Three Keys: Navy vs. Texas State

After a disappointing loss last week in Troy the Naval Academy returns to Annapolis this Saturday to take on FBS newcomers Texas State. This will be the first meeting between the Mids and the Bobcats, with the latter also trying to recover from a defeat last time out. Wins in the remaining two regular season games would give the bowl bound Midshipmen and an eight win season.

After a disappointing loss last week in Troy the Naval Academy returns to Annapolis this Saturday to take on FBS newcomers Texas State. This will be the first meeting between the Mids and the Bobcats, with the latter also trying to recover from a defeat last time out. Wins in the remaining two regular season games would give the bowl bound Midshipmen and eight win season, and with the quarterback of the future under center things are looking up. Here are the three keys.

1) Allow fewer yards

After playing excellent defense for the majority of the season the Mids found themselves gashed early and often last Saturday. Though Troy presents an offense which is one of the most high powered in the country no one associated with the Navy defensive unit was happy with giving up almost 600 yards of offense against the Trojans. The Texas State attack presents a different kind of challenge in terms of system and personnel, but after a week of soul searching the Navy defense will come out with an increased focus. Keeping the yardage totals down will be a good start in a winning game plan.

2) Stop missing tackles

This goes hand in hand with the first key, but one of the biggest problems last week was the tackling effort put forward by the Mids. As a team which prides itself on discipline and fundamentals, the coaching staff must have been dismayed with the 23 missed tackles. Simply put, that amount is unacceptable and will result in a team losing far more games than they win. For the Mids to win out the rest of the season; the tackling has to be better and that has to start on Saturday.

3) Score 35 points

Texas State can score points on offense, but its defense is one of the worst in the country. The Bobcats rank 106th nationally in points against giving up an average of 35 per game. The Navy defense will do enough to slow down a Texas State offense which is good but not lethal, so if the offense can get to that 35 point average the Mids will win the game.