Mid-Atlantic Sports

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T17:18:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from Mid-Atlantic Sports

Navy Wins the 112th Edition of the Army-Navy Game

2011-12-10T17:52:00.001-05:00

Navy pulls out a 27-21 win over the Cadets of West Point. Navy finishes the year 5-7 and Army falls to 3-9.

FG Navy

2011-12-10T17:37:00.001-05:00

Teague just nailed a 44-yard field goal to increase Navy's lead 27-21.

Army Fumble

2011-12-10T17:32:00.001-05:00

Army fumbled the kickoff and Navy recovered on the Army 27. Navy fumbled the next play but recovered after losing four yards.

Navy Field Goal - 24-21

2011-12-10T17:27:00.001-05:00

Jon Teague capped off an 18-play, 75-yard drive with a 23-yard field goal to give Navy a 24-21 lead with 12:03 remaining in the game. Navy's drive consumed 9:12 off the clock.

End of the 3rd Quarter

2011-12-10T17:17:00.001-05:00

After 3 quarters, Army and Navy are tied 21-21. Navy has the ball 1-10 on the Army 14.

Navy Fumble

2011-12-10T16:59:00.001-05:00

Kriss Proctor fumbles on the Navy 45 yard line.

Army TD

2011-12-10T16:53:00.001-05:00

Trent Steelman hit Malcolm Brown for a 25-yard TD pass. Drive went for 6-plays, 74-yards in 2:58. The score is tied 21-21 with 9:45 remaining in the third quarter.

Attendance

2011-12-10T16:46:00.001-05:00

Today's attendance is 80,789

Touchdown Navy

2011-12-10T16:44:00.001-05:00

Kriss Proctor scores from the Army 2-yard-line and Navy takes the lead 21-14. Proctor's score caps off a 5-play, 48-yard drive that took 2:17.

Second Half

2011-12-10T16:41:00.001-05:00

Alexander Teich returns the second half kickoff 47 yards to the Army 48.

Half time

2011-12-10T16:33:00.001-05:00

Lee Greenwood is singing "God Bless the USA" on the field.

President Obama

2011-12-10T16:24:00.001-05:00

The President has crossed the field to sit with the Army Cadets in the 2nd half.

Half time

2011-12-10T16:17:00.001-05:00

It's 14-14 at half time.

Army ties the score, 14-14

2011-12-10T16:13:00.001-05:00

Malcolm Brown scores from 5 yards out with 0:49 seconds remaining in the first half.

Touchdown Army

2011-12-10T15:56:00.001-05:00

Trent Steelman scored from 34 yards out to cut the Navy lead to 14-7. Steelman's run capped off an 8 play -67-yard drive.

Teich Accomplishment

2011-12-10T15:51:00.001-05:00

Alexander Teich moved to 10th on the All-Time Navy rushing list following his 10-yard TD run in the second quarter against Army. He passes Eric Kettani.

Navy TD

2011-12-10T15:46:00.001-05:00

After Navy recovered another Army fumble at their own 45 yard line, the Mids drove 55 yards and scored on a 10-yard run by Alexander Teich. Navy leads 14-0 7:05 remaining in the 2nd quarter.

President Obama

2011-12-10T15:25:00.001-05:00

President Obama just returned from the TV booth and is now sitting with the Midshipmen on about the 35 yard line.

Navy TD

2011-12-10T15:15:00.001-05:00

Navy scored on a 4-yard run by QB Kris Proctor to cap off a 26-yard drive. Navy leads 7-0.

Army Fumble

2011-12-10T15:12:00.000-05:00

Army fumbles on the their own 26 - Navy's Tuani recovers.

Navy

2011-12-10T15:06:00.001-05:00

On a drive that Navy succeeded on a 4th-and-1 on the Army 41 yard line, the Mids gave the ball away on a fumble on the Army 19.

Army's First Drive Stalls

2011-12-10T14:47:00.001-05:00

Navy forced Army to punt on it's opening drive of the 2011 Army-Navy game.

Commander-in-Chief

2011-12-10T14:26:00.001-05:00

The President and Vice-President are on the field. Army wins the toss.

Follow the Army-Navy Game Live December 10

2011-12-10T13:45:00.001-05:00

Follow all the action of the 112th edition of the Army-Navy game live on December 10.

Midshipmen fall to Air Force in OT

2011-10-01T15:18:00.006-05:00

Trevor Replogle

Navy has beaten Air Force the last three times the teams have faced each other in Annapolis. This year there was even more motivation than normal for this Service Academy battle.

Last year, Air Force knocked off the Mids 14-6 in Colorado Springs and then beat Army 42-22 to claim the Commander-In-Chief's trophy for the first time since 2002. The trophy had taken up permanent residence in Bancroft Hall at the Naval Academy since 2003 and Navy was ready to bring it back home.

Air Force dominated for most of the game and took a 28-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. Navy never backed down and amazingly forced overtime by scoring 18 points in the last 5:21 of the fourth quarter.

Tim Jefferson led a potent Falcon offense by completing 9 of 10 passes for 136 yards a 1 TD, a 52-yarder to Ty MacArthur just 1:30 into the first quarter. Jefferson also gained 66 yards on the ground along with two rushing TDs. Asher Clark also rushed for two scores and 91 yards on just eight carries.

As dominant as Jefferson and Falcons were on the offensive side of the ball, Brady Amack and the Air Force defense matched their efforts on the defensive side. Amack finished the game with 23 tackles, one sack, and two tackles for a loss. He more than doubled his tackles from the first three games combined.

Given the apparent insurmountable score going into the fourth quarter, the Midshipmen never quit and provided one of the better comebacks in recent memory.

Navy was down 28-10 with 14:55 remaining in the game. That's when the magic started.

Kriss Proctor led the Mids on a 12-play, 62-yard scoring drive to cut the Air Force lead to 11. Fullback Alexander Teich carried four times for 29 tough yards and quarterback Kriss Proctor rambled for 21 yards on five carries, including a seven yard TD with 9:34.

The Navy defense held the Falcons on the next series and Navy took over at their own seven yard line with 7:04 remaining in the game.
Proctor was the workhorse on the next drive with four carries and three completions to three different receivers. The Mids' drive stalled on the Air Force 20 yard line where Jon Teague kicked a 37-yard field goal bringing Navy within eight points with 2:04 remaining.

Everyone in the stadium was looking for the onside kick and Navy executed the play perfectly. Teague got the second hop and Navy recovered on their own 41 yard line setting up an amazing comeback.Proctor and Teich again led the offense with players like Matt Aiken and Gee Gee Greene coming up big to keep the drive alive.

On 2nd and four from the Navy 47, Proctor used his agility to keep a seemingly hopeless play alive and eluded the Air Force defense for a huge 27-yard gain. After a four-yard rush by Teich, Proctor hit Aiken for 15 yards and a first-and-goal from the AF seven yard line.

On third down, Proctor found Greene in the end zone to cut the lead to two. Teich got the call on the conversion play and found the end zone to tie the game 28-28.
Air Force won the toss and elected to play defense and Navy selected to play the first overtime in front of the rowdy Brigade. After a false start call on the first play, Teich powered through the Air Force defense for a 13-yard gain. Seven more carries, including one on a fourth down, and Navy found the end zone on a Kriss Proctor 1-yard run.

Amid the celebration of Navy's first lead of the game, Proctor was flagged for a controversial unsportsmanlike conduct call. The penalty moved the ball to the 18 yard line forcing a 35-yard extra point attempt. Jon Teague had missed wide right on a 26-yard field goal attempt at that end of the field in the second quarter.

Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo was obviously disappointed in the call. "That's a tough call to make. I would hope the referees would have said something like, 'Settle down' in that situation. It is too critical of a call to make. Both teams were battling hard. That call hurts. I'd have liked to have seen them use some discretion."

Proctor gave his side of the story. "Some guy got in my way and I told him to move explicitly and he called it."

Teich wasn't as tactful saying the call was sad, pitiful, horrible. It's hard to disagree with his assessment after hearing Proctor's version of the call.

Teague's extra point attempt was blocked and Navy held a six-point lead with Air Force getting the ball,

Jefferson completed a pass to Zack Kauth for 16 yards on their first play in OT to move the ball to the Navy 9 yard line. Four plays later Jefferson pounded it in from one yard to tie the game. Par Herrington kicked the extra point giving the Falcons the 35-34 lead and the early lead in retaining the CIC trophy.

Air Force hosts Army on November 5 and the annual Army-Navy game will be held on December 10.

AF 35-Nay 34 Final

2011-10-01T14:38:00.000-05:00

Navy falls to Air Force 35-34 in OT.

First OT Navy 34-28

2011-10-01T14:27:00.004-05:00

Air Force won the toss and elected to go in defense. Navy chose to play in front of the Brigade. Navy QB Kriss Proctor scores from 1 yard out. An unsportsmanlike conduct call forces to kick the extra point from the 25 yard line and it was blocked.

It's Tied

2011-10-01T14:21:00.001-05:00

With 0:19 seconds left, Navy scores and scores on the two-point conversion to tie the game at 28. We're going to OT.

Navy Field Goal

2011-10-01T13:51:00.001-05:00

Jon Teague split the uprights from 37 yards out to cut the AF lead to 28-20. Navy recovered the onside kick with 2:04 left.

Navy Scores

2011-10-01T13:18:00.001-05:00

Kris Proctor scored from 7 yards out to cut Air Force's lead to 28-17 with 9:34 remaining in the game.

TD Navy

2011-10-01T11:59:00.001-05:00

Kris Proctor scored from 2 yards out to cut AF's lead to 21-10 with 5:00 left in the 3rd quarter.

Air Force 21 - Navy 3

2011-10-01T11:50:00.001-05:00

Asher Clark scored on a 23-yard run to cap off an 8-play 75-yard drive for Air Force. the Falcons lead Navy 21-3 with 12:26 remaining in the second quarter.

Air Force 14 - Navy 3

2011-10-01T11:39:00.001-05:00

Jon Teague hit a 25-yard FG for Navy to cut AF's lead to 14-3 at the end of the first quarter.

Air Force 14 - Navy 0

2011-10-01T11:16:00.001-05:00

Air Force drove 80 yards to cap off a 13 play drive to go up two scores on Navy. Tim Jefferson scored from 2 yards out.

Air Force 7 - Navy 0

2011-10-01T10:19:00.002-05:00

Tim Jefferson found Ty MacArthur wide open across the middle for a 52-yard TD pass just 90 seconds into the game giving Air Force a 7-0 lead.

Midshipmen arrive at NMCMS

2011-10-01T09:46:00.001-05:00

Midshipmen arrive at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium prior to the Air Force game.

Air Force at Navy

2011-10-01T09:19:00.002-05:00

We'll be giving live in-game updates from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium beginning at 12:00 PM. Today's game marks the first game in the round-robin competition for the Commander In Chief's trophy for Navy, Air Force, and Army.

Ex-North Carolina State hero Lorenzo Charles dies in crash

2011-06-28T07:45:00.001-05:00

Ex-North Carolina State hero Lorenzo Charles dies in crash

Baltimore Orioles vs. Pittsburgh Pirates - Recap - June 22, 2011 - ESPN

2011-06-23T07:37:00.001-05:00

Pirates get back to .500.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Pittsburgh Pirates - Recap - June 22, 2011 - ESPN

Edsall to leave UConn

2011-01-02T15:20:00.002-05:00

ESPN's Joe Schad reports that Randy Edsall will leave UConn to become Maryland's next coach, succeeding Ralph Friedgen.

Dobbs Invited To The East-West Shrine All-Star Game

2011-01-01T14:54:00.001-05:00

ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Senior quarterback Ricky Dobbs has been invited to play in the East-West Shrine All-Star Game, which will take place Saturday, January 22 at 4:00 PM at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. The game will be televised by ESPN2.

Dobbs joins Roger Staubach as the only other Navy quarterback to be selected for the game and is just the 23rd Navy player overall to be picked for the longest-running college all-star game.

Dobbs amassed an 18-7 (.720) record as a starter for the Midshipmen and rushed for over 100 yards in 13 of his 25 career starts. He scored at least one rushing touchdown in 22 of his 25 career starts. His 41 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons (27 in 2009 and 14 in 2010) are an NCAA record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in back-to back years. The previous record was 38 by Stacey Robinson of Northern Illinois (19 in 1989 and 19 in 1990) and Eric Crouch of Nebraska (20 in 2000 and 18 in 2001).

In 2009, despite missing the entire Wake Forest game and playing just seven downs against Temple after suffering a broken kneecap against SMU, he scored a school-record 27 touchdowns, setting the NCAA record for single-season rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. The previous record was 24 held by Chance Harridge of Air Force (2002) and Florida's Tim Tebow (2007).

Dobbs scored four or more rushing touchdowns on four different occasions during his career, including three times in 2009. No other Navy player has more than one-career four-rushing touchdown day. He was responsible for (rushing and passing) a school record 410 points in his career and scored a school record 296 points.

His 49-career touchdowns and rushing touchdowns are the most in school history and are tied with Kareem Wilson (Ohio) four the fourth-most in NCAA history for a quarterback. Dobbs had 13-career 100-yard rushing days, the second most by a quarterback in school history and he was just the third quarterback in school history to rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 1,000 yards in a single-season when he accomplished that feat in 2009.

His 2,234 yards of total offense in 2009 ranks second all-time at Navy for a single season behind Chris McCoy and his 5,445 yards of career total offense ranks second behind McCoy. He rushed for 2,665-career yards, which is fifth all-time at Navy.

Dobbs threw 14 touchdown passes in 2010, which the most TD passes in a single-season by a Navy quarterback in school history and his passing efficiency rating of 160.78 is also a school record for a single season.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Navy 31 - Army 17

2010-12-11T18:53:00.002-05:00

Navy won a hard-fought battle over the Black Knights of Army on Saturday, 31-17. Gee Gee Green completed the scoring for Navy in the fourth quarter with a 25-yard TD run and Malcolm Brown caught his second TD pass of the night (45 yards) from Trent Steelman to set the final. Navy completes the regular season 9-3 and Army falls to 6-6. Army will face SMU in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl and Navy will take on San Diego State in the Poinsettia Bowl.

Navy 24 - Army 10

2010-12-11T16:49:00.001-05:00

Alex Carlton kicked a 42-yard field goal to cap off 12-play, 47-yard drive that took 6:44. Army trails Navy 24-10 with 8:08 remaining the third quarter.

Navy 24 - Army 7

2010-12-11T16:03:00.002-05:00

Wyatt Middleton returned an Army fumble 98-yards to give Navy the 24-7 lead over Army with 1:03 in the half. It was the longest fumble return in Navy history.

Touchdown Army

2010-12-11T15:41:00.002-05:00

Trent Steelman completed a 5-yard TD pass to Malcolm Brown to cut Navy's lead to 17-7. The touchdown was the first for Army since the 2006 game.

Navy 17 - Army 0

2010-12-11T15:12:00.003-05:00

Ricky Dobbs completed his second TD pass of the afternoon, a 32-yarder to Brandon Turner to give Navy a 17-0 lead over Army early in the second quarter.

Navy 10 - Army 0

2010-12-11T15:12:00.001-05:00

Ricky Dobbs completed a 77-yard pass for a TD to John Howell - the longest in Army-Navy history. 10-0 Navy with 8:44 remaining.

Navy 21 - Arkansas St. 13

2010-11-20T16:38:00.003-05:00

Brian Davis kicked a 20-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to move Arkansas State to within 8 points of Navy 21-13.

Navy 21 - Arkansas St. 10

2010-11-20T16:29:00.002-05:00

Arkansas State QB Ryan Aplin scored from eight yards out to cut Navy's lead to 21-10.

Navy 21 - Arkansas St. 3

2010-11-20T16:22:00.002-05:00

Navy answered Arkansas State's scoring drive on their next play from scrimmage. Dobbs hit Greg Jones for an 85-yard TD pass, tied for 3rd longest in school history. Navy leads 21-3 with 12:33 left in the half.

Navy 14 - Arkansas St. 3

2010-11-20T15:58:00.001-05:00

Brian Davis kicked a 31-yard FG with 12:51 remaining in the second quarter to cut Navy's lead to 14-3.

Navy 14 - Arkansas St. 0

2010-11-20T15:53:00.002-05:00

Ricky Dobbs scored his 46th career rushing TD from the one-yard line to give Navy the 14-0 lead with 7:34 in the first quarter. The TD moves Dobbs to number 8 all-time in rushing TDs for a quarterback.

Wyatt Middleton recovered an Arkansas St. fumble on their first offensive play to give Navy the ball at the Red Wolves' 12-yard line.

Navy 7 - Arkansas St. 0

2010-11-20T12:50:00.002-05:00

John Howell took a pitch from Ricky Dobbs off the right side and dragged a defender into the end zone to give Navy a 7-0 lead with 9:19 remaining in the first quarter. The TD capped off a 11-play, 76-yard drive that took 5:41 off the clock.

Arkansas State at Navy today at 3:30

2010-11-20T12:35:00.002-05:00

Navy is a 13 point favorite over the Red Wolves on Senior Day at Navy Marine Corp Memorial Stadium. We'll have live updates throughout the game this afternoon.

Pitt on Top in the Mediocre Big East

2010-11-02T15:34:00.001-05:00

Garrett Dodson

Mid-Atlantic Sports

The Big East has struggled in their non-conference games against BCS conference schools. Their record against BCS conference schools is 2-11. The wins included West Virginia’s victory against Maryland, and Connecticut’s victory against Vanderbilt. Through the first three games in conference play, one team has emerged out of the mediocrity, and that is Pitt. So far, Pitt has dominated league outscoring their opponents 106-38. With four games remaining, they have a two game lead over West Virginia and defending champion Cincinnati. They have one game leads over Syracuse and Rutgers, who they have already beaten. Can Dave Wannestadt keep his troops focused during the final four games of the season and win their first outright Big East title?

Why has Pitt been dominant in league play? First of the all, the competition has something to do with it. But Pitt’s quarterback, Tino Sunseri has become more consistent and comfortable running the Pitt offense. One thing that was lacking early in the season was the big play. Lately, Sunseri has hit his receivers for long scoring touchdowns. The running game has been more productive due to the big play threat of Sunseri to Baldwin. Early in the season, teams were stacking the box, forcing the Panthers to throw. Since the passing game has matured as the season has progressed, the offensive line has been able to open holes for Ray Graham and Dion Lewis. The defense has been pretty consistent since the Miami debacle early in the season. They get a big boost with the return of all American defensive end Greg Romeus. Greg has missed the early portion of the season due to having back surgery. He plans to return to the lineup for the November 11^th contest at Connecticut.

Pitt looks poised to make a run at their first outright Big East title. Only a late season meltdown will prevent them from representing the Big East in a BCS bowl game. Pitt should be heavily favored at Connecticut and South Florida. But games against West Virginia and Cincinnati will be challenging. If Pitt continues to improve, they will rise to the top conference and represent the Big East in possibly a match up with the Big 12 champ in the Fiesta Bowl. The Fiesta Bowl has the last selection of the BCS bowls and will likely get the Big East champ by default.

Navy 35 - Notre Dame 17

2010-10-23T13:22:00.001-05:00

The Mids knocked off the Irish by 18 at the Meadowlands, giving them their third win over Notre Dame in four years.

Navy 35 - Notre Dame 10

2010-10-23T13:15:00.002-05:00

Ricky Dobbs punched in his third rushing TD of the game to give the Mids a 35-10 over the Irish. The TD is 43rd of Dobbs' career which ties him for 10th all-time in the NCAA in rushing TDs for a QB. He's tied with former Navy QB Chris McCoy. He's also tied for first with McCoy in all-time rushing TDs at Navy.

Navy 28 - Notre Dame 10

2010-10-23T12:55:00.002-05:00

Ricky Dobbs scored on a nine-yard TD run, his 42 career rushing TD. It ties him for 11th on the NCAA the All-time Rushing TD list for QBs with Bo Morgan from Air Force. The TD capped off a 7-play, 77-yard drive. The key play of the drive was a 40-yard pass from Dobbs to Greg Jones to the Notre Dame nine yard line.

Navy 21 - Notre Dame 10

2010-10-23T12:22:00.002-05:00

Slot back Gee Gee Greene ran the ball in from 9-yards with 14 seconds remaining the half to give Navy a 21 -10 lead over the Irish.

Notre Dame turnover

2010-10-23T12:17:00.001-05:00

De'Von Richardson picked off Dayne Crist at the Notre Dame 30 yard line with less than two minutes in the half.

Navy 14 - Notre Dame 10

2010-10-23T11:59:00.001-05:00

16-yard touchdown pass from Dayne Crist to TJ Jones to cap off a 13-play, 72-yard drive for the Irish. With 6:07 left in the second quarter, it's Navy 14-Notre Dame 10.

Navy 14 - Notre Dame 3

2010-10-23T11:54:00.003-05:00

Ricky Dobbs runs the ball in from three yards out and Jon Teague kicked his second PAT to give Navy a 14-3 lead over Notre Dame. Dobbs' rushing touchdown was the 41st of his career which ties him for 12th all time in the NCAA for QBs.

Mids Appear to Have Notre Dame's Number with a 35-17 Win

2010-10-23T11:34:00.015-05:00

By Trevor Replogle

Mid-Atlantic Sports

Navy came into this afternoon's game against Notre Dame with a lot of confidence. They had won their past two games and had knocked off the Irish two of the past three years. It didn't take very long for that confidence to increase.

On Notre Dame's opening drive, the Navy defense stepped up and held the Irish on a fourth-and-goal from inside the one yard line. Navy then proceeded to drive the ball 99 yards on 6 plays to give the Midshipmen a 7-0 lead.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly was very disappointed with the result.

"We outman them by 70 pounds on average up front. If you can't get a foot on the one-half yard line, you get what you deserve."

Alexander Teich led the offense on their opening drive with two career bests - a 54-yard rush and a 31-yard, one-handed reception for the TD. That would be a sign for how the afternoon would go for Teich - and Notre Dame.

Teich's production from the fullback spot (26 carries and 210 yards) kept the Irish on their heels and opened the door for quarterback, Ricky Dobbs to continue to move up the NCAA's list of all-time rushing touchdowns for quarterbacks.

Teich, who started the season as a backup to Vince Murray, became the first Navy fullback to ever rush for over 200 yards. The offense as a team amassed 367 yards rushing, the most by any Navy team in the Notre Dame series.

Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo was pleased with Teich's performance.

"I'm very proud of him. He typifies our team. He lost out on the starting job last year and he didn't sulk or complain. He accepted his role and was a cheerleader for (starter) Vince Murray. When you run like he did today, the guys up front are doing their jobs."

With the Notre Dame defense primed to stop Teich, Dobbs was able to rush for 92 yards on 20 carries and found the endzone three times. Dobbs is now tied for 10th on the NCAA's all-time rushing touchdowns for quarterbacks, tied with former Navy QB Chris McCoy.

Although the Navy offense performed as efficiently and scored the most points that they had all season, coach Buddy Green's Navy defense was just as impressive. The defensive played a bend-but-don't-break style and matched Notre Dame's speed throughout the afternoon.

De'Von Richardson and Kwesi Mitchell were both able to pick off Irish QB Dayne Crist and both turnovers led to touchdowns by Navy.

Kelly was obviously not happy with his team in the redzone.

"Navy did what they need to do. There were bend but don't break and they when they got in short field they kept us out of the endzone. When we got close we couldn't get it in the endzone."

Niumatalolo felt that this was Navy's most complete performance of the season.

"We knew that in order to compete against Notre Dame, we had to play at a high level. We couldn't play like how we've played in other games this year and have a chance to compete. Like I said, I'm just proud of our young men for the way they played. No doubt, the most complete game of the year for our football team."

Navy improved their record to 5-2 while Notre Dame fell to 4-4. The Mids return to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium next Saturday when they host Duke. Notre Dame will play host to Tulsa next weekend in South Bend.

Photos by Travis Replogle

Navy 7 - Notre Dame 3

2010-10-23T11:29:00.002-05:00

Notre Dame's David Ruffer kicked a 45-yard field goal with 3:05 left in the first quarter to cap off a 10-play drive to cut Navy's lead to 7-3. Ruffer is 18-18 on field goals in his career.

Navy 7 - Notre Dame 0

2010-10-23T11:26:00.002-05:00

Ricky Dobbs just completed a 31-yard screen pass to Alexander Teich to give Navy the 7-0 lead over Notre Dame with 6:05 remaining remaining in the first quarter. Teich had his career long rush (54 yards) and reception (31 yards) on the 6-play, 99-yard drive.

Navy vs. Notre Dame

2010-10-23T11:22:00.002-05:00

We'll be updating all afternoon from the New Meadowlands on the Navy - Notre Dame game. Notre Dame received the opening kickoff and were stopped on a fourth down goal line stand. Alexander Teich just rambled 54 yards to get out of the shadows of their own goal posts.

Ultimate 2010 College Football Road Trip: Week 4

2010-09-22T19:51:00.001-05:00

Trevor Replogle, Mid-Atlantic Sports

We've completed one-fifth of our Ultimate College Football Road Trip.

During our first three contests we've seen two outstanding games and the No. 1 team in the county in Alabama (see results below).

Last week we traveled to Athens, GA, where we saw a barnburner between Georgia and Arkansas. Ryan Mallett threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Greg Childs with just 15 seconds left in the game to give the Razorbacks a thrilling 31-24 win over their SEC rivals.

Mallett finished the game with 380 yards passing and three touchdowns and etched his name on the Heisman Trophy candidate list.

This week we stay in the SEC, where No. 12 South Carolina (3-0) visits No. 17 Auburn (3-0). Both teams have tons of talent, and both have struggled against lesser opponents. Last week South Carolina struggled against Furman (38-19) and didn't put the game away until late in the fourth quarter. Auburn edged Mississippi State by three points two weeks ago and had to wait till overtime to knock off Clemson 27-24.

South Carolina is led by freshman running back Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore has rushed for over 300 yards this season and is averaging nearly five yards per carry. Auburn will have to slow him down to stay in the game.

The Tigers are led by junior QB Cameron Newton. Newton leads the team in both rushing and passing yards (309, 525). Newton also has one reception on the year.

Last week's SEC matchup was outstanding, and this game has that same potential. Tune in to ESPN at 7:45 to see this week's game of the week.

Other key games this week:

No. 19 Miami at Pittsburgh: Thursday at 7:30, ESPN

Former Big East rivals will battle it out in the 'Burgh. There will be no love lost between these two teams.

No. 1 Alabama at No. 10 Arkansas: 3:30 CBS

Ryan Mallett and the high-flying Razorbacks will host the top team in the land. This will be Alabama's toughest game of the season so far.

No. 24 Oregon State at No. 3 Boise State: 8:00 ABC

Boise State will look to make another positive impression nationally when it hosts Oregon State on the smurf turf. This is a must win game for the Broncos if they have any hopes for a BCS title game.

No. 22 West Virginia at No. 15 LSU: 9:00 ESPN2

Two Top 25 teams will battle it out in the Bayou when the Big East visits the SEC. Two potent offenses should make this a great game.

Past results:

Week 1: Boise State 33, Virginia Tech 30

Week 2: Alabama 24, Penn State 3

Week 3: Arkansas 31, Georgia 24

Will Pitt Avoid A Pitfall?

2010-09-17T21:18:00.001-05:00

By Garrett Dodson

The early portion of the 2010 season has presented many challenges to the Pitt football team. So far, they lost potential 1^st round draft pick Greg Romeus, who is sidelined for the majority of the season with a back injury. The offensive line has struggled, replacing three starters. Dion Lewis is averaging 2.5 yards per rush. Conservative play calling has been an issue, knowing they had a chance to beat Utah in regulation. Instead, they settled for a tie, and eventually lost in overtime. The schedule over the next three weeks is not favorable with Miami and Notre Dame with Florida International sandwiched in between. With the current struggles, going into conference play at 2-3 is very likely. Going 3-2 is a slim possibility. But having a record of 4-1 entering into Big East conference play is very unlikely, unless there are drastic improvements. Here are my suggestions on the improvements.

1) Be aggressive and play to win. Pick you spots and take chances down field with Jon Baldwin. When Pitt fell behind at Utah, they began looking for Baldwin more often and converted successfully.

2) With the struggles on the offensive line, use the shot gun formation like the first couple of series against New Hampshire. Instead of running Dion up the middle, utilize the screen and short passing plays. Having Ray Graham healthy will help, having good speed to get around the corner. Dion is a tackle to tackle type running back, but the struggles with the interior line have hampered him.

3) Having a Greg Romeus go down with an injury is not always a bad thing. It gives guys like Brandon Lindsey and Shane Hayle an opportunity to shine. Lindsey had two sacks in lasts week’s game against New Hampshire.

Can Pitt avoid a pitfall, or go into conference play with losing record? Or will they rise up and face the challenges. Adversity, challenges, and resistance will either do two things. It will defeat you, or it can empower and motivate you to overcome. The outcome is a choice and not luck or chance.

Weeks 1 and 2 of the Football Season

2010-09-17T21:11:00.002-05:00

By Jori Houck

Student Writer

I'm pretty surprised at the first few weeks of football. Some games were predictable, some so-so and some downright painful to watch.

I'll start with HS football. I'm set up with my own seat in the NB press box, so I get to make my true sports reporting debut. I didn't get as many notes as I wanted because it was a big game for NB vs. Glendale and everyone from the local media was there in the box and it was quite crowded and only my first game of the season, so I tried taking some mental notes, but I had a hard time remembering them so I'll just give my opinions on the game. I promise I'll have some good notes for next week.

The game was highly anticipated and was a matchup of a couple of the top teams in the ICC. NB started out with a great drive and would've been stalled if not for a costly Glendale penalty. NB scored on the drive I believe. Glendale wasn't fazed though and quickly fired out a pass and outran the NB defenders to make the score 7-6 after missing the extra point.

The Panther running game was very strong, trampling Glendale. The passing game wasn't really on display except for a few plays here and there, but they also showed their stuff. At one point I remember NB picking off what might've been a touchdown in the endzone right before halftime I think. As the game wore on, Glendale wore down due to the dominant Panther defense. At the very end of the game, Glendale QB Tyler Jenny rifled a pass to the endzone. It was surprisingly caught and made the final score of the game 28-18 and made NB 2-0 heading in to a Week 3 game with Everett. The Warriors shouldn't be a problem.

College football was pretty fun to watch. In Week 1, Boise beat VT, most other high profile teams played cupcakes, but UConn and Pitt played respectable opponents in Michigan and Utah. UConn was favored to beat UM, but the defense couldn't stop UM QB Denard Robinson and they lost 38-10. Pitt also lost but by a smaller point total. Utah won on a field goal to win 24-21.

Week 2 was muuuuch more fun. VT played FCS team James Madison. HOKIES WIN 72-0!!! Nope. James Madison handed VT a shocking loss, 21-16. Florida State was throttled by Oklahoma after many thought was a winnable game for FSU after a poor showing by OU vs. Utah State in Week 1. Ohio State forced Miami QB Jacory Harris into throwing 4 picks en route to a 34-26 win by OSU. West Virginia almost fell victim to in-state rival Marshall. UConn wiped out Texas Southern 62-3 to bounce back from the Michigan loss, and Michigan edged Notre Dame 28-24.

http://jorisfootballopinions.blogspot.com/

Why I Love (And Hate) Preseason Football

2010-09-12T07:44:00.003-05:00

By Jori Houck

Student Writer

Preseason football: What comes to mind when you see that? The beginning of another great football season? Fall? Who cares? Well, all of these can pretty much describe my feelings towards preseason football.

Sure, we've been all dying for football season to start, and I'll be the first to admit I'll take preseason football over none at all, but something about it gives me a 'boring' vibe.

First, I'll explain why I love it... ROOKIES!!!! The preseason is a great time to see how your favorite college players are doing in the pros, or for that matter, just comparing them against other rookies. Most of the time, rookies aren't first-team offense or defense, so they won't play much during the season, barring an injury.

Second, it can be quite entertaining watching players compete for roster spots, even though starters are mostly decided already. Third, its great to see how the bottom-dwellers have improved (or gotten worse). You can see how the stars of the league react to new teams, players, coaches, etc. So you get my point.

Now, why I hate it. Injuries. Seems like someone always gets hurt in the preseason. This year's big injury was ElvisDumervil. The starters don't play much for safety reasons but it still should be a little more entertaining considering we've been starving for football all summer. When you do get a player that does play for more than a few series, they take them out right in the middle of a great drive or defensive possession. You think you'll get to see some action, then you get a stalled drive or a blown defensive stand.

Either way you view it, its still football!

http://jorisfootballopinions.blogspot.com/

Navy Outlasts Georgia Southern

2010-09-11T17:07:00.004-05:00

Trevor Replogle

Mid-Atlantic Sports

Coming into Saturday afternoon’s contest with Georgia Southern, the Navy football team was ready to put last Monday’s 17-14 upset to Maryland behind them. What most people didn’t expect was that they would be in a dogfight against an FCS opponent like the Eagles.

Georgia Southern’s football team is led by new head coach Jeff Monken, a disciple of Paul Johnson and his option offense. Monken and his Eagles used that knowledge against Navy and took the game to the wire before falling 13-7 in front of 33,391 fans and a CBS College Sports television audience.

Georgia Southern won the coin toss, but in Navy fashion, deferred to the second half. Alexander Teich took the kickoff, found a seam, and returned the ball 55 yards to the Georgia Southern 36 yard line. Over the next 6:44, Navy proceeded to run 10 plays and gained only 35 yards and settled for an 18-yard FG by Joe Buckley on a 4th and goal from the 1 yard line.

Niumatalolo was asked whether he considered going for the TD after getting stuffed in a similar situation against Maryland that ended Navy’s chances at getting the win.

“I did consider it, but I wanted to have something positive come out of that opening drive,” said Niumatalolo.

Buckley connected on a 42 yarder to give Navy the 6-0 lead with 2:07 remaining in the first quarter.

With the Eagles gaining more confidence as the game went on, Georgia Southern attempted a fake punt on a fourth and five from their own 39. They direct snapped the ball to upman Tobi Akinniranye, but the play was busted up by John Howell after just a one yard gain.

Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs completed a twelve yard pass to Aaron Santiago and carried the ball 5 times and 18 yards including a one yard TD plunge to give the Mids a 13-0 lead.

Buddy Green’s defense held Georgia Southern’s option offense to just 2 first downs and 23 total yards in the first half.

Niumatalolo was also pleased with the defense’s performance.

“It was a great job by our defense. It wasn’t just the guys getting tackles, it was all who forced the ball to someone else.”

Similarly to Navy’s opening drive of the first half, Georgia Southern found success in the second. Laron Scott took the kickoff 49 yards into Navy territory and set up the offense to cut into Navy’s lead. Robert Brown and Jaybo Shaw were the workhorses of the drive. Brown carried five times for 24 yards and Shaw tossed a 17 yard touchdown drive to J.J. Wilcox to cut Navy’s lead to 6.

Neither team was able score and the game ended in Navy’s favor 13-7. Both teams records are even at 1-1.

Navy travels to Louisiana Tech next week and Georgia Southern travels to Coastal Carolina.

Navy 13 - Georgia Southern 7

2010-09-11T15:53:00.002-05:00

Georgia Southern took the opening kickoff of the second half 49 yards to the Navy 49 yard line. In a very Navy-like manner, they held the ball for 5:52 and methodically moved the ball 49 yards on 10 plays capping off the drive with a 17 yard touchdown pass from Jaybo Shaw to J.J. Wilcox. Navy now leads 13-7 with 9:08 remaining in the third quarter.

Navy 13 - Georgia Southern 0

2010-09-11T15:47:00.002-05:00

Navy capped off an 8-play, 40-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run by Ricky Dobbs to give Navy a 13-0 lead with 1:07 remaining in the first half.

With the TD, Dobbs has scored at least one rushing TD in each of his 15 starts for the Midshipmen. For his career Dobbs now has 37 rushing touchdowns, tieing former Texas QB Vince Young for 19th in the all-time NCAA rushing TDs for a QB.

Navy 6 - Georgia Southern 0

2010-09-11T14:58:00.001-05:00

Billy Yarborough recovered a Georgia Southern fumble on the Eagle 25 yard line. The GS defense held Navy to 1 yard on 4 plays and Joe Buckley kicked a 42 yard field goal to give Navy a 6-0 lead with 2:07 remaining the first quarter.

Navy 3 - Georgia Southern 0

2010-09-11T14:57:00.001-05:00

Navy's Alexander Teich took the opening kickoff to the Georgia Southern 36 yard line. Navy then ran 10 plays, gained 35 yards and took 6:44 off the clock before Joe Buckley kicked an eighteen yard field goal to give Navy the 3-0 lead.

Navy Gameday vs. Georgia Southern

2010-09-11T12:21:00.003-05:00

It's a beautiful sunny day in Annapolis and a great day for football. That it's the ninth anniversary of the attacks on 9/11 makes it even more special to be seeing this game. The Mids have just arrived at the stadium and are prepared to take on the Eagles from Georgia Southern at 3:30.

Tuani Added to Lombardi Award Watch List

2010-08-28T10:42:00.002-05:00

ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Navy junior defensive end Jabaree Tuani has been added to the 2010 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List. Tuani joins teammate Jeff Battipaglia, who was placed on the initial list May 5.

Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to down linemen, end-to-end, either on offense or defense, who set up no farther than 10 yards to the left or right of the ball, or linebackers who set up no farther than five yards deep from the line of scrimmage. The 41st Rotary Lombardi Award dinner will be held December 7-8, 2010, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

Tuani has played in all 27 contests in his first two years, garnering 22 starts. As a freshman, Tuani was named the ECAC Rookie of the Year by the head football coaches on the Eastern Seaboard. Tuani was selected over freshmen from Connecticut, West Virginia, Pitt, Rutgers, Penn State, West Virginia, Temple, Syracuse, Boston College, Buffalo and Army. He was named a Second-Team Freshman All-American by Phil Steele's College Football Magazine as his 42 tackles were the second most by a Navy defensive lineman.

Tuani is coming off a sensational sophomore campaign that saw him start in 13 of Navy’s 14 contests. He finished the year with 54 tackles, turned in 5.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He broke up a pair of passes and picked off one, while forcing two fumbles and recovering one.

Navy kicks off the 2010 campaign on Monday, Sept. 6 against Maryland at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium. Tickets are still available for that game at navysports.com or by calling 1-800-US4-NAVY. Navy’s home opener is on Saturday, Sept. 11 against Georgia Southern. Season and single game tickets are still available as well.

Can Pitt Meet High Expectations in 2010

2010-08-24T20:33:00.003-05:00

CAN PITT MEET HIGH EXPECTATIONS IN 2010?

By Garrett Dodson

Some Pitt fans can remember going into the 2003 season ranked #10 by the AP poll. This team had future hall of famer, Larry Fitzgerald on the roster. So, among the Pitt faithful, expectations were running high with the potential of winning the Big East title and going to a BCS bowl game. They lost a 35-31 contest early in the season to Toledo and eventually finished the season at a disappointing 8-5 record. The same kind of expectations is being heaped upon the 2010 squad to not only win the Big East, but finish in the top ten. Below is the top 15 for the 2010 preseason coaches’ poll.

#1 Alabama

#2 Texas

#3 Florida

#4 Texas

#5 Boise State

#6 Virginia Tech

#8 TCU

#9 Oklahoma

#10 Nebraska

#11 Iowa

#12 Oregon

#13 Wisconsin

#14 Penn State

#15 Pitt

Season Overview:

The 2010 Pitt squad returns 7 starters on offense and 6 on defense. The team returns Heisman trophy candidates Dion Lewis (RB) and Jon Baldwin (WR). On the defensive side, standout defensive ends Greg Romeous and Jabaal Sheard anchor the front four that led the nation in sacks a season ago. The non-conference schedule will be challenging with visits to Utah and Notre Dame, while hosting Miami at home. Even though Pitt was selected as the preseason favorite to win the Big East, they will face stiff competition against Connecticut, West Virginia, Cincinnati, and Rutgers.

Offense:

Even though Dion Lewis and Jon Baldwin will get most of the media attention, the success of redshirt sophomore Tino Sunseri will be a key to offense. After redshirting his freshman year, Tino gave last year’s starter Bill Stull plenty of competition in preseason training camp. Many will question his height (list at 6’ 2”, but more like 6’), but has a terrific arm and the ability to run if necessary. Tino was 10 of 17 for 114 yards with 2 TD’s last season in relief effort. The offense is loaded at the both the running back and wide receive positions, but have question marks at the interior of the offensive line. Both tackles, senior Jason Pinkston and junior Lucas Nix are looking to have outstanding years, but starting positions for the two guards and center positions are up for grabs. Senior walk-on Alex Karabin has a slight edge on Jack Lippert at the center position. And Chris Jacobson, Greg Gaskins, and Ryan Turnley will be competing for the guard positions. Pitt returns a rarity in college football these days, and that is a good blocking fullback. Junior Henry Hynoski, is not only an excellent blocker, but has good hands receiving. Mike Cruz seems to have solidified his position as starting tight end, which plays an integral part in Frank Cignetti’s offense. If the offensive line can protect Sunseri and open gaps for Lewis, this offense can be very lethal. It would not surprise me to see the Pitt offense score more than 30 points per game on many occasions.

Defense:

The 2010 Pitt defense has the potential to be better than the 2009 squad, which led the nation in sacks (47). One of the reasons for optimism is the good depth that Dave Wannestadt has established through his successful recruiting efforts. T.J. Clemmings, Bryan Murphy, Aaron Donald, and Khaynin Mosely-Smith are four defensive ends/tackles to remember in the future. These freshmen are already pushing for second and third string positions early in training camp. Jabaal Sheard and Greg Romeous combined for 13 sacks last year at the defensive end position. Myles Caragein and Chas Alechxih look to fill in the void left by Mick Williams and Gus Mustakus at defensive tackle. The linebacking corps will be the fastest group coached under Dave Wannestadt. All of them run the forty yard dash around 4.5 seconds. Over the last several years, Pitt’s defense has been noted for having a good middle linebacker. Remember H.B. Blades, Scott McKillops, and Adam Gunn? Dan Mason looks to continue this streak of good linebackers. The one thing that sets Dan Mason apart from other linebackers is the head on his shoulders. He spends plenty of time in the film room. The secondary has been a weakness for Pitt over the last couple of years. But, Ricky Gary and Antwuan Reed look to strengthen the cornerback position. Dom DeCicco (6’4” 230 lbs) and Jarred Holley are valuable at the safety positions.

Special Teams:

Dan Hutchins has the role of both punter and kicker. He was 23 of 29 (79%) in field goals last season. Dan kicked the winning field goal during the Meinecke Car Care Bowl against North Carolina last season. Dan has spent his offseason working on adding distance to his kicking. He was very accurate within 40 yards, but kicks over 40 yards were the majority of his misses. Dan made a 48 yard field goal in their last scrimmage game; giving coaches the assurance that he can be counted on to hit the long ones.

Strengths:

1) The defense returns two outstanding defensive ends that will harass quarterbacks all season long.

2) There is good depth at the skilled positions. Ray Graham could start on most college football teams, but is a great compliment to Dion Lewis at running back. The wide receiver position is stacked deep with plenty of talent. With Jon Baldwin and Mike Shanahan as the starters, Cam Saddler, Greg Cross, and Devin Street can all provide the fire power needed to compliment a solid running game for the Panthers.

3) Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti. He can make an average player a good one.

4) Offensive line coach Tony Wise. He is a former line coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

Weaknesses:

1) The offensive line must replace 3 out of 5 starters from last season. Also they must replace the tight end position which lost two players to the NFL.

2) The secondary has been a weakness over the last couple of years, giving up plenty of yardage through the air. Pitt blew two leads last year against N.C. State and Cincinnati by giving up points through the passing game.

Schedule:

Sept 2 at Utah

Sept 11 New Hampshire

Sept 23 Miami

Oct 2 Florida International

Oct 9 at Notre Dame

Oct 16 at Syracuse

Oct 23 Rutgers

Oct 30 Louisville

Nov 11 at Connecticut

Nov 20 at South Florida

Nov 26 West Virginia

Dec 4 at Cincinnati

MARYLAND TERPS HAVE NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP

2010-08-21T06:40:00.002-05:00

MARYLAND TERPS HAVE NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP

By Jeff Batzel

After a disappointing 2-10 campaign last fall, Ralph Friedgen has his work cut out for him in College Park. It would seem that the Terps have nowhere to go but up the ladder in the ACC standings. However, in the ACC media’s preseason poll, Maryland was solidly at the bottom of the Atlantic Division predictions. Friedgen’s task, ultimately, may not be as easy as it would appear.

The Terps wins in 2009 both came at home. Maryland beat I-AA James Madison in OT and squeaked by Clemson in their only ACC win. The Terps ranked 11^th of 12 offensively in the ACC and last in scoring defense in the conference.

OFFENSE

Backfield- Jamarr Robinson will head into this season, his first full season as the starter, as the

focal point of an offense that struggled to score in 2009. "I saw tremendous progress

in him this summer. I just think he's a lot more comfortable with his reads and his decision-making. The thing I really noticed, though, over the course of the summer and spring, is I think he's really become more of a leader,” commented Coach Friedgen. Robinson, who started two games late in the ’09 campaign, completed over 50% of his passing attempts for nearly 500 yards and adds a running dimension to the QB position. “ I'm very confident in our offense. I feel like we're going to do great things," Robinson said regarding turning the struggling offense (next to last in the ACC in ’09) around.

It helps that Robinson has two other outstanding skill position threats to help with a Terp turnaround. One of those, Senior Da’Rel Scott, will line up in the backfield with Robinson at the Running Back position. Scott ran for over 1,000 yards and was a first team ACC All-Star as a Sophomore but was hampered by injuries last fall. Scott still ran for 400+ yards and 5.0 yards per carry in a season where he was at less than 100%. Scott has reportedly improved his 40 time by nearly a tenth to a lightning fast 4.29 after running on the Terp track squad last spring. “I feel I have an additional burst that I did not have before,” Scott proclaimed.

Junior Davin Meggett, who filled in for Scott off and on in 2009 gives the Terps a second seasoned weapon in the running back stable. "We have always been a one-two punch. Da'Rel (Scott) and I have always worked well together and we don't look to change that this year,” Meggett said.

Receivers- Junior Torrey Smith, the Terps leading receiver from a year ago returns giving Maryland, and Robinson, the top-notch target they need to lead the receiving side of a quite possibly strong aerial attack. Smith was selected by the ACC media as a two position first team pre-season ACC player this year. Smith (81 receptions for 824 yards and 5 TD’s in ’09) was tabbed at WR and Special Teams for his Kickoff return ability. Smith averaged 25 yards per return and had 2 TD’s returning kickoffs in ’09. Adrianne Cannon, a senior who had 468 yards in 44 catches last year, will man the other WR spot. Big Devonte Campbell (6’2” 255) will get the nod at TE. Campbell, who started in 4 games last year, is just a Sophomore. Will Yeatman, a transfer from Notre Dame, is an unknown after having been out of football for 2 years, but could give the Terps another TE candidate.

Offensive Line- Here lies the biggest question mark, in this writers opinion, regarding the ability of the Maryland offense to produce this year. Maryland lost two starters including NFL draftee Phil Costa. Paul Pinegar, http://www.umterps.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/gonnella_andrew00.htmlAndrew Gonnella and http://www.umterps.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/dill_rj00.htmlRJ Dill are the returning starters and two others, Bennett Fulper and http://www.umterps.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/lewis_justin00.htmlJustin Lewis, earned starts last season. How far this group comes along may play a huge role in how much time Robinson has to throw to his stalwart receivers and whether Scott and Meggett become the one-two rushing punch that they are capable of. Pinegar will move to Center to replace Costa who is in the Cowboys training camp. Dill earned All ACC Freshman honors last year at Right Tackle. Gonnella will open the season at Left Guard. Pete White, a highly regarded redshirt Freshman, will back up Gonnella. Fulper and Lewis will apparently battle for the Right Guard position. Sophomore Justin Gilbert, a reserve in ’09, apparently won the Left Tackle job in the spring.

Offensive Outlook- Improvement, barring injuries, seems imminent. The only question is, how much improvement. If the Offensive line gells and Robinson becomes a commanding leader to go with his athleticism at quarterback, then the Terps could be dramatically improved on the offensive side of the ball this year.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line- Sophomore Tackle AJ Francis is the lone holdover from the ’09 Defensive front four. Francis was an honorable mention Freshman All-American last year. Despite 3 other starters graduating, the Terps do return a plethora of players who rotated in at the Line positions last season. Junior Derek Drummond and Sophomores Zach Kerr and Carl Russell saw action in all 12 contests last year. Sophomore Joe Vellano, who was injured through most of ’09 had an outstanding spring and should earn a starting Tackle nod. Sophomores Justin Anderson and Isaiah Ross are battling, and may end up sharing, the strongside Defensive End job. Drummond will most likely earn the other DE spot.

Linebackers- The LB corp, led by Senior Alex Wujciak (6’3”, 255) will be the heart and soul of the Terp defense. Wujciak is on several post season “watch lists” and is a consensus pre-season

All ACC selection. Wujciak had 131 tackles last season and 133 in 2008. He heads a talented LB corps that also returns Adrian Moten and Demetrius Hartsfield. Moten is a Senior while Hartsfield is just a Sophomore and comes off a fine rookie season that saw him gain All ACC Freshman 1^st team honors. “He may have had the best spring of any of the linebackers,” Friedgen said of Hartsfield. The Terps return their top three backups, most notably Will Pooler who had 43 tackles in a reserve role. Incoming true Freshman David Mackall

turned some heads in the spring and according to Friedgen, “We may have to find ways to get him in the game.” Mackall enrolled early at UM last January.

Secondary- The lone returnee is CB Cameron Chism. Chism led the team with 4 interceptions last season. Junior http://www.umterps.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/tate_kenny00.htmlKenny Tate and senior Antwine Perez should open the season as the No. 1 safeties. Trenton Hughes and Dexter McDougle will battle for, or share, the other CB spot.

Tate and Perez are experienced performers who combined to start five games last season. Both are good tacklers and have been significant contributors the last two seasons. This appears to be the biggest question mark, defensively for the Terps and it is not out of the question for a member of the Freshman class just recruited to have an opportunity for immediate playing time at safety.

Defensive Outlook- Although the Terps will be very strong at Linebacker and potentially better in the Defensive Line, their problem area appears to be the secondary. Will Defensive coordinator Don Brown figure a way to put enough pressure on opposing QB’s to keep the pressure off his inexperienced secondary? That could be the key on defense. Don’t underestimate Wujciak and Moten as leaders. It’s not out of the question that one of the biggest defensive turnarounds in ACC history could take place in College Park this year.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Sophomore Nick Ferrera was more than adequate last year, hitting on 18 of 25 field goals and a long of 50 yards. Ferrera is versatile enough that he handled some punting duties in a pinch also. Senior Travis Baltz returns this year after a Junior season plagued by injuries. Baltz averaged 40.7 yards per boot. Torrey Smith, one of the finest kickoff returners in the nation, gives the Terps “instant TD” potential. Smith averaged 25 yards per return and scored two TD’s on KO returns last season. The biggest job the staff has to do is improve the horrendous punt coverage that hampered the Terps in 2009.

OVERALL OUTLOOK

If the Terps are to be successful this year, their offense must produce and their defense has to become at minimum, adequate. The best scenario for the Terps this year is that they find creative ways to put the ball in Torrey Smith’s hands, that Robinson gains confidence early in the season that carries him through and that the defense bends but doesn’t break...at least not too often. Maryland has a tough opener at Baltimore on Labor Day against Navy. They will be an underdog, and deservedly so, in that game. A respectable performance win or lose is imperative as is 3 of 4 wins in their subsequent games when they host Morgan State, Florida International and Duke. A trip to West Virginia is also sandwiched inside that home stand.

A 3-2 record and 2 weeks to prepare for a trip to Death Valley to battle Clemson could put the Terps in a position to get six wins and become Bowl eligible. Besides beating Clemson for the second straight season, home game games versus Wake Forest, Florida State and NC State are all winnable and if things are going well the Terps should expect to win in a trip to Virginia on November 13.

Obviously things could go awry for the Terps also. They are young on both the offensive and defensive lines and their secondary is a huge questionmark. Even if the offense produces, they could get outscored in shootout style games. It’s doubtful the Terps won’t exceed their two wins of 2009, but 3-9 or 4-8 are not out of the question.

There is little doubt that Ralph Friedgen is on the hot seat this year. We feel he will come through and that his youth will mature quickly and that Don Brown’s defensive schemes will come together better than they did in ’09. We like the Terrapins to get wins over Morgan State, Florida Int’l, Duke, Wake Forest and NC State at home and on the road at Virginia to go 6-6. This will set up the Terps, and Friedgen, for a possible run at the ACC title in 2011.

THE SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 vs Navy (At Baltimore)

Sept. 11 MORGAN STATE

Sept. 18 At West Virginia

Sept. 25 Florida International

Oct. 2 Duke

Oct. 16 At Clemson

Oct. 23 At Boston College

Oct. 30 Wake Forest

Nov. 6 At Miami

Nov. 13 At Virginia

Nov. 20 Florida State

Nov. 27 N.C. State

Pictures courtesy www.umterps.com

Dick LeBeau HOF Speech

2010-08-09T18:25:00.000-05:00

Man, this really is a great day to be alive (smiling). Here we are. I'd like to thank my mom and dad for creating the family environment that led an ornery young guy grow up and maybe someday allowed to have a weekend happen for him like is happening right now. Thank you, mom and dad.

I thank my brother, not only for introducing me, but for being the best big brother anybody could ever hope for all my life. I only got one problem tonight. They want me to give 52 years of NFL experience into a 10 minute talk (laughter). I don't know if I can do that, but I'll try.

I'm being inducted as a player. Believe me, that makes me most proud. I did that for 14 years. But for the last 38 years, I've been a football coach. So to ask me to talk more in two minutes and not talk about my guys over here, tell you right now, it ain't gonna happen.

The good thing for you folks is when I talk about them, you know who I'm talking about. We're not talking about the guys I played against. You would say, Who is that? Who did he say?

I'm proud to be from Detroit, proud of the guys that I played with. My teammates alone Dick Night Train Lane, Lem Barney, Charlie Sanders, Yale Lary and probably the best teammate anybody had, Joe Schmidt, they're already in the Hall of Fame. I'm so honored I'm going to be in there with them.

This Hall of Fame is a big deal. Can't really comprehend it. I've always been kind of known as a laid back type of guy. From the minute they told me I was in the Hall of Fame. Well, really I didn't find it out from the Hall of Fame. They said I had been nominated, I wasn't in. They said that they'd call me the minute they knew about how the voting turned out. There was a television show giving all the results. I wasn't about to be looking at that. I was sitting there chewing my fingernails, hoping they vote me in.

I knew about what time the TV show was coming on, watching the clock, keeping my mind occupied, waiting on that phone call. The phone rings. It's my buddy from Colorado, Jimmy Othrow. I said, Oh, man, he's a great friend. I have to take his call, but I have to tell him I can't talk to him, I'm expecting a call from the Hall of Fame. I answered the phone. I said, Jimmy, the Hall of Fame is supposed to call, letting me know if I'm in. He said, You big dummy, you're in, it's all over the TV. That's how I found out (laughter).

I was giddy, you know. My foot wouldn't touch the ground. I said, C'mon, Dick, get a hold of yourself. You're an experienced liver. Not old, you just got a lot of experience. I got on the plane and got down to the Super Bowl where they introduced it. I saw Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith with the numbers they just read, everybody knew they were going in, they knew they were going in. Heck, they were just giddy, happy, off the ground as I was. I made my mind up there I'm going to relax, enjoy this, and I don't care if I ever come down.

I want to thank the Hall of Fame and the committee for having the foresight for creating a vehicle to get players like Floyd and myself a second chance to get back in here. As I said, when you're an experienced liver, things do mean truly to you.

I want to thank Rick Gosselin for bringing my name in front of that committee. Rick, you had a tough job, I know that.

A couple years ago I got to meet the president of the United States. We got over to the White House. President Obama came in, he talked to us for a couple of seconds, a little while, said hello to us. Then we all went outside on the White House lawn. President Obama talked to I'd call it a throng, there was a lot of people out there. The president was about halfway through his talk and he said something like, Well, we all know Dick LeBeau. He's the defensive coordinator of the great Steeler defense. And, Dick, where are you, Dick? I'm like, Hey, Pres, I'm right over here.

When I got back home that night, I thought, you know, this might be the highest deal of my life. President Obama is singling me out, getting me some applause in his speech. I thought there certainly can't be anything greater than this. But in all due respect, Mr. President, this whole business is a little bit bigger, I can tell you that (smiling).

President Obama is the 44th president of our country, it was the 44th Super Bowl last year, and Floyd and I both wore 44 when we played. They said, It's the year of 44. I got a little different thing I do with the 4. Watch me now, this is a little sneaky. If you take 4 plus 4, that equals 8, subtract two, that gives 6, that's the number of Super Bowl championships that the Pittsburgh Steelers over here have won.

They're here tonight. I have to tell you, that's about the highest compliment I've ever had paid to me in my life. Dan Rooney is here. Boy, I'm just completely humbled by that. I know he would tell you he had a lot of other business he had to take care of over here, but I know darn good and well why he's here. I'm so proud of that, that he and the Rooney family, coach Mike Tomlin, who let this football team come out of training camp, folks, you got to think about this, let them be here tonight, it's just like them having another away game.

But I told several of them before I left, I'll tell y'all right now, I wouldn't want to be here without you, men, offense, defense, special teams, I wouldn't want to be here without you. They're my best PR. They really are. They're the reason that President Obama knew who I was.

A few years ago we played in this game. Joey Porter and James Farrior, two of our great leaders, they got this idea they would put on Dick LeBeau jerseys and wear them all over. He's still out there, he ain't in there yet. Last year Rod Woodson stood up here in his induction speech and he mentioned me. Rod, I'll never be able to thank you for that.

I thank all you guys for your PR because look where it got me, man. It worked.

I coached a lot of great players. I'm not going to get into that. Guys ask me, Coach, what's the perfect 3-4? Who would be the very ideal people at each position? I said, Well, really, truthfully, you start with Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, and Brett Keisel on the defensive line. Really, seriously. Not only the great players, they're totally unselfish. In the 3-4 your linemen have to be a little unselfish because you know everybody is going to talk about the linebackers and the safeties anyhow all day.

I told Casey, You're a great player, but I had a nose tackle that actually led our team when I was in Cincinnati, Tim Krumrie, led our team several times in tackles. Casey looked at me, you can't get anything over on him, you said your nose tackle led your team in defensive stops? I said, More than once. He said, Coach, there's no way you're running the same system that you're running with me. He might be right (laughter).

But I've had some great players with the Steelers. I had Rod Woodson, who is in the Hall of Fame. Carnell Lake, I was a really smart coach then. Ken Lord, Kevin Greene on the outside linebackers. They made me pretty smart, too. And I've had some smart players behind to tell those kinds of players where to go. Darren Perry, coaching up in Green Bay now, he was on that team. I had Ray Horton, who is working with me now in Pittsburgh. I had Dick Jauron, two time NFL head coach. He graduated from Yale. You know he's pretty smart.

I've had a lot of smart guys. I'm going to tell you right now, Ryan Clark, who is with us right now, he's in there with that group. He's a smart football player, a good football player. Let me tell you now. Ryan has something to deal with that none of those guys had to deal with. Ryan is back there every Sunday with a guy by the name of Troy Polamalu.

I don't mean to tell you that Ryan tells Troy where to go 'cause in all honesty nobody tells Troy where to go (laughter). All I know is wherever he goes, something usually good happens for the Steelers.

But Ryan sits back there and watches Troy and he tries to keep our defense balanced. He does a great job of that. It's not like he can play two or three games and say, I got it, because Troy keeps changing the script on him all the time. He likes to test him out every now and then. I wouldn't trade those two guys for anything.

With the Steelers' defense, we also got B Mack (Bryant McFadden) back there at corner, and Ike Taylor. I might be off a little on this, Ike, but when I first came there, I don't think I started him on one game. Now he's started every game we've played for the last six years. Hasn't missed a game, hasn't missed a snap. That's a great record of durability and dependability. Six straight years. Ike, all you got to do is go eight more, man, and you can catch me (smiling).

People ask me if I ever talk about when I played to my players. You just saw an example of how they have to suffer through that most every day. They ask me about what coach did you borrow the most from. I had too many great ones. When I was at Ohio State, I played for Woody Hayes, the great Woody Hayes. I still learned something almost daily from the current head coach of the Ohio State University, Jim Tressel. Coach Tressel is a textbook on how to conduct yourself at a major college level with integrity.

Don Shula was one of my first defensive coordinators. I've been told a lot of times that Coach Shula takes credit for a lot of the good things that I did. In fact, almost all the good things that I did (smiling). I always tell Coach Shula when I see him, I said, Don, that's fair because me and my defensive teammates take all the credit for making you the coach you turned out to be later on.

Another head coach that I had that I'll always be grateful for is a man that first brought me to Pittsburgh, coach Bill Cowher. Thanks, Coach. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this tough time.

Owners? The owners I've worked for, played for, read like the Hall of Fame. Right now with the Rooney family. They have two in the Hall of Fame. I spent about 20 years with the Brown family in Cincinnati. If ever the word 'legendary' ever applied, I think the great Paul Brown certainly has that coming to his name. He operated within a 20 mile radius of where we're standing for a long time.

Also I worked for Ralph Wilson. He's in the Hall of Fame, from Buffalo. My buddy Tom Donahoe and Greg Williams brought me up there, kept me from an early retirement.

I played for William Clay Ford and his wife Martha Firestone Ford. That's two of the great families of America and great in the history of the NFL. It's like a storybook deal. I couldn't make this stuff up. I'm very proud of my playing career, my roommate with Jimmy Gibbons all those years, Wayne Walker, not going to get into all my line teammates, but they were all great guys and great players. I would like to thank my trainers. Millard Kelly was early days, then Kent got me through when I got hurt a little bit more later on in my career. Those guys kept me out there on the field. I thank them for that.

As far as my playing ability, I was known as the guy who was just going to come to work every day, I was going to play hard every day. Might not always play good every play, but I was going to play the next play as hard. I learned that from London, Ohio, a small town about two hours from where we're standing. Honesty and hard work, that's about all they value down there. It sure has stood me in good stead.

I'll leave you with one thing. Life is for living, folks. Don't let a number be anything other than a number. Don't let somebody tell you that you're too old to do this or too old to do that. Stay in life. Life is a gift. It's a joy. Don't drop out of it. Don't let somebody else tell you and don't let your mind tell you.

If I would have gotten out of my life's work at 65 or 67, when they say is the age of retirement, here is what I would have missed, folks. I would have missed not one but two World Championship football teams that I got to be a part of. That's these guys over here. I got to be a part of a No. 1 defense that statistically had the lowest numbers in the last 35 or 40 years. I had my number retired from my high school. Had a building named after me in my hometown. I made the Detroit Lions all 75 year team. I was accepted into the Ohio State University Athletic Hall of Fame. Now tonight I guess when I sit down, get off this speaking, which I'm gonna do, I'll be in the NFL Hall of Fame.

My mother always said, Onward and upward, age is just a number. God love y'all. Thank you

Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Review

2010-04-24T23:47:00.000-05:00

1 - Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida (6-4, 304); 2 - Jason Worilds, OLB, Virginia Tech (6-1, 254); 3 - Emmanuel Sanders, WR, SMU (5-11, 186); 4 - Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State (6-2, 243); 5 - Chris Scott, OL, Tennessee (6-5, 319); 5 - Crezdon Butler, CB, Clemson (6-0, 191); 5 - Steven Sylvester, LB, Utah (6-3, 231); 6 - Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech (5-11, 229); 6 - Antonio Brown, WR, Central Michigan (5-10, 186); 7 - Doug Worthington, DT, Ohio State (6-5, 292)

Analysis: Finally, the Steelers take the first-round o-lineman they've needed for years. Pouncey can play guard, but don't be surprised to see him unseat Justin Hartwig and start at center immediately. The Worilds pick was a surprise, both because the Steelers seemed to be set at OLB and because there were a couple of OLBs rated above the Virginia Tech standout on several boards. The third-round pick Sanders isn't a huge guy and won't have a Santonio Holmes- like impact, but caught a ton of balls at SMU and has a chance to be involved in the slot. Gibson and Sylvester were similar picks to Worilds but will have to prove their abilities on special teams. Scott was likely selected in the fifth-round due to his ability to play guard and tackle. It was surprising that the Steelers waited until the fifth-round to take a corner, and Butler is a solid player who will nonetheless make no one forget about Rod Woodson. Dwyer was originally a first-round prospect who saw his stock plummet due to a lack of versatility and questionable work ethic. Brown offers some value as a return man. Pittsburgh pulled off a trade with Arizona to re-acquire prodigal corner Bryant McFadden, but let's remember that McFadden wasn't the most consistent CB on earth during his first tour with the team.

Bottom Line: Early picks of Pouncey and Sanders made sense, but all the outside linebackers - at the expense of a decent young corner - did not.

Grade: B-

By Tony Moss, NFL Editor

(Sports Network)

McNabb to the Redskins

2010-04-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

Imagine that: D.C.'s indecisive. This squabble's not over health care or future high court nominees, but the acquisition of Donovan McNabb.

Judging from columns, comments and polls, some Redskins fans love the trade, while others have grown weary of the franchise's history of flopping with aging stars.

The veteran Eagles QB was traded to Washington for a second-round pick this year, and a third- or fourth-rounder next year, and here's what they're saying in D.C.:

Poll,WashingtonRedskins.com

Do you approve of the Donovan McNabb trade?

Yes, good move by Redskins: 56% (2152 votes)

Thumbs down: 17% (668)

I'm too stunned to react: 15% (578)

Let's just wait and see: 12% (451)

Fans, WashingtonRedskins.com (with original spelling):

icwash: "Finanlly a real QB coming to Washington. Campbell be gone."

hrb75: "we were robbed"

martresse21: "I love the move. This was a steal. We will draft [Oklahoma State tackle Russell] Okung 4th overall and protect Mcnabb."

TexSkins: "I love this trade. Skins upgrade one of their weaknesses and the Eagles lose their leader. McNabb also has the inside track on the Eagles. I hope we hold onto Campbell just in case McNabb gets injured."

lundermann: "Please!!!!!!!! Anyone else that is against this trade please join my facebook group to show the Redskins your disaproval. Enough supporters could go a long way. WE DONT WANT DONOVAN MCNABB AS OUR QUARTERBACK!!!!!!!!!"

Mike Wise, Washington Post: "Before everyone congratulates the new brain trust for essentially doing what the old brain trust did - procure some other town's star instead of developing your own - answer two questions as thoughtfully and honestly as possible: Does anyone believe the Washington Redskins are poised to win the Super Bowl next season? What about 2012? "No and no. If you agree with that assessment and do not live in denial or Ashburn, any well-argued case for acquiring McNabb just went out the window. . . .

"The truth: Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles know Donovan McNabb better than anyone. And they were inexplicably okay with moving him to another team in their own division."

Michael Wilbon, Washington Post: "McNabb, it seems to me, will benefit from the change in scenery. . . . McNabb, at 33, isn't a long-term solution, but these days the smart teams play to win now, which is why the Jets and Vikings took a shot with old man Brett Favre, 40. Look at the success Warner had with the Cardinals."

"Two of my close, close friends are from Philly and they were inconsolable Sunday night, as I suspect lots of Eagles fans will be, many of them who booed and cursed McNabb over the years."

"He's dealt with injury, the harshest criticism imaginable, idiot teammates such as Terrell Owens, roiled up locker rooms. He's watched his team draft his replacement, taken the field with few if any Pro Bowl-caliber weapons. He's shrugged off controversies involving race that were none of his doing. Yet, McNabb has always been able to speak his mind, keep his dignity and keep his team in Super Bowl contention."

Matt Ford, blogging for HogsHeaven.com: "The reaction from many fans I've talked to has been split. Some believe the Redskins pulled a Sonny Jurgensen-esque move by getting another franchise QB from the Eagles. Some believe the Redskins just threw away 2 draft picks for an aging player. But I'm here to argue that this was an absolutely amazing move for the franchise and makes them a better team immediately."

Fans, D.C. Sports blog, Washington Post:

tunney: "I just hope they don't rework his deal and give a 33-year old injury-prone QB a rich long term deal. Guess we won't be drafting a QB in the draft."

bbachrac: "the more i think about this the more I like it. We have a proven guy who can win in the clutch. Now we can get a 1st round pick for campbell. This is definately a win-now strategy tho, two years down the line this trade could bite us in the . . ."

GiantsFan1: "If the Skins get a first rounder for Campbell, they should erect a platinum statue of [GM] Bruce Allen on the Capitol Mall!!!!"

Article can be found at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/89904247.html

Army - Navy update

2009-12-12T15:21:00.001-05:00

Navy took the opening drive of the second half into the end zone to give the Mids a 7-3 lead.

Army - Navy update

2009-12-12T14:36:00.000-05:00

Army leads 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Army - Navy update

2009-12-12T14:19:00.001-05:00

The Leapfrogs and Golden Knights are in the air. Awesome

Army - Navy update

2009-12-12T13:54:00.001-05:00

It's a beautiful sunny day in Philadelphia. Forty-five minutes till kickoff. We're still waiting to see if the Golden Knights and Leapfrogs will be jumping into the stadium.

Ricky Dobbs has Record Day

2009-11-14T20:07:00.001-05:00

By Trevor Replogle

Annapolis, MD – On a spirited Senior Day in front of over 34,000 fans, it was junior QB Ricky Dobbs that stole the show for the Navy Midshipmen.

Dobbs carried 26 times for 123 yards to lead the Navy running attack. More importantly for Dobbs and the Mids, he was able to find the end zone five times to set a new Naval Academy record for rushing touchdowns.

Dobbs broke the record of former quarterback Chris McCoy who had held the record of 20 TDs since 1997. McCoy was recently honored by being named to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial All-Star team as a quarterback along with Kaipo-Noa Keheaku Enhada and former Heisman Trophy winner, Roger Staubach.

Dobbs scored the record breaking touchdown with 10:39 left in the fourth quarter, giving the Mids an insurmountable 28-12 lead.

Nearly ten minutes later, Dobbs broke his second school record.

Following a 31-yard completion to Bobby Doyle, Coach Ken Niumatalolo went against his assistant coaches and called Dobbs’ number again on the three yard line. Dobbs powered his way into the end zone and the record books again by scoring his 22nd touchdown of the year. That TD broke the record of most touchdowns scored in a season set by Bill Ingram in 1917.

“The kid is amazing,” said Niumatalolo. “I just wanted it (the record) to be over with.”

The defense wasn’t to be outdone by Dobbs or the Navy offense. Jabaree Tuani and Ross Pospisil led a spirited effort in keeping the Blue Hens out of the end zone.

“I can’t give enough credit to Delaware’s offense,” noted senior defensive captain Pospisil. “I guess we have been living by the bend but don’t break method on defense. That’s both good and bad, but we kept them out of the end zone in the first half.”

The Midshipmen defense held Delaware to four consecutive field goals between the first and third quarters. Two of those field goals came with Delaware inside the Navy ten yard line. One other field goal was forced following a Navy fumble in which Delaware started at the Navy 19.

Penn State transfer, Pat Devlin was able to lead the Delaware offense to their only touchdown with 6:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. Devlin finished the game 17 for 26 with 194 yards passing. He was sacked two times.

The second of those sacks by sophomore defensive end Jabaree Tuani may have been the turning point in the game for the Mids.

Coach Niumatalolo agreed, “It was a huge play. I’d say it was the play of the game. It was a back and forth battle, but that play allowed us to get some breathing room with our offense.”

Delaware was still very much in the game when Tuani sacked Devlin, forced a fumble and recovered it with just over 12 minutes left in the game.

“That’s like scoring a touchdown for an offensive player,” smiled Tuani. “I was just playing for the seniors. It was important for us to win for them, so I was just playing like it was my last game here as well.”

Four plays later Dobbs found the end zone in his first of two record-breaking scores.

After running only 22 plays in the first half, the Midshipmen took over in the second half. The Mids had five possessions and scored four touchdowns – all by Dobbs and all three yards or less.

Navy was happy to avoid the letdown following a big win over Notre Dame and a week off before heading to Hawaii.

“I couldn’t be more excited (for a week off),” remarked Niumatalolo. “We have a chance for the guys to get acclimated in Bancroft Hall and go over what is important there, and they have a chance to get some studying done. Then in two weeks we’re going to the Islands. Personally, I am excited about that.”

Navy wraps up the season with a trip to Hawaii in two weeks followed by the Army-Navy game on December 12. Navy then concludes the season with a trip the Texas Bowl on December 31.

Record Day for Dobbs

2009-11-14T17:58:00.002-05:00

Ricky Dobbs is having a record day at Navy Marine Corps Memoral Stadium. Dobbs has rushed for four TDs giving him 21 rushing TDs for the year - the most in the NCAA. He has set a new school record for rushing TDs, previously held by Chris McCoy. He has also tied the school record for most total TDs scored in a season, a record he shares with Bill Ingram from 1917.

Navy leads Delaware 28-12 with 8:35 left in the fourth quarter.

Red Zone problems

2009-11-14T17:25:00.002-05:00

Delaware has scored on four consecutive drives, but have not been able to punch the ball into the endzone. Two of those drives have stalled inside Navy's ten yard line. Navy leads the Blue Hens, 14-12 with 3:12 left in the third quarter.

Navy 7-6

2009-11-14T16:12:00.001-05:00

Navy leads Delaware 7-6 with 14:51 remaining in the second quarter. The Mids dodged a bullet when Marcus Curry fumbled and Delaware recovered and returned the ball to the Navy 19. The Blue Hens lost 3 yards on the drive and had to settle for a 39 yard field goal to cut the lead to one.

Navy Defeats Wake Forest in a Downpour

2009-10-24T18:09:00.003-05:00

Navy Defeats Wake Forest in a Downpour
By Trevor Replogle

Annapolis, MD – Coming into Saturday’s Homecoming game, the Navy Midshipmen were fifth in the county in rushing averaging 279 yards per game. Navy hoped to continue that streak without the service of starting quarterback Ricky Dobbs. Dobbs was injured in last week’s overtime victory against SMU.

Wake Forest was coming off a tough ACC loss at Clemson last week 38-3. The Demon Deacons have relied heavily on the arm of their career passing leader, Riley Skinner.

Kriss Proctor stepped in admirably for Dobbs and led the Navy offense to a 13-10 win over Wake Forest in front of 31,907 fans. The Navy rushing attack pounded out 338 yards on 64 carries on a wet turf and Proctor didn’t attempt a pass in the game. It was exactly 364 days since Navy won a game without attempting a pass against SMU during the 2008 season.

It appeared early that the game would be decided by the feet of each team’s kicker. The Mids got on the board first when Joe Buckley capped off a 7-play, 29-yard drive with a wind-aided 50 yard field goal. True to form, Navy has won 36 of their last 39 games when scoring first.

Jimmy Newman got Wake Forest on the board early in the second quarter with a 40-yard field goal of his own.

The kicking battle continued on the ensuing drive. Navy started on their own 20 and used 11 straight rushes to move deep into Wake Forest territory. The drive stalled and Buckley showed his poise when he connected on a 40-yard field goal, this time into the wind.

Buckley wasn’t the only kicker that had success for Navy. Punter Kyle Delahooke set two career-high marks on the day. He nailed a 65-yard punt in the first quarter and then boomed a 68-yard kick in the fourth.

On Wake Forest’s second possession of the second quarter a torrential downpour started that wouldn’t let up for the remainder of the game. The weather appeared to favor the running-focused Midshipmen and hampered the aerial attack of the Demon Deacons.

Proctor put the game out of reach with Navy’s first drive of the second half. After pounding the Wake defense with six carries from fullback Vince Murray, Proctor showed some nifty moves of his own with a 40 yard scamper into the end zone. The score gave Navy a commanding 13-3 lead.

Skinner finally found pay dirt midway through the fourth quarter when he connected with Devon Brown for a 15-yard touchdown completion, cutting the Mids lead to three.

Wake’s defense was unable to stop the Midshipmen running attack late in the game and the Mids were able to run out the clock.

Vince Murray finished the game with 175 yards on 27 carries, his second straight 100 yard game. Kriss Proctor finished with 96 yards and one touchdown.

Riley Skinner finished the day with 173 yards passing on 25 attempts and one touchdown. He was sacked three times.

Navy hosts Temple next week at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. With a win the Mids will be bowl-bound. They have accepted an invite to the Texas Bowl once they become bowl eligible.

Mids Defeat Air Force in OT

2009-10-03T16:45:00.000-05:00

On a beautiful afternoon in Annapolis, Navy and Air Force battled to the first-ever overtime matchup between the two schools. Coming into the game the Midshipmen were having their own internal battle between kickers Jon Teague and Joe Buckley. Last week Teague handled the kicking duties in less than impressive fashion. This week Buckley got the nod and the Junior finished the game as the Brigade hero.

Buckley nailed three field goals in the game with the final boot a 38-yard game winner in overtime. Navy came away with the overtime win 16-13 and the odds on favorite to retain the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s trophy.

Navy started the defensive battle by holding the Falcons to negative four yards on three plays and forcing the first punt of the game. Mario Washington returned the punt 12 yards to the Air Force 35 yard line setting up the offense with great field position.

Ricky Dobbs carried the ball three times on the drive with the final carry reaching the end zone from 13 yards out.

Air Force got on the scoreboard when Anthony Wright picked off Dobbs and raced 67 yards to the end zone. The TD was his second of the season and the fifth for the opportunistic Falcon defense.

On Navy’s next possession, Buckley gave the Midshipmen the lead with a career long 47 yard field goal. The half would end with Navy in the lead 10-7.

Head coach Ken Niumatololo wasn’t sure what to think when sending in Buckley for the long attempt.

“I didn’t know what to think. I asked him if he could make it, he said yes, I said go do it.”

Air Force’s kicker Erik Soderberg came up big for the Falcons late in the third quarter. After Navy punter Kyle Delahooke’s punt went only 27 yards to the Navy 37, Air Force looked to be in a position to take their first lead of the game. After nine straight carries the Air Force offense stalled on the Navy 10 yard line. Soderberg coolly split the uprights and tied the contest 10-10.

The fourth quarter had a little bit of everything that kept both Academies’ fans on the edge of their seats.

Navy capped off a 15 play drive with Buckley’s second field goal of the night, this time a 37 yarder that gave the home crowd of 37,820 a reason to celebrate.

Midway through the fourth quarter Air Force fullback Jared Tew fumbled on a fourth down play and the ball was recovered by Navy linebacker Ross Pospisil. Two plays later Dobbs fumbled after fighting for extra yardage and the Falcons recovered at midfield.

After the teams traded punts, Air Force had one more opportunity to win the game.

Starting on their own 24 yard line, the Falcons moved methodically down the field converting on both third and fourth downs to keep their drive alive. On a first and ten from the Navy 44, Wyatt Middleton picked off a Tim Jefferson pass in a play that appeared to seal the win for the Mids. A questionable roughing the passer penalty was called giving new life to the visitors.

Air Force moved the ball to the Navy 22 where Soderberg kicked his second field goal of the night with no time left on the clock to send the game to overtime.

Navy took the ball first and played the overtime in front of the Brigade of Midshipmen who had been raucous the whole game. After only being able to muster four yards on the drive, Buckley came in and coolly kicked what would be the game winner from 38 yards.

“Jon Teague and I have been battling at every practice,” noted Buckley. “It is not an ideal situation, but it has made both of us better kickers. I think that showed today. Doing something like this is a dream come true.”

Air Force had one last shot, but Soderberg couldn’t match his Navy counterpart and kicked the 31 yard attempt wide left giving the Mids the dramatic home victory.

Navy-Air Force tied 10-10

2009-10-03T15:57:00.002-05:00

Erik Soderberg hit a 27 yard field goal to tie the game 10-10 late in the third quarter. Air Force capped off a drive that started at the Navy 37 yard line following a 27 yard Navy punt.

Navy Regains the Lead

2009-10-03T15:39:00.002-05:00

Joe Buckley kicked a 47 yard field goal to give Navy a 10-7 lead going into the half.

The lead is bitter sweet as starting fullback Alexander Teich went down with an ankle and knee injury on his seventh carry of the afternoon. He is finished for the day.

Air Force Ties the Game

2009-10-03T15:15:00.003-05:00

Navy QB, Ricky Dobbs was picked off by Anthony Wright who returned the INT 67 yards for a TD. The score was Air Force's 5th defensive TD this season. It was Wright's second score this season.

The intereception return for a touchdown was the first against Navy since the Tulane game in 2001.

Today's crowd was the third largest in Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium history (37,820). It's also the largest crowd to watch a Navy-Air Force game in Annapolis.

Merchant Interception

2009-10-03T14:49:00.002-05:00

Emmett Merchant picked off a Tim Jefferson pass and returned it 33 yards to the Air Force 35. A penalty on the return moved the ball back to mid-field. The interception was Merchant's second of the year.

Navy 7-0

2009-10-03T14:06:00.002-05:00

Ricky Dobbs ran it in from 13 yards and Joe Buckley tacked on the XP to give Navy the 7-0 lead over Air Force with 8:55 remaining in the first quarter. It was a 7 play, 35 yard drive that took 3:48. Navy held Air Force to -4 yards on three plays in their opening drive.

Air Force at Navy

2009-10-03T13:57:00.001-05:00

It's a beautiful day in Annapolis for the Air Force - Navy football game. There's a strong potential for a record crowd at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for the first of leg of crowning the Commander-in-Chief's trophy.

For the record, Army just lost a heart breaker to Tulane when they missed a 37 yard field goal with about 15 seconds remaining that would have won it for the Black Knights.

Lady Panther breaks longstanding record

2009-05-14T07:54:00.001-05:00

LOYSBURG - For some of the participants, the warm, dry and sometimes blustery conditions Wednesday at Panther Community Stadium were just ideal for spectacular performances.

You might even say they were Taylor-made at least for Northern Bedford's Taylor Crawford.

"I guess I'm just used to the wind here. We joke that it's never not windy here,'' Crawford said.

Crawford won three individual events - breaking a longstanding record in an event in which she wasn't even top-seeded - to highlight a strong day for individual girls at the District 5 Track and Field Championships.

Crawford captured the 100-meter hurdles, triple jump and long jump, while NBC's Nicki Leach took first in the 100 and 200, and teammate Cassie Beach won the javelin. Led by junior Crystal Dibert's gold-medal efforts in the discus and shot put and a victorious 3,200 relay, Bedford managed to edge out the Lady Panthers for the team title, 104-96.

The winner in each event advances to next weekend's state meet in Shippensburg, as does anyone meeting a predetermined time, height or distance. Everett's Alex Zanella rounded out the winning performances for area girls in the 3,200 run, and Bedford's Brandy Harris qualified for the PIAA meet by achieving the qualifying standard in the long jump.

Crawford had been seeded second to Harris in the long jump but pulled out a leap of 18 feet, 2 inches that was nearly 5 inches better than her previous best and a half-inch superior to that of McConnellsburg great Kim Spriggs' District 5 record from 1984. Harris jumped 18-0.

The joke was that the strong breeze might have carried the slightly-built Crawford to the new mark.

"The wind could have pushed me that far,'' Crawford said, laughing. "I definitely thought I was least likely to do my best in that event. I'm really proud.

"I wasn't even born when that record was set. Hopefully, it will be broken by someone that isn't born yet.''

Crawford came up a half-inch shy of Spriggs' meet mark with a 37-1 in the triple jump and managed to come back in the second half of the 100 hurdles to win a showdown with Windber's second-seeded Sarah Snyder, who posted a better time than Crawford in the trials.

"Winning [against Snyder] at the West Central meet gave me a real confidence boost,'' Crawford said. "The second part of my race is normally the best part. My starts aren't always the best, and I usually pick it up about halfway through.''

This will be Crawford's fourth trip to the interdistrict meet. For Leach, though, it will be the first. Northern Bedford's junior sprinter was seeded second to Berlin's Shelby Philip in the 100 and Shade's Chloe Mapes in the 200 but managed to prevail in both events with times of 13.24 and 26.71 seconds, respectively.

"I was really worried, because I wasn't [seeded] first. I think it may have driven me more to try as hard as I can, because I knew it was really close, and I just made me try my best,'' Leach said. "I just came in trying to run my best times.''

For Dibert, the district meet meant a last chance to take care of some unfinished business.

"I wanted to hit 110 in the disc and 38 in the shot all year. I finally did that today,'' Dibert said.

Dibert had already met her goal in the discus, but her best effort in the shot coming in was 2 inches shy of her objective. On her third throw, she broke her magic number - and the Lady Bison record - with a 38-1 1/4.

Dibert's winning throw in the discus came on her first attempt and held up by 4 inches over teammate Keshia Foor. Foor and Lauren Nave comically helped the 5-7 Dibert - who took a bow after winning the discus - up and off the highest perch on the awards stand, but they wouldn't have let her live it down if either of them had beaten her.

"In practice, they'll beat me and kind of rub it in my face,'' Dibert said. "It pushes me.''

Beach, a junior, surpassed her top-seeded distance in the javelin finals with a 125-1. Despite being favored and leading the whole way, Beach was wary of Dibert and Hyndman's Kasie Shoemaker, her close friend and champion when she was at Bedford last year.

"I just gave it all. Mainly, I just let it rip,'' Beach said. "I felt pressure, especially with Crystal and Kasie. I had my eye on them the whole time. Everybody says you don't want them to win, but [Shoemaker's] a good friend. You want to see her do her best.''

Zanella put aside the frustration of not coming through as the No. 1 seed last season by leading basically the whole way in the 3,200. Her 12-minute, 38.50-second time was about a half-minute off her personal-record, but that didn't dampen the feelings of the Everett sophomore, who battled a series of nagging injuries all year and wasn't taking anything for granted.

"Every race is different. Last year, I was seeded first and didn't win. That taught me to give it all you got and don't hold back,'' said Zanella, who also posted a PR with her second-place finish in the mile. "It's great to PR, but going to states is so much better.''

It was a tough day to be a top seed - only 10 of the 18 ended up winning.

Harris was favored in the high jump as well as the long. The Bedford senior, who was high jumping 5-4 and 5-6 for most of the season, won't get a chance to defend her PIAA bronze medal in the event after she was unable to make 5-2, both the height achieved by Chloe Mapes and the PIAA qualifying standard.

"I definitely am upset, because I know I can do 5-2, at least,'' Harris said. "I think my head was still in the long jump.''

Harris' one consolation was that her distance in the long jump was enough to more than a foot beyond the state qualifying standard. Long jump was considered Harris' stronger event before her success in the high jump at last year's state meet.

"I better do something good down [at states],'' Harris said.

Chestnut Ridge's Kristen Koontz, meanwhile, was ranked first in the mile and the 800 coming into the meet but had to settle for a third and a sixth.

Bedford's 3,200 relay came in seeded second but grabbed the lead early and held off Windber, with anchor Sarah Lashley crossing and collapsing over the finish line in a time of 10:20.69.

"I was just going all out, and my legs gave out at the end,'' Lashley said.

"We knew Ridge was our major challenge. Our goal was just to get out to a big lead and stay ahead,'' leadoff runner Chelsea Diehl said.

Altoona Mirror.com