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.