Navy (3-2) at Air Force (3-1, 1-1 MWC), 2 p.m. MDT, Saturday.
Line: Air Force by 6.
Series Record: Air Force leads the series 25-15.
What’s at Stake
A step toward capturing the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, which is given annually to the winning service academy between Army, Navy and Air Force. The seniors from the winning branch are invited to the White House and given the trophy by the president. The Midshipmen have won the title five straight years.
Key Matchup
Navy slot back Shun White vs. Air Force defensive lineman Jake Paulson. White is averaging 9.4 yards a carry. He rushed for a school-record 348 yards in the season opener against Towson. Paulson leads the NCAA in sacks, averaging 1.75 a game. He also scooped up a fumble and romped 25 yards for a score in a loss to Utah.
Players to watch
Navy: QB Jarod Bryant, who filled in for the injured Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada against Wake Forest, scoring a late fourth quarter touchdown to wrap up the win. Bryant has rushed for four touchdowns and thrown for two this season.
Air Force: CB Reggie Rembert has been kept quite busy this season. The sophomore is a starting defensive back, intercepting his career first pass against Utah on Sept. 20, and a backup receiver on offense. He plays on the punt and kickoff return teams as well.
Facts & Figures
Navy’s defense forced six turnovers against the Demon Deacons. … Navy’s senior class has compiled 30 wins, just six shy of tying the school record of 36 set by the Class of 1909. … The Midshipmen are 31-5 over the last six years when scoring at least 30 points. … Navy LB Ross Pospisil has intercepted a pass in each of the last two games. … Air Force has recorded 16 sacks this season, tied for national lead with Texas and Tulane. On offense, the Falcons have yet to allow a quarterback sack. … The Falcons are 9-1 under coach Troy Calhoun when they have a 100-yard rusher. … Falcons TE Travis Dekker may return Saturday after fracturing his ankle in a preseason practice. Dekker was recently nominated for the American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team, which recognizes players for their off-the-field achievements.
