Notre Dame Beats Navy 35-13 in First Gillette Meeting

Notre Dame pulled away from Navy in the second half to win 35-13 on October 31 at Gillette Stadium. The game was the first meeting between the longtime rivals at the Foxborough venue and drew a crowd of 61,293, with fans traveling from across the country to attend.

Navy controlled much of the first half, holding the ball for more than 23 minutes and gaining 163 rushing yards. The Midshipmen trailed 14-13 at halftime after Notre Dame scored a 52-yard touchdown with 55 seconds remaining in the half.

The Fighting Irish then shut Navy out after the break, limiting the Midshipmen to 56 yards in the second half. Notre Dame running back Nolan James Jr. finished with 107 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. The fifth-ranked Irish improved their record to 7-1.

The game featured a flyover by Navy F-35 fighter jets and performances by both teams’ marching bands. Fans described the atmosphere as a highlight, while some Navy and Notre Dame supporters said they regularly attend games in the series.

The result gave Notre Dame an 85-13-1 advantage in the rivalry. The Irish are set to host top-ranked Miami next Saturday, and the first College Football Playoff rankings are scheduled for Tuesday.