I went to the game (my first one!) and it was less about Navy beating us as Notre Dame allowing them to play their game and then ND beating themselves. Navy played clean, mistake free football and Notre Dame kept giving them chances to win. We didn't even have our head in the game until it was 14-0, and from then out it was a fight. A fight in which we continually tried to mount with one hand tied behind our backs. You simply cannot turn the ball over three times and expect to beat good teams, and Navy is disciplined enough to be good. They do what they do very well and wait to see if it's enough or they'll get you to make mistakes and beat yourself. We did.
Watching the game live, I can tell you no one on the defense had a clue as to how to defend the option. It was literally like they were seeing it for the first time. Sure, you have to watch the fullback up the middle. However, the whole point is to play smart, sound assignment football. You must account for the pitchman on the outside and continue to force the QB to either keep it, or push him to the center of the defense where you have help. We wouldn't do this on many downs, and as a result, a Navy skill position player would be sprinting down the sideline for a big gain. Ridiculous. Notre Dame's current talent is faster, bigger and stronger than Navy's (and usually is) and yet we got pushed around at the point of attack.
I think Notre Dame was seriously looking past Navy to either Pitt, someone else, or just didn't think anything more than showing up was required. I don't know why when this Navy team has proven itself to be able to at least mount a good fight (see Ohio State game). Ultimately, the coaching is where the issues lie...and not just Charlie. Why were there no adjustments by the defensive staff? Where was the dedication to getting the defense ready to play the option? Why is Jimmy still making dumb plays like trying to get into the end zone on his own (headfirst, leading to a fumble and an injury) instead of simply sliding and coming back for the next play? Good coaching fixes these types of things.
Regardless of the cost, Notre Dame can and will jettison CW if they desire it. The buyout is not that big of a deal as ND has shown time and again that it has deep pockets. CW is now a mere few games above .500 for his career (35-24 if memory serves me correctly). That is just not good enough. Sure, he's a great person and a great recruiter. But, I firmly believe ND needs to hire someone who has won something significant (Superbowl or National Championship...the latter being the most desirable)...someone who has been to the top of the mountain and knows how to get there. Yes, CW has three Superbowl rings...as a coordinator. Not a head coach. BIG difference.
Navy was better coached, played with much better enthusiasm and discipline, wanted it more, and was loose and confident. Hats off to the Middies, they have begun to close the gap on ND by having superior coaching and attitude compared to our rather mediocre of both.