Navy/ Rutgers

[hazsupport]

Any opinions on this game I believe Rutgers is a one point fav, thanks hc

[wayne1218]

Here's the Sports Network write up on *********

Navy (2-1) at Rutgers (2-1)
Saturday, September 27, 2003

Latest Line: Navy +1 O/U: NL


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GAME NOTES: Two teams each vying for their third win of the season collide at Rutgers Stadium on Saturday night, as the Navy Midshipmen take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in non-conference action. Navy has surprised many by winning two of its first three games, including last week's 39-7 pounding of Eastern Michigan. The team is now just one win away from its first 3-1 start since the 1996 season, when the Midshipman finished 9-3 overall. Navy opened the year with an easy victory over VMI, 37-10, before bowing out to nationally-ranked TCU, 17-3. The Midshipman have already come a long way from last season when they finished just 2-10 overall. As for Rutgers, it wound up just 1-11 last season, but this year has been a different story. The Scarlet Knights picked up their second victory of the season last Saturday with a 36-21 triumph over Army. The team opened the year with a 24-10 victory over hapless Buffalo, before being defeated by Michigan State, 44-28. At 2-1, Rutgers has a shot for a 3-1 start for the first time since 1993. The two teams have met 17 times previously with the Midshipmen holding a 9-7-1 advantage.

Navy possessed one of the best rushing attacks in the nation last season and this year seems to be no different after gaining 372 yards on the ground in an easy win over Eastern Michigan. The unit needed only 92 passing yards because of its dominance on the ground. Tony Lane led the attack with 83 rushing yards and a score on five carries. Play caller Craig Candeto added 72 rushing yards and a score on 18 attempts. He also completed 6-of-10 passes for 92 yards with a touchdown. Navy had six players who gained over 20 rushing yards against EMU. For the year, the Midshipman are led by Kyle Eckel, who gained 56 yards on 13 carries last Saturday, as he now has 235 yards and two touchdowns.

Ranking second is Candeto, who has run for 216 yards and three scores thus far. Eric Roberts led all Midshipman receivers with two receptions for 47 yards against Eastern Michigan, raising his team-leading total to five catches for 111 yards. There is no real need for an aerial assault as Navy ranks fourth in the country in rushing yards per game, averaging 291.3 ypg. Last year, the Middies finished third in the country with an average of 270.8 ypg.

Defensively, Navy is ranked eighth in the country in scoring defense, giving up just 11.3 ppg. Last year, the Middies were 108th in scoring defense as they allowed a whopping 36.3 ppg. Navy is also tops in the country in turnover margin at +2.33 -- as the team has come up with 12 turnovers, which is tied for the sixth most in the country. The defense has also done a solid job in limiting its opponents to just 300 total ypg. Josh Smith leads the squad with 26 tackles and is tied for the team-lead in interceptions with two. Jeremy Chase is second with 19 tackles and heads the unit with two sacks. Against Eastern Michigan, the Navy defense forced six turnovers, including four in the first quarter. The unit was superb all day, holding the Eagles to 271 total yards, including a mere 32 yards on the ground. The defense forced turnovers on EMU's first four possessions. Ben Mathews, Shalim Brazier and Chase each recorded five tackles in the winning effort. Smith came up with two picks while also recording three tackles.

Rutgers used 427 yards of total offense, including 177 on the ground in picking up a victory over Army. The team completed a solid 6-of-13 third-down conversions, while turning the ball over just twice. Signal caller Ryan Hart had a great game, completing 17-of-26 pass attempts for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Hart currently ranks 26th in the country in passing efficiency (145.50) and 41st in total offense (228.67 ypg). His two favorite targets are Shawn Tucker and Tres Moses. Tucker caught four balls for 67 yards against Army, while Moses pulled down four passes for 40 yards and two scores. For the season, each player has 12 receptions, with Tucker gaining 229 yards and Moses 132. The air attack wasn't the only thing working for Rutgers against Army, as tailback Brian Leonard ran for 132 yards and a score on just 16 carries.

Leonard runs for an average of 5.1 ypc and 58.0 ypg, but as a team, Rutgers ranks 87th in the country in rushing offense (118.7), but a decent 43rd in passing offense (247.0).

On the defensive side of the ball, the Scarlet Knights rank 75th in scoring defense (25.0 ppg), but 67th in total defense (361.0 ypg). The unit has also forced eight turnovers, while recording eight sacks. Jarvis Jones leads the team with 22 tackles, while Nate Jones' 19 stops are good for second. Raheem Orr leads the team in both sacks (2.5) and TFLs (six). Last Saturday, Rutgers held Army to only 306 total yards, while forcing four turnovers. The unit surrendered just 55 rushing yards, while holding the Black Knights to just 6- of-19 third-down conversions. Will Gilkison led the RU defense with seven tackles, a forced fumble and 1.5 sacks. Johnson also made seven tackles, while Brian Hohmann recorded six stops and two forced fumbles in the winning effort.

Both team's have already equaled or surpassed last season's win total so picking up a third victory would do a lot to boost confidence. Rutgers, which is playing at home, should be able to move the ball through the air against a vulnerable Navy secondary and as a result, give the Scarlet Knight faithful something to smile about.

Predicted Outcome: Rutgers 31, Navy 21

[hazsupport]

navy

Good facts on the game thank you. Think I'll side with the senior laiden middies who will be playing very close to home. Rode them last week to a big win and look for more of the same this week. Thanks again. hc

[Baseball_Nut]

i think i will stay away from this game
i dont see value with either team, too close to call

[hazsupport]

Cmon nut you know Rutgers has the better cheerleaders. Wonder what that Marshal cheerleader did when they upset kan st. last week. I want a rerun on her jump!!!!! hc

[Baseball_Nut]

i love cheerleaders:D