Postgame Analysis- Notre Dame 27, Army 3

Start spreading the news- Notre Dame is on a roll.

After a huge win at home last week over a ranked Utah team, the Irish picked up right where they left off and dominated Army almost the entire game. As a result, Notre Dame left NYC bowl-eligible.

For the second straight week, the entire Irish team played consistently and played well. The defense, Notre Dame's weakest point for most of the season, has been phenomenal. They're playing with a purpose and with heart. And it's incredibly encouraging.

I, unfortunately, only caught bits and pieces of this game (family obligations take precedence, even over Notre Dame football) so this week's entry might be a bit on the short side, but I'm confident I saw enough to at least write a post.

Game Ball-

I considered not giving out a game ball this week since I didn't get to watch the whole thing, but I'm going to go ahead and give it to the entire Notre Dame defense. I'll sing their praises more specifically in a bit, but I like the energy and physicality they've been showing over the past two games. And hey, I love defense.

Positives-

-Overall consistency. Notre Dame played well on both sides of the ball last week against Utah and continued to do so against Army. Special teams has been solid too. Playing all-around good football is generally a good way to win games.

-The defense. They've been lights-out the past two games. Haven't given up a touchdown in the past 11 and a half quarters they've played. I was worried about they'd fare defending the triple option after the Navy game (can you blame me?) but they did well. I give credit to Bob Diaco for making some late season adjustments. Notre Dame's been going with a four man front as opposed to a three-man front, and it's made a difference. He also had the safeties creeping down to the outside to help out against the option, and it showed.

-Tommy Rees is improving each game. And he's doing so without Kyle Rudolph or Theo Riddick. He still makes some stupid passes/mistakes but he is looking better.

-Turnover battle won. Success.

-Notre Dame beating a team they're supposed to beat! This isn't something Notre Dame fans can take for granted. Yet.

Negatives-

-The o-line has been a little better as of late but they still look shaky to me. I hope Brian Kelly goes out and recruits some offensive linemen in the offseason because if the Irish are going to become an elite program again, they'll need to be able to protect their quarterback.

-Even though Notre Dame won the turnover battle, they still need to do a better job taking care of the ball.

Enjoy this win, Irish fans, and get pumped for the USC game this weekend! How fitting would it be if Brian Kelly was to beat the hated Trojans to finish his first season 7-5?