NEW YORK, NY. – On a crisp Saturday night under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish proved why they’re among college football’s elite, dismantling the previously undefeated Army Black Knights 49-14.
The win not only solidified Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff (CFP) aspirations but also underscored the gulf in talent and execution between the two storied programs.
The No. 6 Irish entered the game as heavy favorites and wasted no time asserting their dominance. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame’s star sophomore running back, stole the show, scoring three touchdowns and tying a school record with his 11th consecutive game with a rushing score. His electrifying 68-yard touchdown run to open the second half epitomized the evening for Notre Dame — speed, power, and precision.
Army, ranked No. 18 and boasting the nation’s most potent rushing offense, had its 13-game winning streak snapped in brutal fashion. For the Black Knights, this loss not only dashed their hopes of an undefeated season but also likely closed the door on their slim CFP chances.
A One-Man Show and a Team Effort
Notre Dame’s tribute to its legendary “Four Horsemen” was fitting, given the game’s location at Yankee Stadium and the historic ties to the iconic Polo Grounds. However, Saturday night’s performance was more about one man: Jeremiyah Love.
Love finished with 130 yards on seven carries, including two rushing touchdowns and a 6-yard receiving score where he leaped over a defender at the goal line. His play was emblematic of the physicality and explosiveness that have come to define this Notre Dame team.
“It’s almost like he’s anticipating what the defense is going to do,” Irish head coach Marcus Freeman said of Love. “When he breaks through that second level, I don’t see many people that can catch him.”
Quarterback Riley Leonard was equally efficient, completing 10 of 13 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Leonard’s comfort in the offense has grown steadily since his transfer from Duke, and his chemistry with Love and other playmakers has elevated Notre Dame’s offense to new heights.
The Irish rushing attack overwhelmed Army’s vaunted defense, piling up 275 yards on 28 carries. For context, Army had allowed just 10.8 points per game entering the matchup, the second-best mark in the nation.
A Defense That Dominates
While the offense shined, Notre Dame’s defense delivered a performance that was equally, if not more, impressive. Army entered the game leading the nation in rushing yards per game (334.9), but the Irish defense held the Black Knights to a season-low 207 yards on the ground.
Notre Dame’s defensive front clogged running lanes and consistently beat Army’s offensive linemen at the point of attack. The result was a stark contrast in efficiency: the Irish averaged 9.4 yards per carry, while the Black Knights managed just 3.6.
“Every phase, they outclassed us,” Army head coach Jeff Monken admitted. “We couldn’t sustain blocks, and they did a great job of getting off ours. Fundamentals of football. They did that much better than us.”
A Glimpse of Hope for Army
The game wasn’t without its bright spots for Army, who showed flashes of the resilience and grit that have defined their season. After falling into a 14-0 hole, the Black Knights mounted a 12-play, all-run drive that culminated in a 4-yard touchdown by quarterback Bryson Daily.
Daily, who has been the heart and soul of Army’s offense, finished with 139 rushing yards and two touchdowns. However, he was largely stifled by a Notre Dame defense that limited his effectiveness in key moments.
Army’s defense also delivered an inspiring goal-line stand in the second quarter, stopping Notre Dame on four consecutive plays from within the five-yard line. It was a reminder of why the Black Knights are one of the toughest defensive units in the country.
“That goal-line stand was fantastic,” Monken said. “Our defense has done that a couple of times this year. Just a great effort on their part.”
Notre Dame’s Playoff Path
With the win, Notre Dame (10-1) moves one step closer to securing a spot in the CFP. The Irish are riding a nine-game winning streak and have not allowed more than 14 points in a game since late September. Their dominant performances on both sides of the ball make them one of the most balanced teams in the country.
Next week’s showdown with rival USC looms large. A victory in that game would all but guarantee the Irish a top-five seed and a first-round playoff game at home. Even with a loss, Notre Dame’s resume — including a signature win over Army and a nine-game streak — might be strong enough to keep them in the playoff mix.
A Season Not Lost for Army
Despite the lopsided defeat, Army (9-1) still has plenty to play for. The Black Knights are guaranteed a spot in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship Game against No. 20 Tulane on Dec. 6. Winning that game could keep Army in the conversation for a New Year’s Six bowl game, though their CFP hopes are slim.
The annual Army-Navy game on Dec. 14 remains a pivotal contest, both for bragging rights and momentum heading into bowl season.
For Monken, the loss to Notre Dame doesn’t diminish what his team has accomplished this season. “I’m not panicking and feeling like, ‘Oh my gosh, what’s wrong with our team?’” he said. “We got beat by a really good football team tonight. I believe in our guys, and I believe in our team.”
The Historic Venue and Atmosphere
Yankee Stadium provided a fitting backdrop for the game, with its rich history and iconic status adding to the spectacle. Notre Dame leaned heavily into the nostalgia, paying homage to the 100th anniversary of the Four Horsemen’s legendary performance in New York.
Pregame and halftime performances by Notre Dame’s marching band, the sight of fans clad in Irish green, and the seamless transition of Yankee Stadium into a “home” venue for Notre Dame made the evening feel like a celebration of Irish football history.
For Army, playing in such a venue was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many players. “Who gets to play here?” Monken asked. “Not many football teams get to play here. Not many athletes. This is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world.”
Looking Ahead
Both teams face critical matchups in the coming weeks. Army will aim to rebound in their final regular-season game against UTSA before preparing for Tulane in the AAC Championship.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, travels to Southern California to face a USC team desperate to play spoiler. With playoff implications on the line, the Irish will need to maintain their focus and momentum.
Saturday’s game was a stark reminder of the disparity between college football’s powerhouses and its gritty underdogs. For Notre Dame, it was a statement win that solidifies their status as a national title contender. For Army, it was a humbling experience but one that doesn’t erase the accomplishments of a remarkable season.
As Monken said after the game: “A soldier fights. A soldier fights until the end.”