Annual matchup with the same challenge versus Navy

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind -- Irish relying on discipline in upcoming matchup versus Navy.

Although the Irish face Navy every season, that doesn't make it any easier. In fact, the Notre Dame is forced to view the Midshipmen differently than their other 11 opponents because of their triple option offense.

"I think what they do is very challenging. I think they execute at a high level. It's important for us to develop that eye discipline and walk throughs and practice and film study," said Defensive Coordinator Al Golden.

If it sounds like the Irish are preaching the same message every year, that's because they are.

"The biggest thing is that, you know, they have, they have answers and at a lot of different level. So, we've learned a lot from the last three weeks, and obviously from our study since Sunday morning," added Golden.

Notre Dame has been preparing for Navy since the start of fall camp, all in order to be ready for week eight. Part of that is due to the youth on defense. Players that have seen the triple option, but not at the speed or success rate of Navy this year.

Sophomore's Drayke Bowen (Linebacker) and Adon Shuler (Safety), both seen the offensive scheme in high school and at least have an idea of the basics.

"You can't replicate Navy speed. But just knowing how fast it's going to be from high school, you know, it's not going to be the exact same speed, but just knowing how quick it's going to happen, where you're going to have to fit, how fast it's going to how fast you're going to be there," Bowen said.

"Just being consistent having good eyes, it's really easy to lose eyes and fall into the trash, but just making sure I have my details and kind of read what the coaches is telling us to know," Shuler added.