Notre Dame and redshirt freshman quarterback Everett Golson had no trouble with Navy overseas, crushing the Midshipmen 50-10 in Saturday's season opener in Dublin, Ireland. Backup running backs Theo Riddick and George Atkinson scored a couple of touchdowns apiece and preseason All-American tight end had a score of his own, as Navy was not able to do much about the Notre Dame offense.
And the triple option attack was scarcely more effective on the other side of the ball, though Navy quarterback Trey Miller was surprisingly efficient through the air, going 14 of 19 for 197 yards and a score. His defense wasn't much help, however, and the Midshipmen just couldn't keep up.
There were certainly several positives in the blowout for Notre Dame. Here are a few.
Golson's the guy: Though suspended quarterback Tommy Rees will be eligible to play next Saturday, there seems to be little expectation that he will supplant Golson as the starter. Golson looked good -- save for one bad interception -- even though this was his collegiate debut. Things will get much more difficult, however, in the coming weeks, as the Irish face one of the nation's most imposing schedules.
Backups run wild: Running back Cierre Wood is suspended for the season's first two games, but that didn't matter Saturday. Backups George Atkinson and Theo Riddick combined to run for over 200 yards and four touchdowns. With or without Wood, the backfield athleticism is impressive for Notre Dame. Expect Atkinson and Riddick to get plenty of touches, even when Wood returns.
Irish D stands strong: Linebacker Manti Te'o was his usual self, and Stephon Tuitt showed off some freakish speed on a 77-yard fumble return touchdown. Tuitt (6-3, 303) streaked down the field for the score, out-running Navy skill players.
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