lewis (21), Jacy Abii (20), Madison St. Rose (14) and Amiyah Byles (11) round out the scoring barrage. The win sets up Notre Dame’s NCAA launch against Villanova at the Eternal City Tip‑Off in Rome on Nov. 1.
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