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WATCH: Rhett Lashlee previews SMU vs. Navy

On3 imageby:Billy Embody•11/23/23•

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SMU HC Rhett Lashlee. (Matt Visinsky - On3)

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee met with the media on Wednesday to review the win over Memphis and preview Saturday’s matchup against Navy. Navy is one of the best defenses in the country in the redzone, takes the ball away, and plays hard for head coach Brian Newberry.

“They’ve been one of the better defenses in our league for the last five or six years since he got there. They’re No. 1 in the country in redzone defense,” Lashlee said. “They’re No. 1 in the country in forced fumbles there. I think they’ve got 23 turnovers. They stop the run. They’re a problem, especially when you know that you’re going to get limited possessions. I’ll be honest with you, I have so much respect for how they play the game and I’ve always had it for Navy, but this Navy team seems different when you watch them on tape, the defense.”

Lashlee was impressed with SMU’s final regular season opponent and their ability to run to the ball. The Midshipmen come into Ford Stadium riding a two-game winning streak, looking for bowl eligibility.

“I’ve never seen a team play as hard as they do and run to the ball like they do, all 11, and tackle the ball like they do. I mean, 13 forced fumbles. They hit the quarterback a lot,” Lashlee said. “They’re a really stout unit. Three shutouts, nobody’s got that. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing, you shut three people out, that’s pretty impressive. So we’re going to have to play really, really good disciplined, efficient football on offense because our our opportunities are going to be limited.”

SMU faces Navy at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday inside Ford Stadium with the game broadcast on ESPN2. The Mustangs look to move to 10-2 overall, 8-0 in league play and most importantly, punch their ticket to the AAC Championship Game.

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