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Fighting Irish -4 vs. Midshipmen

Navy beat Notre Dame for the first time in 43 years last season in South Bend. While the Fighting Irish suffered through one of their worst seasons ever, better things for forecasted for the Irish in 2008 with their easier schedule. Things have been a little bit better for Notre Dame (5-4) this season, but their high hopes for the season have been dashed after losing two straight and three of their last four. They will get another chance at Navy this Saturday afternoon in Baltimore.

Charlie Weis has come under tremendous fire this season for the performance of his lackluster team and its performance in big games. Over the 16 games played against teams with winning records, Notre Dame has won one of them. That was earlier this season against Stanford, who has since slipped to .500. Last week's lackluster shutout, 17-0, effort on the road against Boston College lead some to believe Weis' future was in doubt, especially with a second straight loss to Navy. But Notre Dame's Athletic Director gave Weis, who signed a hefty contract extension after his first season in South Bend, a vote of confidence by stating that he feels the program is moving in the right direction.

Weis has not been helped by a toothless offense, which had been Weis' specialty before coming to South Bend. Weis served as offensive coordinator under Bill Billichek and was instrumental and bringing Tom Brady into his own. At Notre Dame, Weis inherited Brady Quinn and a strong core of running backs and receivers to complement him. Despite some of the nation's top recruiting classes year in and year out, Notre Dame's offense has sputtered. While sophomore Jimmy Clausen is having a stellar season with over 2000 yards and 18 touchdowns, he has suffered from poor receiver play and the country's 95th ranked offense.

On the other hand Navy (6-3) is having an exceptional season buoyed largely by the rushing game. The Midshipmen have the second best rushing attack in the country. Shun White has rushed for 834 yards on only 99 carries, an incredible 8.4 yards per carry. The senior back has accounted for six rushing touchdowns while fullback Eric Kettani has contributed two more touchdowns on the ground along with his 673 yards.

Notre Dame and Navy have faced every year since 1927 with the Irish holding a commanding 70-10-1 record.

InSpin.com