LANDOVER, Maryland (Ticker) -- The top two ranked rushing offenses in Division I-A will be on display Saturday when Navy takes on 25th-ranked Air Force at FedEx Field.
Traditionally, the service academies have relied heavily on the option and this year is no different. Navy leads the nation in rushing at 311.8 yards per game while Air Force is right behind at 309.2 yards.
The Falcons (5-0) climbed into the top 25 for the first time this season following last week's 24-10 victory at Brigham Young. It was Air Force's first win in Provo since 1982.
Quarterback Chance Harridge rushed for two touchdowns for Air Force, while Darnell Stephens ran for a career-high 93 yards on 16 carries.
Air Force joins Minnesota, Louisiana State, Florida State and Ohio State as the nation's only 5-0 team. There are nine 4-0 teams.
Eric Roberts (125) and Kyle Eckel (104) each rushed for more than 100 yards in Navy's 48-27 lost at Rutgers last week. The Midshipmen (2-2) rushed for 373 yards, but they cold not stop Justise Hairston, who ran for 161 yards and four touchdowns.
Navy also was hurt by three fumbles. The Midshipmen dropped from first to 10th in turnover margin, which is still a marked improvement from last year when they were 105th.
Last year, Air Force gained 536 yards in a 48-7 rout of Navy. The Falcons rushed for 429 yards, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. Harridge rushed for a career-high 161 yards and four touchdowns.
Air Force has captured six straight Commander-in-Chief's trophies and 16 overall, winning 12 straight games against its fellow service academies.
The Falcons have won six straight against Navy to take a 25-10 lead in the all-time series. Air Force won the two previous two games at FedEx Field, 19-14 in 1999 and 24-19 in 2001.
