Week 4: Rutgers at Navy

For perhaps the first time since taking over at Rutgers, Scarlet Knights coach Greg Schiano is answering some tough questions.

After his team’s home meltdowns against Fresno State (24-7) and North Carolina (44-12), Schiano has been asked about his veteran quarterback Mike Teel. ("Mike is our quarterback," said the coach.) He’s been asked about his secondary, which was supposed to be solid with cornerbacks Jason and Devin McCourtny and free safety Courtney Greene. ("We’re all part of it," said the coach. "That’s frustrating.")

Teel is third in the Big East in passing (253-yard average), but has thrown five interceptions and just one touchdown. The defense is just one of two teams nationally (Arkansas is the other) that hasn’t forced a turnover this season.

Navy, meanwhile, has experienced its own problems. Still running the triple-option offense without coach Paul Johnson, now at Georgia Tech, the Midshipmen have dropped back-to-back road games at Ball State (35-23) and Duke (41-31). With new coach Ken Niumatalolo running the ship, Navy has been hindered by hobbled QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, who left the field late in the Duke game because of heat exhaustion. He’d been recovering from an injured left hamstring. The Middies’ top fullback, Eric Kettani, was also out. "Those are our two big guns," said Niumatalolo. "The whole dynamics of our team change (when they are out). Other guys have to step up."

Expect Rutgers to find enough offense to win its fourth straight against Navy.

Notes:

The Scarlet Knights earned an 11-10-1 series advantage last season with a 41-24 victory at Rutgers Stadium.

Despite the Midshipmen’s offensive setbacks, slotback Shun White leads the nation in rushing, averaging 196 yards a game.

Rutgers ranks eighth in the Big East in red zone offense at 66.7 percent.

Key Player (Scarlet Knights) – Kenny Britt, WR

Although Britt is ranked second in the Big East in receptions (7), he needs to make a few difficult catches to help QB Mike Teel straighten himself.

Key Player (Midshipmen) – Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, QB

The quarterback must find health and get back to orchestrating the Midshipmen’s triple option.

Rutgers by 5