When Navy scored about halfway through the third quarter to go up 17-10 over Notre Dame, it did so on its first passing touchdown in two weeks—three plays after the Midshipmen completed their first pass since Nov. 2. And maybe that’s where they got a bit too confident in their generally nonexistent passing game. In the fourth quarter, with 7:18 remaining, Navy quarterback Zach Abey threw a pick as the Midshipmen marched into Notre Dame territory, down 24-17.
Ultimately, that turnover cemented the game for Notre Dame, which played catch-up all evening in a back-and-forth game.
A week after its playoff hopes likely died, Notre Dame kept whatever slim chance it has of making college football’s final four alive—however average the Irish’s performance might have been Saturday in the 24-17 win.