Knights Sink Navy

utgers Scarlet Knights shut out the Navy and improved to 6-0 with a 34-0 victory in Annapolis, ruining homecoming for the mids. A first-quarter injury to starting midshipman quarterback Brian Hampton took the sophomore starter out for the remainder of the game. Rutgers fearsome running backs -- Senior Brian Leonard and Sophomore Ray Rice -- combined for only 111 yards and no touchdowns, letting the rest of the team score for a change.

Most exquisite for this Rutgers alum was listening to the game on a Navy station. As Hampton left the game, they were doubtful that the "inexperienced sophomore" replacement could move the team. They seemed to forget that Rutgers' starting quarterback, Brian Teel, is himself only a sophomore. Teel finished the game with 216 yards through the air, and 3 touchdowns. The Navy announcers were unable to explain how the injury to Hampton accounted for this air assault, or for the two kicks blocked by Rutgers.

Even better was the fourth quarter whining when the Knights had the effrontery to go for another touchdown. "Running up the score," they cried, "Never a classy move. The Midshipmen are sure to remember this next year." Rutgers' coach Greg Schiano perhaps was recalling the 54-21 drubbing his team took two years ago at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.

Next stop: A 5:45 kickoff next Saturday at Heinz Field against the Pittsburgh Panthers, in a game to be nationally televised on ESPN2.

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