Navy kicks off against Rutgers in less than three hours. Here’s what to keep an eye on as the Midshipmen try to get back to .500. …
1. Kriss Proctor will become the first quarterback in Navy history to rush and pass for 100 yards in three straight games. Lost in last week’s defensive struggles and the three-game losing streak is just how well the senior has played all season for the Midshipmen. Look for Proctor to collect this unusual if impressive record.
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2. Rutgers will not match its season average in takeaways. That would be 4.5, a ridiculous number made even more impressive by the consistency of forcing at least four turnovers in all five games to date. Still, turnover margin can be a fickle thing and, under most conditions, isn’t sustainable in the long run. Navy will do a better of job of taking care of the ball than the Scarlet Knights’ previous foes.
3. Mohamed Sanu will catch a touchdown for Rutgers. The receiver did so in the Scarlet Knights’ first four games. He did not manage one in last week’s ugly affair against Pittsburgh. Look for the 6-foot-2 junior to return to the end zone this week.
4. Jon Teague will have a perfect kicking day. It’s been a rough couple weeks for the senior, who missed a 26-yard field goal against Air Force, had a 35-yard extra point blocked in overtime of the same game and then had a field goal blocked early last week against Southern Mississippi. The senior, who made a 54-yarder in the season opener, is due for a turnaround.
5. Navy will squeak out a victory. The Mids’ margin for error is always small, but it will shrink even more in the big picture if they fall to 2-4 with a trip to Notre Dame still looming. Rutgers’ rushing attack isn’t particularly potent, which should help Navy offset the absence of nose guard Jared Marks. Cornerback David Wright is also out for Navy, which needs to recover from last week’s bludgeoning in a hurry. Here’s guessing that happens.
—- Patrick Stevens
