Notre Dame 50, Navy 10: Backups Theo Riddick and George Atkinson III combined for 206 yards rushing and four touchdowns as the Fighting Irish - without their top running back and quarterback - routed the Midshipmen in Dublin, Ireland.

Without suspended starting tailback Cierre Wood and quarterback Tommy Rees, the Irish didn't miss a beat in rolling up 490 yards, including 293 on the ground.

Sophomore quarterback Everett Golson, making his first career appearance, finished 12-of-18 passing for 144 yards with one interception and a 5-yard touchdown pass to All-American tight end Tyler Eifert early in the second quarter that gave the Irish a 20-0 lead.

The Notre Dame defense smothered Navy’s triple-option offense, holding the Midshipmen to 140 rushing yards, 172 below their rushing average from last season. The Notre Dame defense also forced four turnovers and got a 77-yard fumble return for a touchdown from lineman Stephon Tuitt in the second quarter that helped the Irish to a 27-3 lead at halftime.

Navy cut the margin to 27-10 early in the second half on a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trey Miller to wide receiver Shawn Lynch, but got no closer.

GAME NOTEBOOK: After losing to Navy in 2009 and 2010, the Irish have scored at least 50 points in back-to-back blowout wins. ... Ten different receivers caught at least one pass for Notre Dame. ... The Irish lead the series 73-12-1. ... This was the first time Notre Dame and Navy opened the season against each other.