The is a power rating game versus a technical handicapped game. Talent is obviously in favor of Notre Dame, but the triple-option offense helps the Midshipmen compete against bigger and stronger teams. Navy has yet to play a team from a Power Five conference, but the Middies have dominated the schedule put in front of them, going 7-1 straight up and 6-2 against the spread. The best team Navy has played was Memphis, which won by 12. If Memphis and Notre Dame played today on a neutral field, the Irish would be a 10-point favorite. The math just doesn't add up; Notre Dame has too much firepower on both sides of the football and should be a two-touchdown favorite over Navy. Take the Irish.

We've already missed the best of an opening number at -8.5, but we'll lock it in here before it reaches the key number of 10. the Irish got their offense on track and were solid in all facets in last week's blowout of Duke. That performance should bode well for a strong stretch run. Navy has looked impressive during its five-game win streak, but most of it has come against modest competition. Notre Dame practices defending the option for weeks in advance of this matchup every season.