Navy defensive tackle Nate Frazier knew exactly what the Midshipmen had to accomplish to upset then-No. 16 Wake Forest last weekend.
“If we play up front with our hands and get off blocks we can do it,” the junior said. “If we do our job, it could come down to whatever defense creates the most turnovers.”
It did.
Navy (3-2) turned the ball over just twice, compared tot six times for Wake Forest (3-1), including four interceptions and two lost fumbles en route to a 24-17 win.
The Midshipmen have yielded just three touchdowns in the past six quarters and gave up a meager 313 yards — and just 43 rushing — to the Demon Deacons. The unit was among the worst in the country last season, allowing an average of more than 36 points and 439 yards per game.
“They just strapped it on and played with tremendous effort,” Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo told reporters. “We put them in some tough situations, gave them short fields and they overcame everything.”
The defense has been bolstered by the return of linebacker Clint Sovie and safety Jeff Deliz, each of whom missed most of last season with injuries.
Navy’s defense enters its game against rival service academy Air Force (3-1) on Saturday afternoon at 4 in Colorado Springs, Colo., ranked 80th in the Football Bowl Subdivision, yielding an average of 28.4 points and 378.8 yards per game.
The defense expects to play a large role in Navy trying to qualify for a bowl game for a school-record sixth consecutive season. The group has improved the most up front, where Frazier has become a leader with 11 tackles.
The defense appeared to be dealt a setback when end Michael Walsh injured his toe, but freshman Jabaree Tuani played well in his place. The first plebe to start on the defensive line since 1998 made six tackles, including a sack, in his first career start against Wake Forest.
“It’s all about excitement and that comes from making plays,” Frazier said. “You have to play defense with a lot of emotion.”
