Mids Survive Air Force Comeback Bid

I'll be the first to admit that once the Falcons converted a late fourth quarter onside kick, I thought the game was over for the Midshipmen. Air Force, it seemed, just had too much momentum, and having been in a similar situation against Tennessee, would have the confidence and experience to get the job done. Yet, despite my overly pessimistic outlook, the Navy defense rallied with two minutes left in the game to shut the door on a concerted fourth quarter Air Force comeback attempt, giving the Mids their fourth consecutive win against the Falcons. With the win, Navy improves to 5-1 on the season, and with games against Temple, Duke, Eastern Michigan, and Army, looks almost assured of becoming Bowl eligible.

Navy was led by fine offensive performances by quarterback Brian Hampton and fullback Adam Ballard, who each rushed for over 100 yards. Navy's offensive line did an excellent job coming off the ball after a shaky start, while the Midshipmen defense held Air Force's high-powered in check for most of the game. After jumping out to a 24-7 lead by the start of the fourth quarter, the Mids had a tough time controlling a suddenly awakened Air Force offense, which found success on he arm of quarterback Shaun Carney. After throwing a touchdown pass to tight end Travis Decker with 3:06 remaining, the Falcons needed an onside kick to tie the game at 24. Just as they did at Tennessee, the Falcons recovered, and Carney and the offense took the field ready to tie the game. Yet Air Force's offense stalled, and on fourth and six the Carney's pass was broken up on a diving play by Navy cornerback Rashawn King, effectively ending the game.

The Mids seized momentum early in this game and never looked back. Cornerback Keenan Little returned a first quarter Shaun Carney fumble (forced by LB Bob Caldwell) 37 yards for the touchdown, while the Navy offense began to find it's way after turning the ball over twice in the early stages of the game. The Mids dominated the second and third quarters of the game, only allowing the Falcons the chance to run four plays in the entire third quarter. Brian Hampton, while struggling in the passing game, ran the option effectively and scored two touchdowns en route to a 105 yard day. Navy's defense was led by Rob Caldwell and David Mahoney, who shared the lead in tackles with nine each. Mahoney, playing in his fourth consecutive Navy-Air Force game, played with inspirational tenacity, sacking Shaun Carney three times. With the win, Navy's senior class improves to 7-0 against Service Academy teams, and takes a major step in winning their fourth consecutive Commander-In-Chief's Trophy.