Notre Dame Beats Navy, Sets Up Miami Showdown

No. 5 Notre Dame rallied from a 13-7 halftime deficit to beat Navy 35-13 at Gillette Stadium, improving to 7-1 and extending its winning streak in the rivalry. Navy’s option offense controlled possession early, but Notre Dame’s defense held the Midshipmen to 56 yards after halftime as the Irish scored 21 unanswered points. Running back Nolan James Jr. led the comeback with 107 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns, and Notre Dame finished with 204 rushing yards. The win sets up a matchup with No. 1 Miami next week, though Notre Dame’s uneven first half and passing-game concerns may temper confidence. The game was the historic rivalry’s first played in New England.