NAVY MIGHT BE the designated home team in this fixture, but it’s almost guaranteed that Notre Dame will have the Irish crowd behind them.

While the Fighting Irish have had by far the best of this series, the longest continuous running in NCAA college football, it is the Midshipmen of Navy who’ve come out on top three times in the last five seasons.

As the first game of the entire college season, there are very few indicators as to form, but this is the third year of Brian Kelly’s reign as Head Coach of Notre Dame and many believe his team need a good season to ensure he sees a fourth.

It will be difficult for Notre Dame, with a new offensive co-ordinator in Chuck Martin and a redshirt Freshman quarterback in Everett Golson.

Golson is a dual threat playmaker and the quarterback Brian Kelly has been waiting for following the disappointing performances of Tommy Rees.

Notre Dame must also put up with the loss of all-time leading wide receiver Michael Floyd – now plying his trade with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals – though they at least have All-American tight end Tyler Eifert to call upon in this fixture and expect him to be the go-to guy.

In the run game, the suspension of expected starter Cierre Wood this week will shake up the plans. Wood became the first Notre Dame back to pass 1,000 rushing yards since 2006 and in his absence, Theo Riddick or George Atkinson III will have to fill the void. Against a defence that finished 86 out of 120 last year, they’ll fancy their chances to make an impression.

Filling the void

On defence, the university have still to find a replacement for Aaron Lynch, the defensive end who switched allegiances to the University of South Florida in April of this year. If nobody steps up on Saturday, Navy’s offence could run wild.

Behind the defensive line, Manti Te’o – deemed a certainty to enter the NFL Draft in April – returns and, once again, the All-American will be asked to lead the Irish in this game.

For the Navy Midshipmen, Junior quarterback Trey Miller is in line to be the starter. He saw some playing time against Notre Dame last year so the Irish defence will hold no surprises. However, questions remain about his ability to flourish in a leadership role.

There have been a lot of changes to the Navy defence during the off-season. However, it’s likely a lot of the work load will once again fall to Brye French and Matt Warrick, especially in stopping the Notre Dame run game.

On paper, Navy just have the edge in this game though worries remain about the kicking position as none of the three potential starters has kicked a ball in anger in the NCAA.

With thousands upon thousand of supporters cheering for Notre Dame and willing them the Navy kicker to miss, that could make all the difference.

Verdict: Notre Dame by 3+

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