BGI Staff Predictions: Notre Dame vs. Army

Notre Dame is hoping that its second game against the triple option goes better than its first. The Irish are coming off a 28-27 loss to Navy, but Army has put up better numbers on both sides of the ball than has their arch-rivals at Navy.

The Blue & Gold Illustrated staff has broken down this weekend's matchup, and now it is time to make some predictions:

NOTRE DAME 35, ARMY 16: Notre Dame has won 14 straight against Army, dating back to 1965, and most recently a 27-3 victory that also came in the Shamrock Series against the lone Black Knights team the past 20 years to finish above .500. Another win by the Irish in this series would boost it to 15 straight, the second longest it has against one school, behind only the NCAA record 43 straight versus Navy from 1964-2006.

Notre Dame did not commit a turnover last week against Navy and still lost. Army could have a chance here if it can be plus-two in the turnover department. Army is second in the country in rushing, but I don’t expect Notre Dame to be limited to six possessions again. Offensively, look for the Irish to eschew any field-goal attempts unless it’s fourth-and-really long.

NOTRE DAME 38, ARMY 24: This game will depend on two things. The first is the ability of the Notre Dame offense to capitalize on its opportunities. That means ending drives with touchdowns and not field goals - although I have the Irish kicking one field goal in this game - and getting points every time the defense makes a stop.

The second factor will be taking a better defensive game plan into this matchup than the Irish staff did against Navy. Notre Dame had no answers for Navy, and Army has been better running the option this season. Army's defense has also been better, thanks to the presence of standout linebackers Andrew King and Jeremy Timpf.

If Notre Dame learns from its mistakes against Navy it should dominate this game. If it thinks carrying the same plan into this matchup, and depending on the players to just "execute a little better," this could be a very tight game, and one Army could win.

I expect the defensive staff to make the adjustments and I expected a big game from DeShone Kizer and the Notre Dame ground attack.

NOTRE DAME 33, ARMY 14: Notre Dame hasn’t proven it’s capable of consistently winning close games. Luckily for the Irish, I don’t believe this one will be all that tight. Though I expect Notre Dame to get off to a rough start like recent weeks, the defense should settle in as it goes against its second straight triple option team. That familiarity will help as the game goes along and the athleticism in the front seven shines through.

Offensively, it’ll be important for DeShone Kizer to get off to a good start. Army will try and use the same game plan as Navy, limiting possessions and forcing the Irish to go on long drives. Kizer will have time to throw, and I expect him to be more accurate in this game. The Black Knights won’t have the talent to match up with Notre Dame on the outside, and I look for big plays from the receivers.

With a comfortable lead for most of this game, look for Notre Dame to play loose and free. Without the stress of a close game, the Irish will look more like their preseason top-10 selves.

NOTRE DAME 31, ARMY 24: I predicted a much different score in our magazine, but after what transpired against Navy I reduced the score from my original 42-17 Irish victory.

I still see the Irish winning, but after the Navy game I see this game turning out much closer to that compared to my magazine prediction. Army has been more productive on the ground with the option this compared to Navy with the help of converted sophomore linebacker Andy Davidson now at fullback.

While Army has been better on the ground than Navy, the Black Knights are not as well equipped through the air as the Midshipmen. This could present problems for Army if they Irish are able to force a couple 3rd & longs and take advantage of Army’s poor pass game.

Statistically, Army is one of the top defenses in the country, but that has been aided by their schedule a bit. They deserve credit for getting the job done, but it should be within context. Notre Dame will be the best offense the team has faced up to date especially through the air. Kizer will need to correct some of the arrant throws he made against Navy last week and take advantage of busted coverages, etc.

Preparation will play a big role in determining the outcome of this game and Notre Dame facing an option team for the second consecutive week ultimately gives them the edge in the long run. Army limits Notre Dame’s possession count much like Navy, but it’s inability to throw the ball when necessary gives the Irish a close victory in San Antonio.

NOTRE DAME 45, ARMY 28: It's a hard time to predict Notre Dame football games right now. I did expect them to beat Navy, and I think they probably would have had they gotten the ball more than twice in the second half. As for Army, I really don't see a situation where Notre Dame can lose this game.

Army football has been down for a while, and I just don't think they have the caliber of players to stick with Notre Dame. That being said, if this season has taught us anything, it's that anything can happen. But I feel fairly confident about this one.

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