Fordham (0-0) @ Navy (0-0)
When: Saturday, noon
Site: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: 1090-AM, 1430-AM
Series: Navy won the only other meeting, in 1914
What’s at stake: Navy is looking to avoid being upset by a Football Championship Subdivision school. The Midshipmen also boast a 10-game winning streak at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and have not lost a season opener in Annapolis since 2000.
Key matchup: Navy inside linebackers Daniel Gonzales and Micah Thomas versus Fordham tailback Chase Edmonds. A powerful rushing performance by Edmonds would go a long way to helping the Rams pull off an upset. Edmonds is a master at pressing the hole, reading the linebackers then cutting back. Gonzales and Thomas are responsible for making the majority of tackles in Navy’s 3-4 defense. Those two must contain Edmonds or else it could be a long day for the Midshipmen.
Player to watch: Navy fullback Chris High. The fullback dive always sets the tone for the triple option and Navy will have an inexperienced player at that position on Saturday. High, a junior with just five career carries under his belt, looked strong in preseason practice.