Hartman, 'efficient' Irish dominate Navy in Dublin

DUBLIN -- Sam Hartman threw for four touchdowns in his Notre Dame debut and the No. 13 Fighting Irish routed Navy 42-3 on Saturday in a season-opening victory in Ireland's capital.

Notre Dame (1-0) scored at will by air and on the ground against the Midshipmen (0-1), improving to 3-0 all time against Navy in Dublin games.

Hartman completed 19 of 23 passes for 266 yards.

Hartman connected with Jaden Greathouse on two scoring strikes, the second a 20-yard reception that made the score 35-0 early in the third quarter and kept the Irish offense perfect at that point -- scoring touchdowns in their first five possessions.

The Irish quickly eased fears about another possible slow start after going 0-2 to open last season.

After touchdown runs by Audric Estime and Jadarian Price, Hartman's first TD pass went to Greathouse, who caught a deep ball at the 5 and took it in for a 35-yard scoring play and a 21-0 lead. That drive was a no-huddle special requiring just 1 minute, 52 seconds and four plays to go 78 yards.

Navy followed with its best drive before stalling at Notre Dame's 20. On a fourth-and-4, kicker Evan Warren was wide right on a 37-yard field goal attempt, leaving Hartman with 1:55 on the clock.

Hartman, a grad transfer who set ACC records at Wake Forest, ended Notre Dame's nearly flawless first half with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Thomas.

"They controlled the line of scrimmage," Navy coach Brian Newberry said. "When they did throw it, they were deadly efficient."

Notre Dame's sixth drive ended when new kicker Spencer Shrader missed a 42-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter.

Hartman hit Deion Colzie in the flat for a 25-yard touchdown pass that made the score 42-0 early in the fourth quarter.

After pledging to open up its offense a bit from the triple option, Navy attempted just one pass in the first half -- when starter Tai Lavatai threw incomplete on a fourth-and-3 from Notre Dame's 37 under pressure from Jack Kiser.

Navy avoided the shutout when Warren kicked a 30-yard field goal with 3:37 to play.

Estime led the Irish rushing attack with 95 yards on 16 carries.

Lavatai finished 3-of-6 for 43 yards. Alex Tecza led Navy with 38 yards rushing on eight carries.

Kickoff was delayed five minutes because of TV coverage of an English Premier League game, Notre Dame officials said. Pregame performances included drums, fiddles and dancers on the Notre Dame end during warm-ups. A smattering of "U-S-A!" chants followed the Naval Academy marching band's effort.

With tougher games ahead, Irish coach Marcus Freeman can breathe easy with the quarterback position in good hands, even though the Navy defense didn't present much of a problem. His offensive line overwhelmed Navy's front, clearing huge holes. Navy's offense is still one dimensional, despite Newberry -- making his head-coaching debut -- pledging to open it up.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.