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Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPNU
Stream: Watch ESPN
Series History: Navy leads 3-1 and won their 2016 meeting 42-40
Spread: Navy -6
Navy has played pristine football coming into Saturday’s game versus Tulsa. They are currently 3-0, but cannot look past the Golden Hurricane, who will participate in their first AAC game of the season. To compound things, Tulsa will play at home.
Tulsa’s Start
The Golden Hurricane was unimpressive to say the least when playing in non-conference games. They lost 24-59 against the Oklahoma State Cowboys to start the year. They defeated Louisiana-Lafayette in their second game, 66-42. However, they have lost their last two games against Toledo and New Mexico respectively.
Three Keys to the Game for the Golden Hurricane
1. Tulsa quarterback Chad President will have to do it all
President has shown flashes of talent this season, both in passing and rushing the ball. The sophomore quarterback has completed 57 passes out of 102 attempts for 677 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also has 34 rushes for 210 yards. Not too shabby.
2. Key in on Zach Abey
Abey has been the bread and butter for Navy’s offense. In just three games, the junior quarterback has 471 rushing yards on 81 carries and four touchdowns. If Tulsa has any shot to win this game, they must stop Abey at all costs.
3. Give D’Angelo Brewer the rock
Tulsa senior running back Brewer leads the conference in rushing yards with 548 yards and is tied for the second in touchdowns (5).
Three Keys For the Midshipmen
1. Stop Tulsa’s running game
Brewer has had over 130 yards in each game this season. Navy held him to 81 yards and zero touchdowns last season. Can they repeat that formula?
2. Get the triple-option going
Yes. We know that the triple-option is the catalyst for the rushing offense. However, Abey has three touchdown passes on the year, mostly from faking out the defense. If he can continue to complete passes downfield for huge chunks of yards, Navy will have a field day.
3. Limiting a high-scoring affair
Navy has been able to outscore their opponents 107-72 this season, but it would be in their best interest to not get into a shootout with a triple-option offense. Sticking to their running game and executing their blocking schemes should allow them to succeed.