Irish to put skid-busting Mids to test

Navy's football team has done a remarkable job of not losing consecutive games over the last seven years. Since 2003, the Midshipmen are 20-6 in contests following a loss.

"As good as Temple was - and I think our guys understand they were a very good football team - the team we're going to play this Saturday is better," Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. "Hopefully, we can learn from our mistakes - both coaches and players - and get ready for a great challenge this Saturday."

Notre Dame boasts a high-powered passing attack led by quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who ranks No. 2 nationally with a pass efficiency rating of 164.3. The 6-foot-3, 223-pound junior has completed 172 of 257 passes for 2,318 yards and 18 touchdowns with just two interceptions.

"Clausen, right now, is playing at a Heisman level. This is his third year in Weis' system and now he's starting to become comfortable. He's playing phenomenal," Niumatalolo said. "This is by far the best offense we've played so far. They're executing at a high level, they're very confident in what they're doing."

Clausen has plenty of weapons at his disposal with wide receiver Golden Tate the most dangerous. Tate, an electrifying speedster from Tennessee, has collected 56 receptions for 927 yards (16.6 average) and nine touchdowns. Tight end Kyle Rudolph is also enjoying an outstanding season with 31 catches for 346 yards (11.2 average).

Notre Dame, under the direction of fifth-year head coach Charlie Weis, ranks fifth in the country in total offense with 457 yards per game. The Fighting Irish boast the nation's eighth-best passing attack with an average of 309.8 yards through the air, but have proven they can run the ball with tailbacks Armando Allen and Robert Hughes combining for 825 yards.

"Clausen and the entire offense have been playing lights-out this season. They're hitting on all cylinders," Navy linebacker and defensive captain Ross Pospisil said. "This is probably the best offense we've faced so we better be dialed in every facet of the game. They can either pick us apart with the pass or try to run it down our throat."

Navy's last trip to South Bend was historical as former head coach Paul Johnson directed a 46-44 triple overtime victory. Quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to slotback Reggie Campbell on the first play of the third overtime and those two hooked up for a subsequent two-point conversion pass. The Fighting Irish answered with a touchdown, but defensive end Michael Walsh and linebacker Irv Spencer led the charge as the Mids' defense stopped Travis Thomas on a two-point conversion attempt that would have tied the game.

That remarkable victory snapped Navy's record 43-game losing streak to Notre Dame, which began back in 1964. Pospisil played on special teams as a sophomore in 2007 and said it was an experience he will never forget.

"That was unreal. It's something I really can't into words. That's a memory that all of those who were involved will always treasure," he said.

Niumatalolo said after practice yesterday that quarterback Ricky Dobbs would return to the starting lineup against Notre Dame. Dobbs said he "feels great" and would be "100 percent" ready to go by the time the 2:30 p.m. kickoff rolls around.

Dobbs said his right knee, which has a cracked bone, felt a little "tight" during conditioning drills yesterday - primarily because he's been resting that leg so much over the past two weeks.

"By all means," Dobbs said when asked if he would be able to play to his full potential on Saturday. Dobbs, who sat out the entire Wake Forest contest and got in for seven plays versus Temple, remains the team's second-leading rusher with 595 yards and still leads the nation with 16 rushing touchdowns.

"When you sit out two weeks, I don't think you're ever at full capacity," Niumatalolo said of Dobbs. "We'll try to get him into good shape and hopefully he'll get a full week of practice."

Dobbs said this game is "personal" because his roommate, Patrick Staub, is a diehard Notre Dame fan and showcases all sorts of Fighting Irish posters and other memorabilia in their dormitory room. "Me and his family are real cool. They said they would be rooting for me, but that their hearts were still with Notre Dame."

Dobbs admitted he needed a full week of practice repetitions in order to get himself back to game speed as far as running the triple-option.

"I do need to get my timing and rhythm down as far as pitching the ball. Today, I felt better as far as running and pitching without hesitating," Dobb said.

Navy also is hoping slotback Marcus Curry (ankle) can play on Saturday. Curry, who has missed the past two games, ranks third on the team with 393 yards rushing.