(Notre Dame) — When former Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick told Marcus Freeman, he booked a game with Army at Yankee Stadium for this season, Freeman was perplexed.

“I said ‘Jack…Army and Navy in the same year? Why?”

But then Freeman learned the history that went into the decision.

“It’s an honor,” stated the third-year Irish head coach. “What better Shamrock Series game to have than New York City, Yankee Stadium, Army on the 100th anniversary of the Four Horsemen? It’s an amazing opportunity.”

The opportunity should also bring surprisingly big TV ratings. Army enters the game 9-0, ranked 18th in this week’s AP college football poll. The Irish are 9-1 and battling for a spot — and perhaps, home field– in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

“I believe it’s our toughest challenge to date,” warns Freeman. What you see is a lot of consistency in their program. They play clean. They’re a physical, tough bunch.”

Army is spearheaded by dual-threat quarterback Bryson Daily, who has rushed for 20 touchdowns and thrown for seven more.  The Black Knights lead the nation in rushing offense and score over 35 points per game.

“He makes really good decisions,” noted Freeman. “What he does is run the offense efficiently. He doesn’t put them in bad positions, and he can make plays with his feet and his arm.”

Saturday night’s game at Yankee Stadium will kickoff at 7 p.m. on NBC.