Report Card: Navy vs. Notre Dame

It's in the record books now: Navy 46 Notre Dame 44. GoMids.com analyzes every element of the Navy's

Navy 46

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Notre Dame 44

AREA	GRADE	COMMENTS
PASSING OFFENSE	A	The numbers weren't staggering: just 81 yards passing on 6 of 9 completions. However, it was Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada 25-yard touchdown pass Reggie Campbell in then the ensuing 2-point conversion completion that gave Navy the win.
RUSHING OFFENSE	A-	Even though Navy's rushing offense finished well below its average with just 257 yards, the Mids kept their defense off the field and used up the clock. Eric Kettani finished with 70 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
PASSING DEFENSE	B	A heroic effort by the Mids defense to say the least. Navy fans will forever remember Ram Vela's diving sack of Notre Dame quarterback Evan Sharpley. The Navy defenders limited the Irish to just 140 yards passing. The Irish's longest pass of the day went for just 21 yards.
RUSHING DEFENSE	A-	The Irish picked up 235 yards rushing during the game but the final verdict came down to the Navy defense stopping Travis Thomas short of the goal line. That stop was reminiscent of the Navy defense's stopping of Pitt during an double overtime win against the Panthers earlier this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS	B	Greg Veteto had two punts for a 36 yard average. Joey Bullen made a 32-yard field goal but missed another from 47 yards.
COACHING	A	Paul Johnson continues to make the right calls for Navy. Johnson has led the Mids to four straight bowls and now has them headed for fifth. He can add another feather to his hat; he's the Navy coach who ended the awful losing streak to the Irish.
OVERALL GRADE	A	It was a great day to be a Navy fan. A season that wasn't looking quite as sweet as some previous versions under Johnson now will likely be one of the most cherished in Navy fans memories. Navy must put this win behind them and get ready for a struggling North Texas team.