Cougars preparing to face Navy’s triple option offense

The Houston Cougars are putting their unbeaten record on the line against a Navy team that utilizes the triple option as its base offense.

The two square off at 2 p.m. Oct. 8 on CBS Sports Network.

The Cougars (5-0) won last year’s contest 52-31. The Midshipmen (3-1) had 147 yards rushing and 312 passing yards. They played from behind most of the game.

Houston coach Tom Herman said the preparation for the triple option is unique.

“All the assignments, run fits and even where you line up on defense are different,” he said. “We have had success against the run in previous games, but that’s a conventional two back or spread run. We haven’t played a triple option run since Navy last year. To say that we will have success against the run, opposed to the last six or seven games is a big test.”

Part of the reason why Navy has been so successful with it is because it’s a challenge for defenses to prepare for in a week, Herman added.

The Midshipmen are led by quarterback Will Worth who has 70 rushes for 173 yards and five touchdowns and has thrown for 527 yards, one touchdowns and two interceptions and running back Chris High who has 37 carries for 295 yards and four touchdowns.

Herman said the Cougars spent a few minutes on the triple option at least once a week during training camp. But because Houston has played five games in 24 days, the Cougars haven’t been able to spend a little time on the Navy offense each Sunday leading up to the contest like they did in 2015. Last season, the two teams met in week 12.

As for the health of Houston quarterback Greg Ward, Jr., Herman said he was most encouraged by how the quarterback bounced back up after being hit hard during the win over Connecticut 42-14 Sept. 29.

“It takes him a while to warm up,” the coach said. “That’s the only difference between now and before the injury. I know it hurts him. There is some pain when he does throw, but once he’s warmed up loose, and the adrenaline is flowing, there is nothing limiting in terms of his shoulder.”