Using a combination triple option/spread/West Coast attack this year, Air Force beat the Utes 20-12. Meanwhile, Navy beat Air Force 31-20.

"They're very similar people at Air Force and the Naval Academy," added Whittingham.

While it's true Navy and Air Force's offenses aren't exactly the same, they're close enough to cause consternation.

"No question about it, the option attack is very similar to what Air Force used a lot over the years," said Whittingham.

Tonight's game is at Qualcomm Stadium, where Navy enjoys a sort of hometown advantage. When the teams were introduced at Wednesday's invitation-only luncheon on the aircraft carrier Midway, polite applause accompanied the Utes; Navy was met with loud applause.

So that's the Utes' conundrum. They're not just playing a regular opponent, they're facing an attack that has traditionally given them hives. In addition, they're going up against the USS Midway, the Navy SEALs and the entire cast and crew of "Anchors Aweigh."

In fact, they're playing against what long-ago radio star Walter Winchell referred to as " ... Mr. and Mrs. America, and all the ships at sea."

That's a lot to be worried about.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com