Notre Dame-Navy college football betting, predictions, odds, picks, lines - ESPN

The annual game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Navy Midshipmen has always been symbolic but this year it appears significant to the College Football Playoff picture. The Fighting Irish (6-1), ranked No. 12 in the Week 9 AP Top 25 Poll likely can't afford another loss if they want to make the postseason, meanwhile the No. 24 Midshipmen (6-0) are undefeated looking to secure its first 7-0 start since 1978.

The game, which kicks at Noon (ABC/ESPN+) from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey opened with Notre Dame as double digit favorites. The line moved to as high as Notre Dame -13.5 with the total at 51.5 as of Thursday.

Odds current as of publish time, courtesy of ESPN BET

Spread: Notre Dame -13.5
Moneyline: Notre Dame -550, Navy +380
Over/under: 52.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

First-half spread: Notre Dame -6.5 (-135), Navy +6.5 (+105)
First-half moneyline: Notre Dame -375, Navy +260
First-half total points: O/U 26.5 points (Over -115/Under -105)

Navy's rushing attack has been exceptionally strong, diverse and difficult to defend. The Midshipmen have eight players with at least 10 carries this season, and five have accumulated over 150 yards. Quarterback Blake Horvath has been a dual-threat phenom, rushing for 621 yards and averaging 7.9 yards per carry (second only to Boise State's Ashton Jeanty) while scoring 10 rushing touchdowns, tied for third among quarterbacks. Navy has scored at least 34 points in every game this season behind its potent run game.

An underrated aspect contributing to Navy's offensive success is its significant advantage in net field position (+6.2, ranked 12th), a crucial factor in the matchup with Notre Dame. Navy consistently starts drives in better positions due to effective