The 2023 college football season kicks off overseas when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Navy Midshipmen face off in Dublin, Ireland, in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Despite the unique setting, the Fighting Irish will yet again be heavy favorites as they look for their sixth straight win over the Midshipmen.
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The Irish enter Marcus Freeman’s second full season as head coach ranked No. 13 with bigger goals in mind after last season’s 9-4 showing. There’s plenty of buzz surrounding the offense due to the arrival of transfer quarterback Sam Hartman, who comes to Notre Dame after rewriting the record books at Wake Forest. Across five seasons for the Demon Deacons, Hartman threw for 12,967 yards and 110 touchdowns, placing him second and first in ACC history.
This game also marks the start of a new era for the Midshipmen as former defensive coordinator Brian Newberry takes over for longtime head coach Ken Niumatalolo, who was dismissed after 15 seasons at the helm. Newberry looks to turn things around following three straight losing seasons and will rely on an experienced defense to keep his team in games. Navy’s patented option offense will remain in place, but the intent is to incorporate more passing elements. Offensive coordinator Grant Chestnut will likely employ some rotation at quarterback with sophomore Blake Horvath and senior Tai Lavatai sharing top billing on the depth chart entering this game.
Even though Notre Dame has historically dominated this rivalry (leads 81-13-1), that doesn’t mean Navy won’t put up a fight. Last season, a 3-7 Midshipmen team nearly erased a 22-point halftime deficit before falling 35-32 to the then-No. 20 Irish in Baltimore.
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for College Football tickets? Buy here.
What is the spread for Notre Dame vs. Navy?
How to watch and stream Notre Dame vs. Navy
The historic rivals will renew acquaintances in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be televised on NBC. You can also stream the game on Peacock with authentication.
Expert picks against the spread
Picks made at Notre Dame -20.5
Pregame reading
Notre Dame depth chart for Navy: What stands out for Irish at every position?
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Notre Dame Q&A with NBC’s Jason Garrett: How he views Year 2 under Marcus Freeman
Notre Dame mailbag: Will Sam Hartman make Irish a pass-first team in 2023?
(Photo of Marcus Freeman: Robin Alam / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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