NCAA football betting - Notre Dame vs Navy rivalry continues
Posted on 11/10/2008 3:48:09 PM
By Blake Frazier
NCAA football betting: Midshipmen looking to start a streak of their own
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WHO: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-3) vs. Navy Midshipmen
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WHAT: NCAA football betting
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WHEN: Saturday, November 15 at 12:00 p.m. ET
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WHERE: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore MD
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KEY STATS: Notre Dame leads all-time series 70-10-1
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PICK: Notre Dame
Notre Dame vs Navy odds take center stage this week in an NCAA football betting week void of any Top-10 match-ups. The Notre Dame vs Navy matchup is one of the most storied rivalries in college football—a rivalry of mutual respect. In fact, it was the US Navy that kept Notre Dame afloat during the harsh financial times of World War II and, to show their appreciation, the Fighting Irish have invited the Midshipmen to play them on an annual basis.
Last season, these two teams produced one of the greatest college football games in recent memory, a triple overtime classic. The Midshipmen were big underdogs on the Notre Dame vs Navy line, thanks to a 43-game losing streak against the Irish. However, in the third overtime, Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada connected with with Reggie Campbell in the endzone for a 25-yard touchdown, and then again for a two-point conversion. Navy then stuffed Notre Dame at the goal line on the ensuing drive to snap the longest streak of consecutive wins by one team over another.
While they’re favored on NCAA football lines, Notre Dame comes into the rivalry game on shaky ground once again. After a dismal 3-9 showing in 2007—the worst in school history—the Irish stormed out of the gate in 2008 and were within Top-25 consideration.
However, head coach Charlie Weis hasn’t been able to keep his group focused, as they’ve dropped three of their last four contests. The Irish failed to even cover NCAA football spreads in an embarrassing 17-0 loss to Boston College last week.
The normally steady Jimmy Clausen threw four interceptions against the Eagles, and running backs Armando Allen, Robert Hughes and James Aldridge combined for only 45 yards rushing.
Granted, Clausen wasn’t 100 per cent, recovering from a sprained ankle, however he’ll need to turn in a much better performance if he wants to give his team a chance at a bowl game. Basically, the Irish need to put some points on the board.
Meanwhile, it’s been another surprising season for Navy, which has defied NCAA football odds by qualifying for a bowl game for the second straight season. The perennial underdogs have accepted a bid to participate in the EagleBank Bowl, following a thrilling 33-27 overtime victory over Temple.
While the Fighting Irish will take to the air for much of this contest, Navy will look to its running game to control the play. Midshipmen coach Ken Niumatalolo has inherited the tricky option offense and employed it to perfection. Running back Shun White has been a terror in the backfield all season long and was most recently reported to be 10th in Heisman trophy voting—a tremendous accomplishment for a player on an Independent squad.
BLAKE’S PICK: Although momentum may not be in their favor this year, Notre Dame always seems to get up for this game. Coach Weis certainly doesn’t want to lose to his biggest rival two seasons in a row and he’s said he’ll “take a more active role” in calling plays on both sides this week.
When making your Notre Dame vs Navy pick this week it’s important to consider Navy’s paltry secondary. The Midshipmen surrendered 370 passing yards and three touchdowns last week—to an injured Temple quarterback. Clausen and the Irish will be hungry for a bounce back week, and this looks like a great opportunity to do just that. Bet on Notre Dame.
For more NCAA football betting and information on college football picks, including the Notre Dame vs Navy spread, check out BetOnline.com’s “Betting Edge”.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a
brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to
the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game
that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
