As usual, Navy coach Paul Johnson is stressing his team?s underdog status going into its game Wednesday at Pittsburgh.
Johnson is quick to point out Pittsburgh?s players are bigger, faster and are a member of the Big East Conference, which is one of the elite leagues in the country.
But the host Panthers are no sure bet to win when the teams meet at 8 p.m. in front of a nationally televised audience at Heinz Field.
Navy (3-2) has won two straight following a 31-20 victory over Air Force on Sept. 29. Pittsburgh (2-3) will try to end its three-game losing streak, which includes a 44-14 defeat at Virginia 12 days ago.
“Any time you play a team from a [Bowl Championship Series] conference they are going to have good players,” Johnson said. “It is going to be a tough challenge for us.”
Navy, which trails the all-time series with Pittsburgh 20-12-3, has historically played well when having extra time to prepare for an opponent since Johnson was hired ashead coach in 2002. The Midshipmen are 16-7 when they have more than a week between games during the past five seasons.
Johnson said he adjusted his practice schedule to make it feel like a typical Saturday game. At the same time, he?s stressed it?s important to treat Pittsburgh like any other game even though it will be the only college football game televised on Wednesday.
“You should be excited every time you get a chance to play,” Johnson said. “It shouldn?t matter what night of the week the game is on. It?s only good exposure for the program if you play well.”
The Panthers provide an interesting matchup for the Midshipmen, who average nearly 349 rushing yards a game. Pittsburgh is among the top defensive teams among the 119 Football Bowl Subdivision teams, allowing just 111 yards rushing and 157.4 passing per game. Middle linebacker Scott McKillop leads Pittsburgh?s defense with 57 tackles and five pass breakups, and defensive end John Clermond has added a team-high three sacks.
“If we can?t run the ball we are going to be in real trouble, I can tell you that,” Johnson said. “I don?t think you have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that we aren?t going to go in there and beat them by throwing the ball. Now can we hit some big plays and supplement what we have to do? You hope so.”
Navy junior quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada said his experience playing on national television, which includes a 41-24 loss at Rutgers on Sept. 7, helped prepare him for Wednesday night.
“They are going to be a tough team,” Kaheaku-Enhada said. “They are big, strong and they can run. It?s Pittsburgh, everybody knows about them. We have to be ready for a hard-fought game.”
Navy notes
» Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.
» Navy has not beaten Pittsburgh since a 21-7 win in 1985.
