12/13/09




NAVY FOOTBALL No. 13 Observations from an Olde Poolie.

December 12, 2009. Navy 17 Army 3. The 110th football game between Army and Navy was played in Philadelphia on a cool (37 deg.) and sunny day before over 69,000 fans. It was not Navy’s best game. The defense played outstanding while the offense struggled in the first half but kept their poise, made some plays, and came away with the eighth straight victory over Army - a record. Old Poolie remembers several years ago when Army won five in a row. Army did played inspired football but Navy’s experience and confidence won out.

On Navy’s first four possessions it was punt, punt, interception, and a fumble - lost to Army. The interception gave Army a first down at Navy’s 15. The defense held and Army settled for a 23 yard field goal as the quarter ended. Army 3 Navy 0. The Midshipmen lost a fumble at midfield early in the second quarter but again the defense held. Navy had two good passes called back for holding. One was a 60 yard completion to Army’s five, another was for 35 yards - both nullified by penalties. Navy is the least penalized team in the country. The half ended Army 3 Navy 0.

The Midshipmen took the kick-off to start the second half and marched 69 yards for a touchdown. Dobbs completed a key pass to SB Doyle on third and nine. And made two yards on fourth and two. Then dropped back and found SB Curry wide open for a 25 yard TD pass with nine minutes left in the quarter. Navy 7 Army 3. On their next possession Navy marched 60 yards in 12 plays then Joe Buckley kicked a 36 yard FG as the quarter ended. Navy 10 Army 3.

Army followed with a good drive but missed a 32 yard FG attempt. After a Navy punt to Army’s 34, Navy’s Pospisil caused a fumble that LB Schaffer scooped up and ran twenty yards to the Army 11 yard line. Four plays later QB Dobbs rushed over for the TD. Navy 17 Army 3. This was Dobbs 24th rushing TD this year which sets a new record for NCAA. Army kept fighting and drove down to Navy’s ten but LB Vela intercepted in the end zone.

Army played inspired football with a freshman quarterback. They are improved and will be better next year. Navy had 186 yards on the ground on 52 carries. Most yardage was by Dobbs or FB Murry between the tackles. Dobbs was 3-7-1 passing for 61 yards. Joe Buckley has now converted 39 - 39 extra points. Any victory over army is great.Next for Navy: Missouri Tigers in the Texas Bowl in Houston on December 31 at 3:30 pm.

ESPN TV.

Missouri likes to throw the ball. This will be a big challenge for the Midshipmen. Navy recruits extensively in the Houston area and this will be a homecoming for about twenty players on the traveling squad.
Missouri Record (8-4) (4-4 Conf.) Sept. 5 Missouri 37 Illinois 9 (St. Louis)

Sept. 12 Missouri 27 Bowling Green 20

Sept. 19 Missouri 57 Furman 12

Sept. 25 Missouri 31 @ Nevada 21

Oct. 8 Nebraska 27 Missouri 12

Oct. 17 @ Oklahoma State 33 Missouri 17

Oct. 24 Texas 41 Missouri 7

Oct. 31 Missouri 36 @ Colorado 17

Nov. 7 Baylor 40 Missouri 32

Nov. 14 Missouri 38 @ Kansas St. 12

Nov. 21 Missouri 34 Iowa St. 24

Nov. 28 Missouri 41 @ Kansas 39

GO NAVY: BEAT MISSOURI!


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