Notre Dame has the toughest schedule in the country through the rest of the season, with its remaining opponents boasting a combined 18-4 record. Contributing heavily to that statistic is the 5-0 record of Saturday’s opponent, Navy.
Navy enters the Notre Dame game unbeaten for the first time since 1978, and only the third time during its 40-year losing streak to the Irish.
What accounts for that dominance?
Navy coach Paul Johnson often has said the Irish have 85 Parade All-Americans while the Midshipmen have 85 guys that have marched in parades.
“I just know that the guys he marches in the parade are pretty tough, that is one heck of an obstacle to overcome,” Irish coach Tyrone Willingham said. “I think there are some advantages there. I like tough guys.”
“They don’t always get the respect they deserve,” Irish guard Dan Stevenson said. “They’re solid.”
– Next: Saturday vs. Navy, 11 a.m., WBBM-Ch. 2.