Heading into the game Saturday, Navy's triple option offense averaged 335.4 rushing yards per game. The Green Wave's defense marked a standout performance as it contained the No. 3 rushing offense in the nation to just 133 yards on the ground.
"It was probably the most talented defensive line we've played, and that includes Notre Dame," Navy running game coordinator Ashley Ingram said in a Capital Gazette article. "We told our offensive line that this was going to be one of the best defensive fronts they've seen and I think it was. There are some guys in that front seven that can play in the NFL.