The Associated Press

NEW YORK - For four decades, the routine has been pretty much the same: Notre Dame players and coaches talk up the Navy Midshipmen during the week and beat them up on game day.

It has been hard to take the Fighting Irish seriously when they've tried to convince others - and even themselves - that defeating Navy would be a problem.

Recently, though, things have changed. Now, when the Irish say Navy will be a challenge, nobody questions their sincerity.

Notre Dame (4-2) has won an NCAA-record 40 straight against Navy (5-0) heading into today's game at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., but the last two were thrillers. The Middies have closed the gap on their tormentors.

"Those games don't have anything to do with this game," Notre Dame coach Tyrone Willingham said. "We're going to play a Navy team that is a very good football team."

The last time Navy beat Notre Dame was 1963, with Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach leading the Middies to a 35-14 victory.

Today, the Irish will have to contend with a Navy offense that ranks sixth in the nation in rushing, averaging 267 yards a game.

Fullback Kyle Eckel (78 yards rushing per game and six TDs) and quarterback Aaron Polanco (93 yrpg and seven TDs) fuel the Middies' triple-option attack.