Last season was rough on-the-job training for Notre Dame Fighting Irish rookie head coach Marcus Freeman. Of course, losses to the Marshall Thundering Herd and Stanford Cardinal were utter humiliations. Especially when gamblers consider that those games took place on national TV from Notre Dame Stadium. But Notre Dame and Freeman got better as the season progressed. Notre Dame finished 9-4 with its Betting on College Football respect intact. Freeman followed up that campaign with an impressive haul in recruiting and the transfer portal.
Navy Midshipmen vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 26, 2023, 2:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland |
| TV Coverage: | NBC and Peacock |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | +20½ -110 | 50½ -110 | +855 |  |
| Notre Dame | -20½ -110 | 50½ -110 | -1410 | |
| ||||
Navy vs. Notre Dame SBG Odds Overview
Now there is a sense that Freeman is building a foundation for future online betting success. Notre Dame has a strong opportunity to break out fast with a game against the rebuilding and outclassed Navy Midshipmen.
Navy Midshipmen Team Overview
Namely, former Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo was always among the coaches who moved mountains. But after an 11-2 2019 season, it all stalled, and his amazing run ended. The famed option offense that ripped through everyone couldn’t dominate as it did before. And over the last three years, Navy won just 11 games. Instead of changing styles and trying something completely different, Navy stayed in-house for its new head coach. To show, the Middies promoted defensive coordinator Brian Newberry into the gig.
Following several subpar seasons, Brian Newberry was promoted to head coach to replace long-time leader Ken Niumatalolo. Under Newberry’s watch, the Navy’s defenses were consistently solid and finished second in the AAC in the fewest points allowed in ’19. And with nine starters back, the defense should be the strength of Newberry’s first team.
The Midshipmen won’t change too much on offense, but new coordinator Grant Chestnut has to get this unit on track after it finished last in the AAC in yards per play and scoring. Sophomore Tedros Gleaton has yet to attempt a pass at Navy but topped the post-spring depth chart at quarterback. Also, fullback Daba Fofana returns.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Team Overview
Indeed, Marcus Freeman’s debut was a roller coaster ride that resulted in a solid 9-4 season. But the Fighting Irish had two puzzling losses to Marshall and Stanford that prevented a potential New Year’s Six bowl trip. If all the pieces fall into place for Freeman’s team in ’23, a spot in the CFB Playoff is within reach. At the beginning, Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman is a massive upgrade at quarterback. And the Fighting Irish boast two of the nation’s top offensive linemen in Joe Alt and Blake Fisher. Audric Estime powers a deep stable of backs.
However, question marks remain in the receiving corps and at tight end following the departure of Michael Mayer to the NFL. Additionally, there is a question of how well Gerad Parker will handle this offense in his first year as the play-caller at Notre Dame. Freeman’s defense should be solid at linebacker and in the secondary. But the line will miss Isaiah Foskey up front.
Navy vs. Notre Dame SBG Free Picks
As mentioned earlier, Notre Dame has the Betting on College Football advantage of better personnel and a weak opponent.
Navy vs. Notre Dame SBG Best Bet: Notre Dame Fighting Irish.