Week 1 Notre Dame vs Navy: In Ireland

Notre Dame beats Navy 50-10 in the Emerald Isle Classic. Notre Dame’s rushing offense and defense both looked strong with Theo Riddick starting at running back in place of the suspended Cierre Wood.  He rushed for 107 yards and George Atkinson III added another 99.  But their passing, both on offense and defense, is what gives cause for concern.  Whether due to the strength of the Irish rushing defense or the weakness of their passing defense, Navy moved their game from the ground to the air.  While not unheard of, it was pretty surprising to see Navy, a team that finished 2011 ranked 4^th in the nation in rushing, yet 119^th in passing, pass for more yards than they ran on Saturday.  The other big thing to note for the Irish was the lack of turnovers.  They had just one interception in contrast to last year when they started the season with 5 turnovers against South Florida and finished the season ranked 118^th in turnover margin. Although Irish fans did have to endure one dreaded and all-too-familiar red-zone turnover.  Irish QB Everett Golson was picked off right near the Navy goal line as they were attempting to score.  But then again, it was Gholston’s first start for ND.  They face Purdue in their home opener in week 2.