As college football fans gear up for the highly anticipated Shamrock Series game, the stakes couldn’t be higher. No. 6 Notre Dame (7-1) is set to clash with the 19th-ranked Army Black Knights (9-0, 7-1 AAC) at the iconic Yankee Stadium. Both teams are vying for a potential College Football Playoff bid, and the implications of this matchup could ripple throughout the college football landscape.
The challenge of service academies
Facing off against the U.S. service academies — Army, Navy, and Air Force — is no small feat for defensive coordinators across college football. Their unorthodox offensive schemes can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned coaches. This week, all eyes are on Army and Navy, whose unique styles present a formidable challenge for the Fighting Irish.
Navy and Army’s offensive strategies
Navy has long been known for its hybrid Wing-T offensive system, which has consistently caused headaches for opposing defenses. This season, however, Army head coach Jeff Monken has returned to his roots with the “flexbone” triple option attack, after experimenting with a more modern approach that didn’t yield the desired results. Meanwhile, Air Force has its own variation of the triple option, adding another layer of complexity for teams facing these service academies.
While the Wing-T and triple option may differ in execution, they share a common philosophy: a run-dominant approach that starkly contrasts with the spread offenses prevalent in the Power 4 conferences. This divergence in strategy is what makes games against these teams so intriguing and challenging.
Notre Dame’s advantage
Despite the challenge, Notre Dame may have a leg up. Former coach-turned-ESPN analyst Nick Saban believes that the Irish’s recent experience against Navy provides them with a significant advantage heading into Saturday’s game. “The big thing is, at this point in the season, having to play such a different offense as an option offense. The advantage for Notre Dame is they played Navy, and there are a lot of similarities,” Saban explained.
He emphasized that Notre Dame’s familiarity with the option offense means their players have had ample practice against it. “Playing option football, where they move the point of attack on the run, is not something that modern-day current football players really play much. Because everybody is in the spread. This is usually a huge adaptation and a huge adjustment for your team late in the season. But Notre Dame has an advantage because they have played against it recently,” he added.
The results of the Navy game further bolster this argument. Notre Dame outgained the Midshipmen 466-310 and forced six turnovers, showcasing their ability to handle a run-heavy attack. It’s clear that the Irish are prepared for the challenge that lies ahead.
Army’s home field advantage
However, Army is not without its own advantages. Playing at Yankee Stadium could provide an emotional boost for the Black Knights. Saban pointed out that the historic venue, home to Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees, offers a unique atmosphere that could energize the Army players.
“I think it is for Army, because they don’t have the same kind of stadium as Notre Dame. But what I think Army’s going to do in this game – and they’re built for it – is try to shrink the game every way they can,” Saban noted. With a run-heavy strategy, Army runs the ball 87 percent of the time, aiming to control the clock and keep the ball away from Notre Dame. If they can average three yards a play, they’ll likely go for it on fourth down, hoping to maintain possession and keep the game close.
The implications of the game
With both teams motivated by the prospect of a College Football Playoff bid, the stakes are incredibly high. The team that can effectively leverage its strengths and exploit the opponent’s weaknesses will likely come out on top. Will Notre Dame’s recent experience against a similar offense give them the edge? Or will Army’s emotional home-field advantage and commitment to their ground game prove decisive?
As fans prepare for this thrilling matchup, one thing is certain: the clash between Notre Dame and Army promises to be a captivating battle of wills, strategies, and determination. The players will leave everything on the field, and the outcome could have lasting effects on their seasons and beyond. With so much on the line, college football fans are in for a treat this Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
