NAVY FOOTBALL 2011 - Olde Poolie's Prognosis - August 26, 2011

This is the fourth year for Coach Ken Niumatalolo as head coach and the 14th year at the

Naval aaemy. Except for those seniors that attended NAPS, most of this year's players

were recruited by Coach Niuma and staff. Last year Navy was 9 - 4. Can they continue with another

winning record?  he schedule is formidable and it will not be easy.

The footbll team has been practicing since early August in a very hot summer. Let's look at the

defense first as only three starters return. Two others left te Academy - one resigned and one was

dismissed.  LE Tuani will anchor the line, Max Blue returns at LB, and DB Kwesi Mitchell will

lead the defensive backs. Sevral players did start one or two games or played on the specialty

teams. D/C Buddy Green and staff have worked hard to develop a cohesive unit. If they can

survive the first three games while gaining experience they might be OK.

The offense returns eight starters with QB Kris proctor ready to lead. He is a better option QB

than Dobbs and once he he is in the open field he is faster. He has worked on his passing

and should be adequate.  FB Teich returns, six slot backs eturn, and most important four of

the five offensive linemen return. The offensive should and needs to control the ball and

put points on the scoreboard as the defense gets experience.  Jon Teaque returns as place

kicker and freshman Pablo Beltran has won the punter position.

Navy's Schedule (last year's record in parentheses)

Sept.   3   Delarere  (12-3)  3:30 pm.               Blue Hens lost 19 - 20 in the Div.II Championship

                                                                             game last year.  Will be eager to play Navy.

Sept. 10 At. West. Ky. (2-10)  7 pm.                 Third year in Div. I.  Navy  should win.

Sept. 17  at South Carolina (9-5)  6 pm.         Ranked in top 15. Hopes to win SEC division. Tough!

Oct.   1   Air Force  (9-4)  12:00 pm.              Falcons are much improved. Will be a battle.

Oct.   8  Southern Miss.  (8-5)  3:30 pm.      Hopes to win Conference USA. Will be a tough game.

Oct.  15  at Rutgers (4-8)    TBA                     Navy always has a tough time in Pscataway, NJ.

Oct.  22  East Carolina Un. (6-7) 3;30 pm.  Homecoming. ECU will be better. Mids must repare.

Oct. 29  at Notre Dame (8-5)  3;30 pm          Fighting Irish ranked in top m20. Will be motivated.

Nov.  5   Troy (8-5)  3:30 pm.                                An unknown to Navy fans but a good team from Ala.

Nov.  12  at SMU  (7-7)   TBA                          Will be a challenge. Passing team. Lost to Army in   

                                                                           Armed Forces Bowl. Navy won 28 - 21 last year
Nov.  19   at St. Jose St.  (10-12)   4:00 pm.  Should be a good win for Navy.

Dec.  12   Army (DC).  (7-6)  32:30 pm.        Army will be improved.

Dec.  28  Military Bowl  (Wash. DC)               If qualified.