9/27/09

NAVY 38 Western Kentucky Univ. 22


NAVY FOOTBALL 2009 No. 4 Observations from an Olde Poolie

September 26: Navy 38 Western Kentucky University 22. It was the 50th Anniversary of the first game played in Navy Marine Corps Stadium with twenty-five members of the 1959 team on hand. Before 29,000 fans; including five-year reunions for the classes of 1939, 1949, 1979, 1989, 1999, and 2004; on a cool (65 deg.) drizzling afternoon, Navy’s offense ground out 473 yards of offense, the specialty teams played much better, but the defense allowed 434 yards. The defense did make some big plays to prevent a couple of touchdowns. WKU started out by completing their first ten passes. It was a good win over a struggling but game Hilltopper squad.

Navy started the game by electing to receive, which they rarely do. They started on the 35 and used eight running plays with QB Dobbs scoring on a 29 yard run off the right side to lead 7 - 0 after 3:55 minutes. WKU took the kick-off and moved to Navy’s one but a stout defense by the Midshipmen caused a fumble and Navy recovered on their own one yard line. They put together a good drive - all on the ground - and Jon Teague kicked his first field goal (31 yards) and Navy led 10 - 0 early in the second quarter. WKU answered with a good drive - mixing passes and runs to score on a 19 yard pass with 8:15 left in the half. Navy 10 WKU 7. On Navy’s first play from the 32 Freshman slotback GE GEE Green had a gain of 14 yards but fumbled and WKU recovered at Navy’s 47. Seven plays later the Hilltopper’s QB scored on a naked reverse from the one to take the lead 14 - 10 with 5:19 remaining. Dobbs then led Navy on a 74 yard drive. He connected on his first pass attempt with SB Finnery for a 29 yard TD with 2:26 left. Navy 17 WKU 14.

Second Half. WKU marched down to the ten but missed a 20 yard field goal attempt. Navy moved 80 yards in 9 plays including a key 10 yard pass to Doyle on third and eight. SB Curry had a 50 yard run, and Dobbs finished with a 2 yard run for the score. Navy 24 WKU 14 with 8:19 left in the quarter.

Late in the quarter, after a punt, Navy started on the 20. This time it took 10 plays for the Midshipmen to score while utilizing five minutes. A big play was a 47 yard completion to SB Doyle. Navy 31 WKU 14 with 13:31 left in the game. On their next possession Navy blocked a pass attempt and intercepted on the WKU 30 yard line. Six plays later Dobbs scored from the one. Navy 38 WKU 14 with 9:15 left. The Hilltoppers came right back and put together a 64 yard drive scoring on a 18 yard pass. Navy 38 WKU 22. Navy recovered the on-side kick-off attempt. Later, Jon Teague missed on a 28 yard FG attempt.

The Midshipmen had 373 yards on the ground on 64 carries. They ran the ball 31 straight times before the first pass which was a 29 yard strike for a TD. Dobbs was 4 - 5 passing for 100 yrads.

Slotback Doyle caught three passes for 71 yards. Dobbs gained 143 yards rushing on 29 carries. Curry had 70 yards on five carries. WKU completed 22 - 29 passes for 276 yards. They were intercepted twice. Navy lost one fumble. Navy did not punt the entire game. Navy’s defense gave up too many yards. They must improve before next week.

Army lost at Iowa State 31 -10. Air Force’s defense scored two touchdowns to help the Falcons defeat San Diego State Univ. 26 - 14 in Colorado Springs. They scored on 4 - 6 field goal attempts.

Navy Record (2 - 2)

Sept. 5 @ Ohio State 31 Navy 27

Sept. 12 Navy 32 Louisiana Tech 14

Sept. 19 @ Pittsburgh 27 Navy 14

Sept. 26 Navy 38 WKU 22

Oct. 3 Air Force 3:30 pm CBS CS

Oct. 10 at Rice 3:30

Oct. 17 at SMU 8 pm

Air Force Record (3 - 1)

Sept. 5 Air Force 72 Nichols State 0

Sept. 12 at Minnesota 20 Air Force 13

Sept. 19 Air Force 37 at New Mexico 13

Sept. 26 Air Force 26 SDSU 14

Oct. 3 at NAVY

GO NAVY BEAT the FALCONS!

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