Random observations, interesting tidbits, and only half-useful insights from Navy's 24-17 win against the Air Force Falcons.
Sack Attack- Never-mind my use of assonance, Navy's defense finally got some major pressure on an opposing quarterback. The Mids sacked Air Force quarterback Shaun Carney five times, and would have had three or four more had Carney not been so elusive in the pocket. David Mahoney, who has had some huge performances against the Falcons in the past, led the way with three sacks, while linebacker Rob Caldwell and defensive end John Chan each notched up a sack.
I Wouldn't Want to Tackle Adam Ballard Either- Navy fullback Adam Ballard, quite possibly the definition of "wrecking ball," had a superb game against the Falcons, rushing for 134 yards on 27 carries. Ballard has a chance to really establish himself as one of the premier fullbacks in all of college football, and looks to be on his way to a Kyle Eckel-like season. Navy is now 6-0 when Ballard runs for over 100 yards.
Three (Hundred) By Land- While it wasn't a 600-yard offensive day, Navy's offense put up a respectable 317 yards. After a slow and sloppy start, the Navy offensive line really started to finish blocks and create lanes all over the field. While their weren't any real big plays for Navy's offense, the Mids did a great job converting first downs and eating up clock. Brian Hampton only had eight yards passing, (a shovel pass to Campbell) but rushed for a strong 105 yards. So I ask you once again, why pass when you can just run for a million yards?
This Was a Tackle Game, Wasn't It?- Either the Falcon defenders are just horrible tacklers or Navy's offensive players are trucks. For the time being, I'm going with the latter. This wasn't the first day 5-6 Reggie Campbell shed a head-on hit by a linebacker.
Sweet Flyover- Two F-15 Eagles came out of nowhere and blew my eardrums out, which was great considering the complaints over the last flyover at a Navy game. An ensuing flyover by a B-1 Lancer Bomber was icing on the cake.
Quality Win- The Air Force team that Navy defeated yesterday was much better then the teams Navy played in 2004 and 2005. I was really impressed with the ability of the Air Force defenders to come off blocks, and admit that the speed shown by both the offense and the defense was much improved. Shaun Carney, quite simply, is a very good quarterback. I enjoyed being able to go out to Colorado Springs for this game, and have only the best impressions of the Air Force Academy and it's fans. Here's hoping the Zoomies rock Colorado State this Thursday.
