The most storied rivalry in college football continues when Notre Dame and army square off Saturday at Notre Dame.
 
The Fighting Irish and the Midshipmen first met back in 1927. Leading the all-time series 71-12-1 the Irish held a record 43 game-winning streak before being bested by Navy in a 2007 triple-overtime thriller 46-44.
 
The Midshipmen have  come very close in defeating the Irish on several occasions. In 1999 Notre Dame eked out a 28-24 win thanks to a controversial call on a 4th and 9. Navy fell short 27-24 due to a last second Irish field goal preventing the game from going into overtime.

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The 84-year Fighting Irish domination of the Midshipmen have included some memorable games for the blue and gold.
 
The number one nationally ranked team in 1966 bested the Midshipmen 31-7. The touchdown was one of five the team had given up all year en route to a national championship.
 
In a 56-7 drubbing in 1970 quarterback and Heisman-trophy contender Joe Theisman generated 600 yards of total offense.
 
The Fighting Irish in 1989 would give then coach Lou Holz his first shutout in a 41-0 triumph. The nation’s number one team went on to a record-setting 21st straight victory the following week.
 
The two teams brought the rivalry overseas to Ireland playing in Croke Park in Dublin 1996. The series will continue on the emerald isle in 2012 at Aviva stadium.
 
The schools share a very strong bond. Navy supported Notre Dame  through very lean economic times during World War II by paying Notre Dame to use its facilities for training. The Irish have returned the favor by inviting the Midshipmen to play in football every year. Each school also honors the other by respecting each school’s alma mater played after each contest.
 
Navy this year is 2-5 and Notre Dame stands at 4-3. In their last match-up in 2010 the Fighting Irish were defeated by a score of 35-17.