Navy and Notre Dame usually marks one of the marquee games on either schedule, and a pre-noon kickoff in Jacksonville gives this edition extra time in the spotlight.

It's a tale of two different seasons for the Midshipmen and Irish. Navy is 5-2 and currently atop the American Athletic Conference West Division standings thanks in large part to a 46-40 win over Houston last month. While the Group of Five spot at a New Year's Six bowl is likely out of the picture, Navy nevertheless remains one of the pleasant surprises this year. Conversely, Notre Dame has been one of college football's biggest disappointments. The Irish are 3-5 and have yet to win two games in a row.

Viewing information

Date: Saturday, Nov. 5
Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: EverBank Field -- Jacksonville, Florida

TV: CBS
Live stream (computer): CBSSports.com (Simulcast and All-22 feed)
Live stream (mobile): Download the CBS Sports App

Storylines

Navy: The outcome of this game won't affect Navy's chances in the AAC West, but it would be another confidence builder in what has been a special season already. The Midshipmen have been a pleasant surprise, especially given that 1) quarterback Will Worth was forced into action in Week 1 for the injured Tago Smith, who was 2) succeeding the great Keenan Reynolds. If Navy keeps winning, an AAC title could be in its future. Given that Houston was a heavy preseason favorite, that would be quite an upset.

Notre Dame: The Irish slowed the bleeding momentarily against Miami, but even that game came this close to Notre Dame doing the football equivalent of rupturing the femoral artery. It's not quite progress yet, though; that would mean the Irish have to win at least two games in a row. Expectations have tanked to where bowl eligibility would be nice -- and that's not a guarantee. If Notre Dame doesn't beat the Midshipmen, it would have to win its final three games vs. Army, Virginia Tech (who is ranked) and USC (who should be based on how they've played recently).

Players to watch

Will Worth, QB, Navy: We mentioned him before, but his name is Worth repeating. (I'm sorry.) The senior and longtime backup/holder finally got his chance when Smith tore his ACL vs. Fordham and has thrived with the responsibility. Worth leads the team in rushing attempts (161), yards (618) and touchdowns (13). In seven games, Worth has passed for 987 yards, six scores and three picks.

Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame: And, no, it's not because he's a unanimous All-Name team selection. Brown has been one of the few bright spots in this letdown season for the Irish. While quarterback DeShone Kizer gets the attention and NFL hype, St. Brown is the explosive and exciting playmaker that makes the offense really go. You might remember this little touchdown catch in Week 1 vs. Texas...

Matchup to watch

Navy's offensive line vs. Notre Dame's defensive front seven. Navy's offense runs the ball a ton --- they're third in the FBS in attempts per game -- which means Notre Dame has to stop it. The Irish are good-not-great in that department (3.71 yards per rush, 15 touchdowns), but the real challenges against a triple option team are having disciplined assignment football and support. It's going to take smart defense as much as physical run-stopping defense for Notre Dame. The Irish have actually been better on defense since coordinator Brian VanGorder was fired, ranking 36th in points per drive allowed via BCF Toys.