The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have had a stellar season, entering this game with a 9-1 record. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the team has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, excelling on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Notre Dame averages 35 points per game, with quarterback Riley Leonard leading the charge. Leonard has thrown for over 2,800 yards and 25 touchdowns, showcasing poise and precision in the pocket. His connection with wide receivers Beaux Collins and Tobias Merriweather has been particularly effective, stretching defenses and creating mismatches. The rushing attack, led by running back Audric Estimé, has been equally formidable, contributing significantly to the team’s balanced offensive approach. Defensively, the Fighting Irish have been stout, allowing just 17 points per game. Their defense is anchored by a dominant front seven, with linebacker JD Bertrand leading the team in tackles and providing leadership on the field. The secondary, led by safety Xavier Watts, has been effective in limiting explosive plays and forcing turnovers. For Notre Dame to secure a victory against Army, they will need to maintain their offensive balance, effectively mixing the run and pass to keep Army’s defense off balance. Defensively, the Fighting Irish must focus on containing Army’s triple-option offense, maintaining discipline and assignment integrity to prevent big plays. Special teams could also play a pivotal role, with field position and the kicking game potentially influencing the outcome. With their combination of offensive firepower and defensive resilience, Notre Dame is well-positioned to overcome the Black Knights in this historic matchup.