Navy quarterback Brian Hampton feels like he is learning more each week in the Midshipmen?s run-heavy, triple-option offense.
With that, he said, should come more consistent play from that side of the ball, including more scoring in key situations. Despite Navy?s 3-1 start to the season, the offense has had its problems, including 13 total fumbles and six lost. For the year, Navy has a minus-1 turnover margin.
The Midshipmen also have experienced problems inside their opponents? 20-yard line, where they have scored on just 15 of 22 opportunities, including 11 touchdowns. This equates to a 68-percent success rate in the red zone, compared to 77 percent (10 of 13, 6 TDs) for the opposition.
“I think I?ve seen every defensive front out there in the first four games,” said Hampton, who has rushed for 358 yards and five touchdowns on 95 carries through four games. “That?s helped me make better reads of when to pitch the ball, when to keep it and when to hand it off.”
After Saturday?s 24-23 overtime loss to Tulsa, Navy coach Paul Johnson said the offense can?t afford to play sloppy and expect to win. Saturday?s miscues included a costly holding penalty on guard Anthony Gaskins late in regulation, nullifying a seven-yard screen pass to fullback Adam Ballard and a Navy first down at the Tulsa 34. Hampton got sacked on the next play, forcing Navy to punt.
Ballard, who has 352 yards and a touchdown on 68 carries, said Navy has to improve offensively this weekend if it hopes to beat Connecticut, a team that allows an averageof 99 rushing yards a game. Last week, the Huskies held Indiana to zero rushing yards on 27 carries. By contrast, Navy averages 330.5 yards rushing a game, which is tops in the country.
“Mistakes cost us a chance to win in regulation against Tulsa,” Ballard said. “But I think we?re coming together on offense. We just haven?t had that one breakout game yet. We just need to be more consistent.”
NAVY OFFENSIVE NOTES
» Hampton has completed 16 of 31 passes for 153 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions on the year.
» While Navy has the top rushing offense among the 119 Division I-A teams, it has the worst passing attack with an average of 44.5 yards a game. Overall, the Midshipmen?s offense is 43rd in the country.
