Notre Dame vs. Army: Revival of a Storied Rivalry

The storied rivalry between Notre Dame and Army is set to be rekindled this Saturday evening at Yankee Stadium in New York. Both teams, holding significant positions in the rankings, aim to capitalize on this high-stakes matchup. This game marks their first meeting since 2016 and only the fourth since the start of the 21st century. Notably, it is the first time since 1958 that both teams enter this clash ranked in the AP Top 25 poll.

Notre Dame, currently ranked sixth, has been on an impressive run following an early-season setback. Since their loss to Northern Illinois, the Fighting Irish have secured eight consecutive victories, dominating opponents with an average winning margin of 32.3 points per game. This remarkable performance has been spearheaded by head coach Marcus Freeman and quarterback Riley Leonard, who have combined an effective offensive strategy with a solid defense.

Army, ranked 19th, enters the game undefeated, a feat not achieved by the Black Knights since their storied past. Despite their flawless record, there remains skepticism about their strength of schedule, with critics pointing out that their opponents collectively hold a losing record. However, Army’s impressive ability to protect the football, surrendering possession only four times this season, could pose a challenge for Notre Dame.

The defense will be a focal point in this clash, as both teams feature some of the best defensive units in the FBS. Notre Dame’s defense is currently ranked third in the nation, allowing just 11.4 points per game, while Army’s is not far behind, conceding an average of 10.33 points, ranking them second nationally. This suggests a potentially low-scoring game, contrary to their offensive firepower, with Notre Dame scoring 38 points per game and Army 35.2.

Historical context adds additional intrigue to the matchup. The rivalry dates back to the mid-20th century, with the most famous encounter being the 1946 «game of the century,» which ended in a 0-0 tie. Notre Dame leads the all-time series with a record of 39-8-4, including a 15-game winning streak against Army.

As the game approaches, analysts like Joe DeLeone foresee a Notre Dame victory, citing their size advantage and overall team depth. However, the key to Notre Dame’s success will be their ability to adapt to Army’s unique triple-option offense while maintaining their defensive discipline.

With both teams eyeing significant postseason implications, the outcome of this game could shape their respective playoff aspirations. Notre Dame seeks to maintain its perfect record in pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth, while Army looks to solidify its position with a landmark win.