SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Head coach Ken Niumatalolo did not announce Navy’s starting quarterback during the week, only stating the competition was between classmates Zach Abey and Garret Lewis. It turns out the coaching staff decided early in the week to go with Lewis, who had played well in three straight games after coming off the bench.
Abey sat out last Saturday’s game against SMU due to a shoulder injury and Niumatalolo said that time off combined with the fact Lewis had performed well of late played a part in the decision. Sophomore sensation Malcolm Perry, who started at quarterback versus SMU and rushed for 282 yards and four touchdowns, was unavailable this weekend due to a sprained ankle.