Navy returns home looking to end three-game slide against Tulsa

Navy returns to Annapolis on Saturday, October 10, seeking to end a three-game losing streak against a Tulsa defense that has made takeaways a regular part of its season. Kickoff at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is 3:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS Sports Network.

The Midshipmen are 1–3 overall and 0–2 in the American after a 14–9 loss at Air Force. Tulsa is 3–2 and 0–1 in conference play following a 45–44 overtime defeat against North Texas.

All three Navy losses have been decided by one score. Saturday is its first home game since the season opener, following road trips to Florida Atlantic, UAB and Air Force. The change of venue comes with the same challenge: turn a close game into a victory.

Ball security is the first matchup to watch. Tulsa has forced a turnover in every game and owns 10 takeaways against four giveaways. Navy averages 277.8 rushing yards per game; sustaining those possessions without supplying Tulsa extra chances will matter against a defense with a plus-six turnover margin.

The second test is at the line of scrimmage. Tulsa allows 133.2 rushing yards per game and 3.5 yards per attempt. Navy’s ground game will need to create enough consistent gains to keep the offense moving against that front.

Navy’s defense also faces a quarterback coming off a productive return. Baylor Hayes accounted for five touchdowns against North Texas after missing two games, throwing three scoring passes and running for two more. He completed 25 of 43 passes for 211 yards. Limiting that combination of passing and rushing production is another priority for the Midshipmen.

Navy leads the series 9–2, including a 3–2 advantage in Annapolis. A home win would halt the slide before next week’s trip to UTSA.