Notre Dame shut down Army's triple option running attack and beat the Cadets 27-3 Saturday in the first football game played at the new Yankee Stadium.

Army, ranked eighth in the nation in rushing at 273 yards per game, was held to 135 yards on the ground. The Irish defense also picked off two passes, and held the Cadets to 174 yards of total offense as the Irish defense has not allowed a touchdown in eight quarters.

Notre Dame freshman quarterback Tommy Rees, in his second start, completed 13 of 20 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown as Notre Dame (6-5) became bowl eligible.

Robert Hughes put the Irish ahead 10-3 with a 1-yard run midway through the second quarter. Rees threw a touchdown pass on the next series, a 31-yarder to tight end Tyler Eifert, as Notre Dame enjoyed a 17-3 lead at halftime.

The Irish went ahead 24-3 early in the third quarter when Darrin Walls picked off a Trent Steelman pass and went 42 yards for a touchdown.

Notre Dame's David Ruffer kicked two field goals (47 and 39 yards), and is 15 for 15 this season.

Army (6-5) scored first on Alex Carlton's 20-yard field goal.

This was the 50th game of the storied Army-Notre Dame rivalry. The Irish lead the series 38-8-4.