Notre Dame @ Navy 10/28/06

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy...and the ND-Navy Series

42. That’s how many times in as many meetings that Notre Dame has defeated Navy, the longest current win streak against one opponent in Division 1-A football. The win streak encompasses seven US cities (South Bend, Philadelphia, Cleveland, East Rutherford, Baltimore, Raljon MD and Orlando) and two continents (1996-Dublin, Ireland). There’s little reason to believe this year’s outcome will be any different.

In reality, there’s plenty of reason to believe that in any given year in the near future, Navy will end this streak. For one, Navy presents a potent option rushing attack that historically is among the best in the country. Though frequently outmanned and undersized, the program has enjoyed newfound success under 5th-year head coach Paul Johnson, whose name is now regularly mentioned whenever higher-profile football schools are looking for a new head coach. Lastly, both teams wear blue and gold uniforms, which could get thoroughly confusing at times for those on the field.

And then there are the near-misses…

1974: Notre Dame 14, Navy 6.

1976: Notre Dame 27, Navy 21.

1979: Notre Dame 14, Navy 0.

1984: Notre Dame 18, Navy 17.

Along with some I have personally witnessed…

1997: Notre Dame 21, Navy 17. The game’s final play was a 69-yard pass in which the Navy receive, Pat McGrew, was knocked out at the two-yard line as time expired.

1999: Notre Dame 28, Navy 24. Jarious Jackson throws a TD pass to jay Johnson with 0:36 left for the win. Earlier in the drive, ND converted on 4th and 10 for 10 yards. Replays clearly show that the officials’ spot of the ball was very generous, to say the least.

2002: Note Dame 30, Navy 23. ND was down by eight points with less than five minutes to play, but rallied for the win.

2003: Note Dame 27, Navy 24. ND was down by three points with less than ten minutes to play. Two consecutive long drives by the Irish resulted in field goals by D.J. Fitzpatrick, the second as time ran out.

The streak will one day come to an end. Just not this year, not with this ND coach.

Notre Dame over Navy.