Notre Dame sinks Navy's chances of perfect season with blowout win
Notre Dame had a 31-7 lead at halftime
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Notre Dame’s football season looked bleak a few weeks ago after a stunning loss to Northern Illinois, but the Fighting Irish picked up a huge win against Navy Saturday.
On a neutral site at MetLife Stadium, Notre Dame forced six Navy turnovers, and running back Jeremiyah Love rushed for 102 yards and scored twice in the team’s 51-14 win.
It was the Midshipmen’s first loss of the 2024 season.
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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of a game against Navy Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
"That was a point of emphasis. This team is No. 2 in the country in turnover margin," Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman said after the game. "To be plus-6 in turnovers is a straight reflection of complimentary football."
Love broke out for a 64-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, helping Notre Dame to a 21-7 lead. He scored again about seven minutes later from two yards out.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}MLB LEGEND DAVE WINFIELD REMEMBERS FERNANDO VALENZUELA AHEAD OF WORLD SERIES GAME 1
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylen Sneed reacts after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of a game against Navy Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Notre Dame took a 31-7 lead into the locker room at halftime and never looked back.
Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard was 13-for-21 for 178 yards passing. He had two passing touchdowns and ran for another, adding 83 yards on the ground.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I'm still trying to figure out whether we got it or not," Leonard said. "Having that little bit of fear of there’s always more in the tank. It's been a work in progress, obviously, but I think we’re getting better every week."
Navy head coach Brian Newberry reacts during the second half of a game against Notre Dame Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
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No. 12 Notre Dame improved to 7-1. No. 24 Navy dropped to 6-1.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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