Army @ Notre Dame preview
New Yankee Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 18, 2006 ) Army 9, Notre Dame 41
Two of the most storied programs in college football history meet at the new Yankee Stadium on Saturday night when Army faces Notre Dame.
The Irish and Cadets collide for the 50th time in a series that dates back to 1913. Notre Dame has won the last 13 meetings in the series and comes into the game with a 5-5 record.
Army, under second-year coach Rich Ellerson, is 6-4 and bowl eligible for the first time since 1996.
Under first-year coach Brian Kelly, the Irish upset Utah last Saturday 28-3 to even their record. Notre Dame’s defense held Utah to 265 yards of total offense, 157 yards fewer than their average per game.
The Utes, who were averaging 41 points per game, could only muster a first-quarter field goal. The Irish blocked a punt, recovered a fumble and had an interception of Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn.
Quarterback Tommy Rees, an 18-year-old freshman, threw three touchdown passes and hit on 13 of 20 for 129 yards in his first collegiate start.
With Armando Allen out for the year, the Irish have been alternating three tailbacks – Cierre Wood, Robert Hughes and Jonas Gray. Michael Floyd leads Notre Dame in receptions with 59 catches and nine touchdowns.
Army improved to 6-4 with a 45-28 win over Kent State last week. The Cadets rushed for 233 yards and had six rushing touchdowns. Army ranks eighth in the nation in rushing yards among all FBS teams but are dead last – No. 120 - in passing offense. The Cadets also rank fifth nationally in turnover margin (plus-1.20).
Sophomore fullback Jared Hassin leads the Army rushing attack with 858 yards. Quarterback Trent Steelman has rushed for 596 yards and passed for 798 yards.
Ellerson brought his triple option to West Point from Cal Poly and finished 5-7 in his first year. He has coached on the collegiate and professional level for over 30 years.
Notre Dame leads the series 37-8-4, with Army’s last win in 1958, the year Pete Dawkins won the Heisman Trophy.
Can Notre Dame stop Army’s running attack that averages 273 yards per game and can the Irish passing game exploit the Cadet secondary?