San Jose State 12 Navy 0.

NAVY  FOOTBALL 2012 No. 4                                     Observations from an Olde Poolie

September  29, 2012. San Jose Sate 12  Navy  0.  On a beautiful day,  with temps around 70 degrees, before over 32,000 disappointed fans, Navy's football team was totally ineffective. The defense played very well holding SJS to four field goals. SJS had been averaging 41 points a game. But alas, the offense could not get on track with the worst showing since 2002. It was the first shut-out since 2006. Unless Coach Niumatalolo and staff can completely change the attitude and performance of the offense it will be a long year.

Navy actually started fairly well by driving 65 yards in 10 plays to the SJS 12. Then QB Miller  on third and 5 ran off the left side and was stripped of the ball.  San Jose State recovered.  Navy never got closer than the 33 the rest of the game.  Later Navy stopped SJS on fourth and 2 at the  33.  In the second quarter the Spartans  had a 50 yard drive and kicked a 32 yard field goal to lead 3 – 0 at the half.

SJS started the second half with another drive that ended with a 19 yard field goal.  SJS 6 Navy 0. Late in the third quarter Miller threw an interception and SJS got the ball on their own 27.  It was 6 – 0 at the end of the third quarter. Navy's offense was unable to get in sync.  Freshman QB Reynolds was inserted midway through the fourth quarter but could not move the team to a score. Meanwhile SJS got two more field goals.  San Jose State 12 Navy 0.

San Jose State completed 30 -35 passes for 280 yards. They also had 108 yards rushing. Navy only managed 70 yards  rushing   (most during  the first possession).  They were 7-13-1 passing for 74 yards. SJS had the ball for over 36 minutes to Navy's 23.  Navy did not have a penalty.  The Midshipmen lost three starters to injuries: SB Howell and DB Bush in the first quarter and DB Adams in the fourth quarter. Bush had a concussion.

QB Miller has now turned the ball over 10 times in four games. "That first fumble killed us. It took some steam out of us," Niumatalolo said. "We were right on track on that first drive, but instead of starting the game with three or seven points, we got nothing. Offensively, we never bounced back".  Niumatalolo and staff will discuss the possibility of starting freshman Reynolds against Air Force. The team needs a spark.  The offensive coaching staff has not distinquished itself so far this year.  

The next two weeks will be difficult as the Midshipmen travel to Colorado Springs for an unusually early game 11:30 EDT (0930 MDT) on Saturday. Then have a short week to prepare for a Friday night game at Central Michigan.  It could be a long season!

Air Force (2-2) beat Colorado State 42 – 21 yesterday.  Army (0-4) lost to Stony Brook 3 – 23.   

Navy's Schedule   (1 – 3)

 Sept. 1.  Notre Dame 50 Navy 10

Sept. 8  at Penn State 34 Navy 7

Sept. 22 Navy 41 VMI 3

Sept. 29 San Jose State 12 Navy 0

Oct. 6 At Air Force 11:30 am

Oct. 12 At Central Michigan (Friday) 8 pm

Oct. 20 Indiana 3:30 Homecoming 

Oct. 27 At East Carolina State TBA

Nov.  3 Florida Atlantic 3;30 pm

Nov. 10 at Troy 3:30 pm

Nov. 17 Texas State 3:30 pm

Dec/ 8 Army (Phil) 3:00 pm

Air Force  Schedule (2-2)

Sept. 1 Air Force 49 Idaho 21

Sept. 8 At Michigan 31 Air Force 25

Sept. 22 At UNLV 38 Air Force 35

Sept. 29 Air Force 42 Colorado State 21

Oct.  6 Navy 11:30 am

GO NAVY BEAT THOSE FALCONS!