Notre Dame scores on 5-of-6 possessions; still loses to Navy

To say the 2016 season for Notre Dame has been odd would be an understatement.

The Fighting Irish started the season ranked No. 10, played in a double overtime game, plus in a hurricane. Now, after scoring on 83 percent of their possessions Saturday, Notre Dame still lost to Navy 28-27.

Notre Dame had just six total possessions, including a measly two in the second half. The six total possessions are the fewest since Northern Illinois had six against Navy in 2008.

The Fighting Irish scored on their opening drive to take a 7-0 lead, then after Navy tied the game, Notre Dame responded with a field goal and forced a turnover on downs.

However, Notre Dame had to punt after a three-and-out, leading to a Navy touchdown and 14-10 lead.

Getting the ball back with just under eight minutes left in the first half, Notre Dame executed a 14 play, 75 yard touchdown drive to take a three point lead into the half.

That lead did not last, as the Midshipmen regained the lead to start the second half. The Fighting Irish did respond with another 75-yard drive to lead 24-21.

But that is when Navy's ground and pound triple-option attack took control, as they took the ball and went 75 yards of their own on 16 plays, converting one fourth down, taking nine minutes off of the clock to hold a 28-24 lead.

Notre Dame tried to respond to retake the lead, but could only muster a field goal to trail by one point with 7:28 left in the game.

Starting at their own 25-yard line, Navy again bled the clock and crawled their way down the field on 13 plays, converting two fourth downs, including a fourth-and-6 pass for 15 yards, to take a knee and end the game.

Navy did not punt, while neither team turned the ball over.

With the loss, Notre Dame falls to 3-6, and would need to win out against Army and Virginia Tech at home, and USC on the road to end the season to become bowl eligible.