Navy statistical leaders using 2022 statistics

Check out the Midshipmen’s best returning players.

Navy has a new coach at the helm in Brian Newberry. Normally, a new coach at a service academy would have a lot to learn about leading such a program. But Newberry previously was the Midshipmen’s defensive coordinator for four seasons. If he doesn’t know what the team is capable of by now, he’s in serious trouble.

When you take a look at some of the returning leaders for the Midshipmen, you’ll notice that some of the figures are not what you would expect from a typical college football program in 2023. It often looks more like something you’d see from the middle of the last century. Alas, these are players who have their eye on serving their country instead of playing in the NFL. They just happen to be the best football players the Naval Academy has to offer.

Statistically, here are the top returning players on this year’s team from 2022:

Know your foe: Which Midshipmen could give Notre Dame problems

This should be a win for the Irish but that doesn’t mean Navy will back down

The season opener for [autotag]Notre Dame football[/autotag] should be a win against [autotag]Navy[/autotag], but that doesn’t mean the Irish will walk all over the Midshipmen.

The gimmicky offense that Navy trots out there is a blast from the past, one that Notre Dame won’t see again all season. It does help that it’s game one, but like last year, can give quality teams problems.

Navy almost pulled off the upset against the Irish last season and the following week did exactly that against a ranked UCF team. The venue changes this year, but the Middies scheme doesn’t. Find out below which Midshipmen could give the Irish problems.

Tale of the Tape: Leading Rushers – Audric Estime vs. Daba Fofana

Which ground game do you have more confidence in?

Notre Dame hasn’t had the most exciting season when it comes to rushing. Still, you have to give [autotag]Audric Estime[/autotag] credit for pacing the Irish’s running backs after fans were spoiled by [autotag]Kyren Williams[/autotag]. He’s been incredibly efficient, and he’s good for a touchdown every time he suits up. Although there still are three regular-season games and a likely bowl to go this season, you can’t help but be excited for his future.

Navy’s offense is filled with several quirks that the typical college football fan might not be familiar with. Here’s one: Daba Fofana leads the Midshipmen in rushing, and he’s a fullback. At a time when the fullback seems to becoming more and more irrelevant throughout the sport, Fofana is an outlier. His position also explains why he doesn’t have a reception this season.

In a contest where the ground game could make a large difference, which system will you trust more to succeed?

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