No. 10 Notre Dame Hosts Navy in 98th Rivalry

The No. 10-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish will host the Navy Midshipmen on Saturday in South Bend, Indiana, for the 98th installment of one of college football's most storied rivalries, a matchup that carries significant implications for Notre Dame's College Football Playoff aspirations.

The game, set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Notre Dame Stadium, marks the latest chapter in a series that dates back to 1927. Notre Dame enters with a 6-2 record, riding a six-game winning streak after a 25-10 victory over Boston College last week. The Fighting Irish, who stumbled early with losses to Miami and Texas A&M, have since steadied their campaign and sit at No. 10 in the initial playoff rankings released this week. A win here would bolster their resume as they navigate a favorable remaining schedule, with analysts estimating a 41 percent chance of reaching the playoff if they finish strong.

Navy arrives at 7-1 following a 31-17 road loss to North Texas that snapped their unbeaten start. The Midshipmen, known for their disciplined triple-option offense, still pose a threat in upset scenarios. A victory over Notre Dame could reignite their slim hopes of emerging as a Group of Five contender,...