Navy's opponents haven't had to do that, mainly because the Midshipmen haven't put enough pressure on the quarterbacks. Except for Towson's Sean Schaefer, who was sacked three times in the second half but still managed to throw for 330 yards in the Aug. 30 opener, Navy has recorded only two other sacks.
Given that much time, Duke's Thad Lewis (317 yards) and Ball State's Nate Davis (326) have shredded Navy's zone defense, more with curl and slant routes than deep balls. Rutgers could go long, especially with the speed of wide receivers Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood.
Said Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green: "They present huge problems. They're as good as you will find [on] any team we play, at the whole group of receivers. All of their receivers can beat you deep in a heartbeat and make a big play."
One thing is clear: Because of their struggles, neither team is taking the other lightly. It doesn't matter to Rutgers that it has beaten Navy the past three years, including a 34-0 win two years ago in Annapolis. It doesn't matter to the Midshipmen that the Scarlet Knights seem to be in free fall.
"This is by far the best team we've played so far," Niumatalolo said.
Said Schiano, "We respect everything about the Naval Academy."
Even its imperfections.
NOTES: : Navy will honor the 1958 Cotton Bowl team at halftime. ... Single tickets are available at $32 each, and hill-seating tickets are available for $20, $12 for kids.
navy today
Matchup: Rutgers (0-2) at Navy (1-2)
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Site: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis
TV: CBS College Sports Network
Radio: 1090 AM
Line: Rutgers by 5 1/2
Series: Rutgers leads 11-10-1
Last meeting: Rutgers won, 41-24, on Sept. 7, 2007, in Piscataway, N.J.
Navy offense vs. Rutgers defense: The Midshipmen should have quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada at full strength, and fullback Eric Kettani seems to be over the strained hip that forced him out on the opening series of last week's loss at Duke. The Scarlet Knights held Navy to a season-low 289 yards of offense a year ago.
Navy defense vs. Rutgers offense: The Midshipmen could be just what struggling quarterback Mike Teel needs to jump-start his season. While Navy won't have to worry about Ray Rice, who rushed for 175 yards a year ago, it will have its hands full with wide receivers Kenny Britt (14 catches, 198 yards this season) and Tiquan Underwood (10 for 107 yards), as well as tight end Kevin Brock (seven for 91 and a touchdown).
DON MARKUS
