It's hard to say that a September game is a must-win situation for any college football team, but Saturday's meeting between Navy (1-2) and Rutgers (0-2) comes close.
After playing the Scarlet Knights, Navy plays Atlantic Coast Conference title contender Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, N.C., and much-improved Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colo., a game that will help determine the winner of the Commander in Chief's Trophy. Suddenly, what had seemed like a sure bet of fulfilling the six-win requirement needed to secure a spot in this year's Congressional Bowl doesn't appear automatic, particularly with the possible loss of fullback Eric Kettani to a hamstring injury. Kettani, last year's leading rusher, left during the first series of Saturday's 41-31 loss at Duke.
"They're all huge. [Duke] was a big game for us; it's even going to be bigger next weekend," first-year Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. "We've got to find a way to respond and bounce back from today."
Replay
Reserve quarterback Jarod Bryant's screen pass to wide receiver Tyree Barnes that went for a 68-yard touchdown and helped cut Duke's 34-24 lead to three with five seconds left in the third quarter. Unfortunately for Navy, the Blue Devils came right back and scored on a 49-yard pass from quarterback Thaddeus Lewis to wide receiver Eron Riley.
Erase
Slotback Shun White's fumble on a pitch from QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada in the second quarter. What would have been a big gain for the Mids turned into a 37-yard touchdown return by Duke linebacker Vincent Rey. It helped put the Blue Devils ahead, 17-14, and took momentum away from Navy.
Fast forward
After two straight road losses, Navy returns to Annapolis to play Rutgers at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Though the Scarlet Knights have been outscored by a combined 68-19 in home losses to Fresno State and North Carolina, they have won three in a row and six of their past seven against Navy.
RUTGERS
@NAVY
Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
TV: CBS College Sports Network
Radio: 1090 AM
Line: Rutgers
by 5
