SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Notre Dame will host rival Navy on Saturday night. And as usual, the Midshipmen bring in an unusual offense.
Navy has traditionally run the triple option offense. While the Midshipmen still do have some elements of that, they have added new wrinkles like different formations. However, the main principles of option football remain the same.
This has led to great results, as they lead the country averaging over 317 rushing yards per game. That’s over 47 yards more than second place Air Force.
And with their unique play calls, it’s an interesting challenge for this Irish defense.
“I mean, it’s a lot. You don’t go against it every day. I mean it’s difficult. They’re good at what they do. Especially some of these young guys . . . this will be their first time playing against it,” said Notre Dame junior defensive lineman Joshua Burnham. “I remember my first time playing against it. It’s so much faster than what you think it’s going to be. I think the past three years for me has helped and it’ll slow the game down. So, it’ll be a great challenge, but I’m very excited.”
“It isn’t one where you can have a whole bucket list of calls defensively because they do so much, and it’s a unique offense that you’re gonna have to make sure your eyes are in the right spot,” added Irish head coach Marcus Freeman. “And so, we have to have enough, right? You have to enough where you can play certain type of coverages, certain type of fronts, have enough to bring some pressure. But you’re not going to have your normal call sheet that you would going into a game where you’re playing with a typical offense.”
Kickoff for Notre Dame’s tilt with Navy is set for 7:30 p.m. right here on WNDU.
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