Navy Midshipmen vs. Air Force Falcons 

Date: Oct. 4
Time: 4 p.m.
TV: VERSUS
Radio: Navy Radio Network 

Fullback Eric Kettani has been the catalyst in Navy's early season turnaround. The senior has rushed for 308 yards and a touchdown over the last two games as the Midshipmen have rattled off two straight wins after dropping its previous two games.

Navy is also fresh off of its first victory over a ranked opponent since 1985, having knocked off No. 16 Wake Forest Saturday.

Meanwhile, a bye week has given Air Force extra time to recover from its first loss of the season. The extra week also gave extra healing time to some injured Falcons, including tight end Travis Dekker and wide receiver Ty Paffett, both of whom should return to the field Saturday.   

Air Force has the sixth-ranked rushing attack in the country, averaging more than 280 yards per game. Four Falcons are averaging 48 rushing yards or more per game and Kyle Halderman provides a big play threat, compiling 243 yards on just 24 carries this season.

Led by defensive end Jake Paulson, the Air Force defense has been creating big plays. Paulson has registered seven sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a safety while the defense as a whole has tallied 16 sacks and 12 takeaways in just four games. 

-- Matt Zenitz

Issue 3.40: October 2, 2008