The Navy Midshipmen snapped a NCAA-record 43-game losing streak against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Navy's defense sealed the 46-44 victory in the third overtime.
On the first play to open the third overtime, Navy QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada completed a 25-yard strike to Reggie Campbell in the corner of the end zone. The next play, Kaheaku-Enhada went back to Campbell on the 2-point conversion, putting Navy up for good.
The Irish cut their deficit to two on a 5-yard touchdown run by RB Travis Thomas. Following a 'bail-out' pass interference call on Notre Dame's first 2-point conversion try, the Midshipmen defense held firm against as lineman Michael Walsh and linebacker Irv Spencer stopping Travis Thomas in the backfield on the second conversion try.
Notre Dame falls to 1-8 on the season. Navy, now 5-4, beat Notre Dame for the first time since 1963 when Roger Staubach was quarterback for the Midshipmen.
(Also see Navy sinks Notre Dame)
FPS ANALYSIS: Earlier in the season when Notre Dame was struggling, comedian Jay Leno joked that the Roman Catholic church had recognized another miracle, “Charlie Weis still has a job.”
That joke is closer to reality today following the Irish loss to Navy that officially puts the “offensive genius” Weis on the hot seat.
Fans and admins alike cannot discount the questionable call Weis made in the closing moments of the game.
After the Irish drove the ball to the Navy 24, Weis decided to go for it on fourth-and-eight rather than attempt a 40-yard field goal. Irish QB Evan Sharpley was sacked with 45 seconds remaining, the fourth sack for Navy, which entered the game with only five.
Come on Charlie! You’re playing at home, at least try for the win! The fourth down call was despicable and for that, Notre Dame deserved to lose.
At this rate the comparisons between Weis and former coach Ty Willingham will never end. Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News unveiled a detailed comparison a little over a week ago.
Through 33 games, the two coaches had identical 20-13 records. Willingham had one more win over Michigan (2 total) and was 7-8 versus rated opponents, while Weis was 4-8 against ranked opponents. Overall, Weis has more to his resume including two BCS bowl appearances, a seven-game streak, the worst ND start ever (0-5) and the worst home loss in 51 years (38-0 to USC).
The two BCS appearances and Weis’ mega-contract are the only things that will keep him around for a fourth season.
Not only have the Irish been punched below the belt in almost every game, they’re getting kicked by everybody too.
It’s a sad day and season to cheer for the ‘Fighting Lucky Charmers.’ Even the closet fans seem to be staying quiet.
2 comments:
You forgot to mention that this years seniors are Weis's own for the first time. Every team before this has been a mix of Ty's and Charlie's guys.
Weis has let the program tank and to use Nick's terminology, his balls deserve to be on the cutting block.
You can't say that Weis is even comparable to Willingham after this 2007 debacle.
As someone living close to Navy I'm happy to see this win get so much coverage. Here's a great Washington Post column commemorating the event. Truly historic.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/05/AR2007110500481.html
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