| Final | |
|---|---|
| No. 5 Notre Dame (7-1) | 35 |
| Navy (2-6, 1-4 American) | 13 |
Notre Dame rallied past Navy 35-13 Saturday, with running back Nolan James Jr. delivering the decisive blow — a 52-yard touchdown rush with 55 seconds left in the first half that gave the Irish a lead -- 14-13 -- that they would not relinquish.
James finished with 107 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries, providing the ground-game punch that broke the game open. Quarterback CJ Carr complemented him efficiently, completing 19 of 29 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns, with Jerome Bettis Jr. hauling in six catches for 78 yards and a score. For Navy, option quarterback Jackson Gutierrez kept the Midshipmen competitive into the second quarter, carrying 28 times for 110 yards and a touchdown while completing 4 of 7 passes for 25 yards.
How it happened
Navy showed enough early to make it a game, with kicker Nolan Bartley converting both of his field goal attempts — including a long of 38 yards — and Gutierrez punching in a score to help the Midshipmen carry a one-point deficit into halftime following James's decisive run. But Notre Dame pulled away in the second half, with Carr spreading the ball to nine different receivers and Jonaz Walton adding a rushing touchdown. The Irish outscored Navy 21-0 after the break.
Standout performances
- Nolan James Jr., Notre Dame: 9 carries, 107 yards, 2 TDs, including the 52-yard go-ahead score late in the second quarter
- CJ Carr, Notre Dame: 19-of-29 for 210 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
- Jerome Bettis Jr., Notre Dame: 6 receptions, 78 yards, 1 TD
- Jackson Gutierrez, Navy: 28 carries, 110 yards, 1 TD; 4-of-7 passing for 25 yards
Up next
Navy hosts Temple on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET (CBSSN).