Notre Dame’s game last week against Washington State was the first boring game the Irish have played all year as they swamped the Cougars 40-14. Even though it was a boring, one-sided game, I was happy.

For one time in the season the Irish dominated a team they should have dominated.

This week the Irish play the Midshipmen in a rival that began in 1927. The Irish have a 71-10-1 edge on the rivalry.  The Irish had a NCAA record of 43 straight wins against the Navy, but that was broken in 2007 when the Midshipmen won in OT. Even though the rivalry has been one-sided both teams hold this game in high regard. Both teams respect each other, and that’s what gives this game a little extra meaning.

Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd is expected to play Saturday, but he is going to be limited. This is great news to hear for the team and fans. Floyd suffered a broken collarbone Sept. 19th in 36-33 win over Michigan State. The Irish’s backup QB will be out for the next four to six months leaving the backup duty to fifth year senior Evan Sharpley.

The Navy come in a little banged up as three of their defensive starters will be sitting out, but that doesn’t mean they will stop playing hard. The Navy only need one more win to clinch playing in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 31st.

With all these factors it’s hard to pick the Navy over the Irish in this one. The Irish are a better team than they were in 2007. I expect Notre Dame to win and to win easily.

The game is on Saturday, November 7th, at 2:30pm est. You can see the game on NBC.