Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Navy Midshipmen Picks and Predictions November 8th 2025

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Navy Midshipmen Game Preview

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish continue their march toward the College Football Playoff conversation as they welcome the Navy Midshipmen to South Bend for a primetime Week 11 matchup.

No. 10 Notre Dame (6–2) has responded to its early-season adversity with six straight wins, using balance and depth on both sides of the ball. Head coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized preparation over playoff chatter, ensuring his team stays focused on execution — especially with Navy’s unique triple-option offense on deck.

Navy (7–1) enters with one of the best rushing attacks in the nation, though it’s coming off its first loss of the season, 31–17 at North Texas. The Midshipmen aim to reclaim momentum while spoiling Notre Dame’s postseason climb.

For updated betting lines and player props, visit the NCAAF odds and scores page.

Odds and Key Information

Category	Value
Spread	Notre Dame –26.5 / Navy +26.5
Moneyline	Notre Dame –3831 / Navy +1383
Total (O/U)	56.0 points
Venue	Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
Time	Saturday, Nov. 8, 7:30 PM ET
Broadcast	NBC

Notre Dame is 19–3 straight up in its last 22 home games, while Navy has covered in five of its last six road contests.

Notre Dame Outlook

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are finally playing like a top-10 team again, leaning on an efficient passing game and one of the most balanced offensive units in college football.

Freshman quarterback CJ Carr has handled the spotlight with poise, completing 66.5% of his passes for 2,057 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. His quick decision-making complements a rushing tandem led by Jeremiyah Love (894 yards, 11 TDs) and Jadarian Price (521 yards, 8 TDs). The Irish average 192 rushing yards per game, maintaining a steady balance that keeps defenses guessing.

Defensively, Notre Dame is among the nation’s most disciplined units. They rank top 15 in total defense and have generated 22 sacks — good for 10th nationally. Linebacker Jack Kiser and safety Xavier Watts anchor a defense that thrives on assignment discipline, a critical asset against Navy’s misdirection-heavy attack.

Freeman has stressed patience and eye discipline on defense, noting that “you can’t have a bucket list of calls” against the option — one misread can result in a big play. If the Irish front seven stays disciplined and their offense continues to sustain drives, Notre Dame should control the tempo early.

Navy Outlook

The Navy Midshipmen bring one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in the nation to South Bend. Their offense ranks first nationally in total rushing yards (2,564) and averages more than 5.6 yards per carry.

Quarterback Blake Horvath is the heartbeat of Navy’s offense, producing 1,143 passing yards, 926 rushing yards, and 20 combined touchdowns. He’s supported by running backs Alex Tecza (523 yards, 6 TDs) and Dabe Fofana, forming a deep rotation capable of wearing down opposing fronts.

Defensively, Navy’s identity is built on forcing turnovers. The Midshipmen rank top-20 nationally in takeaways and red-zone defense. Their challenge, however, will be containing Notre Dame’s physicality in the trenches. Against North Texas, Navy allowed 31 points and 400 total yards — exposing potential vulnerabilities against balanced, uptempo offenses.

Head coach Brian Newberry emphasized mindset more than game plan this week, urging his players to “go up there to win, not just to compete.” The emotional motivation of facing a historic rival should ensure Navy comes out aggressive.

Key Storylines

Discipline vs deception – Notre Dame’s defense will face a rare challenge in Navy’s option-heavy scheme. Staying gap-sound and avoiding over-pursuit will be crucial.

Carr’s consistency – The freshman quarterback’s growth has stabilized Notre Dame’s offense. His efficiency on early downs will dictate whether the Irish build leads quickly or allow Navy to control the clock.

Ground control – Navy’s ball-control offense aims to limit possessions. The Midshipmen must sustain long drives and convert third downs to shorten the game.

Momentum management – Notre Dame’s focus after six consecutive wins is sustaining intensity. Navy’s relentless style often tests mental toughness as much as physical readiness.

Betting Trends

• Notre Dame is 19–3 straight up in its last 22 home games.
• The Fighting Irish are 14–1 straight up after a win in their last 15 games.
• Navy is 5–1 straight up in its last six road games.
• The Midshipmen are 12–2 straight up in games with totals above 50 points.
• Notre Dame has gone under the total in four of its last five home games.

For more trend breakdowns and strategy guidance, explore the NFL expert betting guide.

Predictions

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish enter in strong form and should handle the Navy Midshipmen comfortably if they maintain defensive discipline. Expect Navy’s ground game to move the chains early, but Notre Dame’s depth and balance on offense should pull away by halftime.

Projected score: Notre Dame 38, Navy 10
Spread pick: Notre Dame –26.5
Total lean: Under 56.0

Notre Dame’s defensive front should limit Navy’s triple-option success, while CJ Carr’s accuracy and Love’s running ability keep the offense efficient and mistake-free.

Why You Need Expert Picks

Late-season matchups like this one often hinge on pace, coaching adjustments, and weather — elements expert models account for in real time. Check the Handicappers Leaderboard to track verified performance, and explore the NCAAF picks page for updated analysis before kickoff.

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