Philadelphia, PA (Best E Casino) - ARMY - The Black Knights finally broke into the win column with a 44-13 drubbing of Tulane on Saturday. The option game was clicking all afternoon, as Collin Mooney piled up a career-high 187 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Chip Bowden attempted only four passes, and finished with 51 yards rushing. The defense and special teams helped set the tempo with some big plays early in the contest. Tulane went three and out on its opening possession and then had a punt blocked, leading to a quick score for Mooney. Minutes later, Stephen Anderson scooped up a fumble and returned it 81 yards for a score. In this game alone, the team outdid its season total by seven points. They Knights take on Eastern Michigan at home this weekend. The Eagles are coming off a 24-21 win over Bowling Green.
NAVY - Navy drew one step closer to its quest for a sixth straight Commander- in-Chief's Trophy by knocking off Air Force, 33-27. It was the Midshipmen's third straight win, and all have come by a margin of seven points or less. Jarod Bryant ran for 101 yards and a touchdown, while Eric Kettani added 75 yards on the ground. Navy, which entered the game ranked second nationally in rushing (335 ypg), dropped to third after finishing with 206 yards. The Falcons, who also boast a potent rushing attack (270 ypg), finished with 227 yards on 56 attempts. The Midshipmen are idle this week, then will take on No. 24 Pittsburgh on October 18th. The Panthers notched a 26-21 victory over 19th- ranked South Florida last Thursday.
NOTRE DAME - The Fighting Irish moved to 4-1 with Saturday's 28-21 win over Stanford. Jimmy Clausen continues to develop into a solid quarterback at the FBS level. He finished with 347 yards and three touchdowns passing. On the season, he is averaging 250 ypg and has thrown 12 touchdowns against six interceptions. He is completing 61 percent of his passes. But the Irish continue to have problems moving the football on the ground, placing a heavier burden on Clausen and the passing game. They rank 103rd nationally in rushing offense, and managed just 83 yards on 27 carries against Stanford. Michael Floyd paced the receivers with 115 yards and a touchdown on five receptions, while Armando Allen had seven catches for 66 yards and scored twice (one rushing). Notre Dame heads to Chapel Hill for this Saturday's clash with No. 22 North Carolina.
WESTERN KENTUCKY - The Hilltoppers (2-4) haven't been able to move the ball or score points with any consistency. Still, despite virtually no passing game, they battled tough at No. 18 Virginia Tech, though they lost by a 27-13 final. David Wolke has struggled in the passing game for much of the season. On Saturday, he completed only 7-of-19 passes and finished with 49 yards, one touchdown and one interception. On the season, he is averaging only 102 ypg and has struggled with his accuracy (52.7 percent). He has thrown four touchdowns and three interceptions. Dexter Taylor was solid on the ground, finishing with a career-high 96 yards. The defense held the Hokies to 293 yards of total offense. The Hilltoppers are finished with a stretch of five road games in six weeks to start the season. But the schedule doesn't let up a whole lot. This weekend, they'll take on a Ball State team that enters the AP rankings for the first time.
