ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A matchup against Virginia Military Institute couldn't come at a better time for struggling Navy.

The Midshipmen (0-2) opened the season with successive lopsided losses to Notre Dame (50-10) and Penn State (34-7). Desperate to get into the win column, Navy will welcome an FCS opponent it has traditionally dominated on Saturday.

Navy is 8-0 all-time against VMI, outscoring the Keydets by a combined score of 230-40. But given the way the Midshipmen have played thus far, it would probably be a mistake for them to be overconfident.

Coach Ken Niumatalolo said says it's a ``huge game'' for Navy. He says the Midshipmen ``have to find a way to get things right, find a way to play better'' or ``we're in trouble.''