Navy’s visit to Rice Stadium presents an intriguing matchup where Navy’s elite rushing offense meets Rice’s defense, which has had difficulty stopping the run this season. The Midshipmen, led by dual-threat quarterback Blake Horvath, average an impressive 267 rushing yards per game, ranking them fourth nationally. Horvath’s ability to move the ball on the ground as well as through the air has made Navy a versatile threat, with supporting players like Eli Heidenreich adding to the offensive depth. Meanwhile, Rice’s offense is guided by quarterback E.J.

Warner, who has thrown for over 1,500 yards, finding key targets like wide receiver Matt Sykes. Rice’s offense, however, has been inconsistent, particularly in converting red-zone opportunities. Defensively, Rice allows over 320 yards per game, which could be a challenge against Navy’s disciplined, ground-heavy game plan. For Navy, maintaining possession and minimizing turnovers will be key to controlling the tempo, while Rice will need to find ways to penetrate Navy’s defense, which has shown resilience throughout the season. The game may come down to Rice’s ability to stop the run and Navy’s efficiency in finishing drives.