PISCATAWAY -- Eric Foster considers Rutgers' defense great. And that's why the Scarlet Knights' All-American end isn't satisfied by the round number appearing in Rutgers' forced turnover column after one game.

"Great defenses force turnvovers,'' Foster said. "Great defenses get takeaways. We have to do a better job of that.''

Rutgers, which led the Big East with 31 forced turnovers last season, was unable to recover a fumble or snare an interception in last Thursday's 38-3 win over Buffalo. And, Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said, it wasn't without chances.

"There were some fumble opportunities that we didn't get,'' Schiano said. "That was disappointing. That's one of the things I talked to our defense about. We've kind of thrived on that, and we got shut out. If you're going to have a big-time defense, you have to not only create turnovers, but score on defense.''

Asked following Tuesday's practice if he'd be disappointed if the defense he coordinates went two games without registering a forced turnover, Schiano said he would.

"We work very hard at creating them, so if we don't get them I guess I'd be disappointed,'' he said. "Hopefully we'll get some.''

SECRET TO STOPPING RICE

Though his team is one of just three Rutgers' opponents to hold Ray Rice below 100 yards in the past 16 games, Navy coach Paul Johnson isn't about to reveal how.

"If there was (something in the gameplan), I wouldn't tell you,'' Johnson said to a New Jersey reporter Monday. "I don't know if you'll ever shut him down. He's a great player. You have to just hope you can limit him.''

EXTRA POINTS

Though Pedro Sosa saw his first extensive practice time since tweaking his knee against Buffalo, Schiano said his starting left tackle is "a wait-and-see'' against Navy. Backup fullback Andres Morales, however, appears doubtful with a shoulder injury, Schiano said.

Rutgers' offensive line hasn't yielded a sack in four straight games dating back to last season, with quarterback Mike Teel hardly being touched by Buffalo's defense. In fact, Teel hasn't been driven to the turf in nearly 10 months, or since the Cincinnati loss last Nov. 18. Rutgers' offensive line allowed just eight sacks, the fewest in the nation last season.

QUOTABLE

"It's a little unusual not to have your punter go out there, but I'm sure we'll do it this week.'' -- Schiano, commenting on his team's ability to go the entire Buffalo victory without punting.