The Memphis Tigers are coming off one of the biggest wins in program history after defeating Florida State last Saturday. The win over the Seminoles could go a long way regarding playoff berth implications. But now, it’s time to put the victory over the Seminoles in the rear-view mirror. The team that awaits them this week is the Navy Midshipmen, who nearly left Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium with a victory in 2023.
Overall, Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield has consistently succeeded against the program since becoming the head coach in 2020. Under Silverfield’s watch, the Tigers are 4-0 in games against the Midshipman. The 2023 matchup is the only contest where Memphis was on the ropes against the Navy during the Silverfield era. In the final six minutes, the Tigers overcame two turnovers to beat the Midshipmen 28-24 in the conference opener last season. Here’s our Memphis versus Navy game preview, scouting report, and score prediction post.
Navy Midshipmen Scouting Report
Record: 2-0 (1-0 AAC)
Head Coach: Brian Newberry (2nd Year)
Offensive Scheme: Triple Option
Defensive Scheme: 4-3 Base
So far, second-year Navy head coach Brian Newberry has the program headed in the right direction. The Midshipmen are off to their best start since 2019. They are currently 2-0, which ties them with Army for first place in the American Athletic Conference. They are led by quarterback Blake Horvat, the team’s leading rusher with 155 yards.
Horvat has shown that he can make plays from the pocket for the Midshipmen, but most of their firepower comes from the rushing attack. Navy is ranked seventh in the country in rushing and 17th in scoring. The two individuals that the Midshipmen are counting on for the running game are fullbacks Alex Tecza and Daba Fofana. The Memphis defense is familiar with both players and what damage they can do on the ground. In last year’s thrilling matchup, Tecza rushed for a career-high 163 yards while his teammate Fofana added 53.
Another intriguing weapon that the Tigers’ defense will have to account for is the versatile Brandon Chatman, who can be utilized as a slot receiver or a pass catcher coming out of the backfield. So far, Memphis hasn’t trailed in a game this season, but what if it occurs this Saturday against the Midshipmen? When Navy gains a lead after three quarters, they don’t look back. The program has an impressive 70-game home winning streak, with the only loss coming in 1999. They have also been efficient in the red zone as well. The Midshipmen offense has converted all seven red zone trips into touchdowns this season.
On defense, the unit has been stout to start the season, especially against the run. The Midshipmen have limited opponents to just 83 rushing yards per game on 2.8 yards per carry. However, the passing defense has been more vulnerable, ranking 98th nationally. Temple threw for 277 yards against Navy, though it took 46 attempts.
The defense is spearheaded by standout outside linebacker Colin Ramos, who has already recorded 25 total tackles and seven tackles for loss in just two games. Ramos leads a defense that has been disruptive in the backfield, registering seven tackles for loss in each of their first two games. Free safety Rayuan Lane is another key playmaker, leading the team in interceptions last season with four picks. Lane will be instrumental in limiting Memphis’ passing attack led by quarterback Seth Henigan.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Navy Run Game vs. Memphis Front Seven
- : Navy’s triple option is one of the best rushing attacks in the nation, and Memphis will need to replicate its success against the run from the Florida State game to stop Navy’s ground game.
- Blake Horvath vs. Memphis Secondary: If Memphis contains the run, Horvath will be forced to air it out. His efficiency as a passer, with 12 completions for 220 yards, could test a Memphis secondary that may be on the field for long stretches.
- Memphis Passing Game vs. Navy Secondary: Navy has struggled against the pass, so Memphis QB Seth Henigan and his receivers will look to exploit that vulnerability. Rayuan Lane will be a key defender in disrupting Memphis’ aerial attack.
This clash between two undefeated teams will showcase whether Navy’s revamped offense can keep pace with a high-powered Memphis team that has proven resilient in the face of early-season challenges.
Score Prediction
Ryan Silverfield has compiled a 4-0 record against Navy since becoming the Memphis Tigers head coach in 2020. After this Saturday, it will be 5-0. The game has all of the elements of letdown for the Tigers, but I expect Silverfield to have this team focused on the opponent in front of them this Saturday. The Midshipmen’s stats on offense are impressive so far, but you have to consider who they have recently played against this season.
Memphis 38
Navy 21
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