Navy offense vs. Indiana defense: Just like last week against Central Michigan, the Midshipmen will be facing an opponent that is among the worst in the country against the run. The Hoosiers are ranked 109th in the Football Bowl Subdivision, giving up just over 221 yards a game. Navy is up to 14th in the country in rushing (233.3) and seemed to have success last week with fullbacks Noah Copeland and Prentice Christian sharing the load. They combined for 134 yards on 28 carries, markiing the first time in three years that two Navy fullbacks each carried the ball more than 10 times in a game. But the key for the Midshipmen will be freshman quarterback Keenan Reynolds, coming off throwing for three touchdowns in his first college start. If Navy can limit Indiana tackle Adam Replogle, who leads all Big Ten defensive lineman with nearly seven tackles per game, the Midshipmen might be able to get their triple option going. Navy's kicking game has become a weapon too, with freshman placekicker Nick Sloan a perfect 6-6 on field goals and sophomore punter Pablo Beltran ranking 10th in the country with a 45.5 yard average.
Navy hopes its triple-option attack keeps Indiana's offense on the sideline
Controlling the ball will be key against an opponent that scored 49 points against Ohio State last week
Navy defense vs. Indiana offense: The Midshipmen have given up just 49 points in their last four games, the fewest for a Navy team in a four-game stretch since 1981. It has been a combination of a young secondary learning on the job and better pressure up front. Navy will be challenged by Indiana's quick-strike offense, which is averaging fewer than six plays over 24 scoring drives (19 touchdowns). Quarterback Cameron Coffman, a junior college transfer who took over when starter Tre Roberson sustained a season-ending injury in the team's second game, has completed 108 of 172 passes for 1,076 yards with seven TDs and one interception. He threw for 275 yards and a touchdown in last week's 52-49 loss to Ohio State. Tailback Stephen Houston scored three TDs against the Buckeyes, including a 59-yard run and a 25-yard reception. Outside linebacker Keegan Wetzel leads the Midshipmen with four sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss.
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