#9 Notre Dame Sink the Midshipman In Primetime
SOUTH BEND. Ind.—The Navy Midshipmen (6-4) held the ball for 42:42 but could not prevail as # 9 Notre Dame (9-2) scored late to take the 24-17 win at home. Coming to Notre Dame stadium in brutal weather did not effect the Mids as they battled hard against the top 10 Fighting Irish.
Early in the first half Navy looked to be the better team keeping position of the ball and running all over the Irish defenders. Navy even took the 10-3 lead with 1:08 left in the second quarter after quarterback Zach Abey plowed into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run. That momentum quickly shifted though as Notre Dame drove 62 yards in 1 minute to tie the score at 10 right before half, This was the momentum Notre Dame needed as they seemed to be sluggish for the majority of the first half.
Although, Navy then came out of halftime controlling the clock and getting a rare touchdown through the air as Abey threw a 12-yard Touchdown pass to Craig Scott to go up 7 on the Irish.
Quickly the tides changed once again as the Notre Dame offense sprinted down the field in a 1:28 79 yard drive capped off by a Brandon Wimbush touchdown pass to Kevin Stepherson. This would not be the only time Wimbush hit Stepherson on the night as they also connected on the winning touchdown pass and catch.
Navy had two more chances to tie the score but they dwindled as Abey threw a herendous interception and Navy slipped on a fourth down try.
Abey had a solid night with 41 yards through the air and a touchdown, to go along with 87 yards on the ground and another touchdown.
Next Navy has Houston away at 12.00 ET on Friday. This will cap off AAC play for the Midshipmen before they play Army on 12/9 at Lincoln Financial Field.
