Notre Dame's highly anticipated season opener against Navy is just around the corner, and one of the biggest storylines heading into the game is the debut of quarterback Sam Hartman. Hartman, a transfer from Wake Forest, is expected to bring a prolific passing attack to the Fighting Irish offense that has been missing in recent years. With his impressive stats from last season, throwing for 3,701 yards and 38 touchdowns, Hartman could be a game-changer for Notre Dame.

However, Navy's defense has had ample time to prepare for Hartman's arrival and will likely throw different looks at him throughout the game. Hartman's performance against Navy will be crucial in determining whether Notre Dame can secure a Week 0 win and avoid a rocky start to the season like last year.

In addition to Hartman, Notre Dame linebacker JD Bertrand will play a pivotal role in defending against Navy's unique triple-option offense. Bertrand, who missed last year's matchup due to injury, led the Irish with 82 tackles last season and will be tasked with reading and reacting to Navy's backfield motions.

Ultimately, the success of Notre Dame against Navy will depend on both Hartman's ability to lead the offense and the defensive efforts of players like Bertrand. The outcome of this game could be a defining moment for the Fighting Irish and set the tone for their season ahead.