By storming the field after Friday’s 35-23 win over Navy, Ball State fans made it clear that beating Navy — which is coming off last year’s historic win over Notre Dame and five straight bowl appearances — once again holds a special allure. It is a reminder of days when service academies were national contenders.
The return of this reputation is an added challenge for the Midshipmen and rookie head coach Ken Niumatalolo, but Navy’s old nemesis, shaky defense, was the difference against the Cardinals.
“We had some great plays on offense, but defensively, we made a few mistakes and Ball State was able to capitalize,” Niumatalolo said. “They have multiple weapons and they play good control football. We tried to pick our spots in containing them, but it was difficult for us.”
Ball State had little trouble moving the ball against a team that allowed an average of more than 36 points and 439 yards per game last fall. The Midshipmen (1-1) had appeared to turn a corner in a season-opening 41-13 win over Towson, but allowed 488 yards of offense against the Cardinals (2-0).
Navy senior quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada’s return from a partially torn left hamstring should help the offense, as it struggled in its second game with Jarod Bryant as starter. Bryant had 161 yards of total offense and two touchdowns against the Cardinals, but struggled running the triple option.
