The exciting game between the No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 18 Army Black Knights is scheduled for November 23, 2024, at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York. This showdown is a big deal in college football and could really shake up the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-1)
The Fighting Irish just crushed Virginia with a solid 35-14 win. They’ve been really strong this season, showing off a well-rounded offense led by senior quarterback Riley Leonard. So far, Leonard has racked up 1,789 passing yards, tossed 12 touchdowns, and kept his interceptions to just four. Plus, he brings a dual-threat vibe with his skills in running the ball too.
Notre Dame’s ground game is led by Jeremiyah Love, who has racked up 1,014 yards and found the end zone nine times, averaging more than 6 yards per carry. The offensive line, with key players like Billy Schrauth and Tosh Baker, has played a crucial role in opening up running lanes and keeping Leonard safe.
Notre Dame’s defense has been pretty strong, giving up just over 20 points a game. To clinch the win, the defensive line, spearheaded by Jordan Botelho and Riley Mills, has to keep Army’s powerful running game in check.
Army Black Knights (9-0)
Army comes into this matchup with an undefeated record, thanks to a tough 14-3 victory over North Texas. The Black Knights have been leaning on their triple-option offense, which has done a great job of managing the clock and exhausting opposing defenses. Quarterback Bryson Dailey plays a crucial role in this strategy; he’s racked up over 1,062 rushing yards and an impressive 21 touchdowns this season, plus he’s added 644 passing yards to the mix.
Army’s rushing attack is on fire, sitting at the top of the nation with almost 335 yards per game. Running back Kanye Udoh is a key player, teaming up with Dailey to boost their running game even more. On the defensive side, Army is holding strong too, giving up just 273.9 yards per game and making a name for themselves as one of the best defenses in college football.
Key Matchup
The main showdown is set to take place in the trenches, where Notre Dame’s strength and speed will face off against Army’s well-organized strategy. Notre Dame’s offensive line has to open up gaps against a tough Army defense that’s great at shutting down the run. On the flip side, Army has to run its option offense perfectly and steer clear of turnovers, especially since Notre Dame’s defense is quick to take advantage of any slip-ups.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Notre Dame – 32, Army – 18
Analytics shows a strong preference for Notre Dame, highlighting their talent and depth. The Fighting Irish are expected to come out on top by about 14 points, with a projected score of roughly 32-18 based on different statistical analyses. This forecast matches Notre Dame’s knack for taking advantage of size and speed mismatches against Army’s well-organized but less physically dominant team.
This game is more than just a classic rivalry; it’s a key moment for both teams as they fight for playoff spots. If Notre Dame wins, they’ll boost their position in the CFP rankings and keep their playoff dreams alive before facing USC in their last game. On the other side, if Army pulls off an upset, it could really raise their national profile and throw a wrench in Notre Dame’s plans.
Get ready for an electrifying vibe at Yankee Stadium! Both teams are set to give it their all in this classic rivalry. With playoff stakes on the line and both sides performing at their peak, fans can look forward to an exhilarating match on November 23rd.