NAVY FOOTBALL 2012 N0. 6 Observations from an Olde Poolie
October 12, 2012 Navy 31 Central Michigan 13. On a clear but cool (40 deg.) night in Mount Pleasant, Michigan Plebe QB Keenan Reynolds, behind excellent blocking, led Navy to an upset win over the Central Michigan Chippewas. Navy's revamped defensive stepped up allowing only one touchdown and holding Central Michigan to 13 points – 14 below their average. A good win for the Midshipmen
Navy took the opening kick-off and took 8 plays to score on a 23 yard pass to WR Turner. The Chippewas got a 60 yard kick-off return to Navy's 25. The Defense held and CM settled for a 29 yard field goal. Navy 7 CM 3 with eight minutes left in the first quarter. With Navy getting steady yardage inside the tackles, the Midshipmen needed 11 plays and scored on an excellent 19 yard pass to SB Green. Navy 14 CM 3. Late in the second quarter Navy drove 44 yards to the CM 23 then Nick Sloan kicked a 37 yard field goal. Navy 17 CM 3. Central Michigan then had their best drive of the night driving 75 yards in 6 plays, scoring on a 29 yard pass. Navy 17 Central Michigan 10 at the half.
CM started the second half by moving to the Navy 12. The Defense held and CM kicked a 22 yard field goal. Navy 17 CM 13. After a good 39 yard kick-off return by Thomas, the Midshipmen needed 11 plays and back-up FB Christian bulled over from the two. Navy 24 CM 13. Navy's defense forced the Chippewas to punt from deep in their territory. Navy got the ball at the CM 41. On first down Reynolds connected with Gee Gee Green for a 41 yard TD. Navy 31 Cm 13 with 2:50 left in the quarter. Neither team mounted scoring drives in the fourth quarter. Final Navy 31 Central Michigan 13.
"I.m very impressed with Keenan. He continues to amaze me with his composure. He's a tough, resilient kid," Navy head coach Niumatalolo said. "To be able to come into a hostile environment, on the road for the second week in a row.. . he shows great composure. I'm just super impressed with hm."
Reynolds (5-9 170 lbs) was the first freshman to start at QB for Navy in 21 years. His three touchdown passes were the first by a Navy QB in 12 years. Give offensive coordinator Ivan Jasper credit for excellent preparation and for making some excellent play calls. The defense was great getting three sacks. They had two inexperienced defensive backs in the secondary. Navy was 8 – 8 on converting fourth down plays. Navy had 234 yards rushing: Copeland 70, Christian 64 and Reynolds 59. Reynolds was 6 – 11 for 134 yards passing. Navy had the ball 36 minutes to CM 24. Place kicker – Plebe Nick Sloan - is 6 for 6 on field goals and 13 for 13 in extra points. QB Trey Miller is hobbled with a bad ankle. Two defensive backs are also injured.
Next week is homecoming with the Indiana Hoosiers coming to town. Olde Poolie does not recall a Big Ten team playing in Annapolis before. Indiana is 2-3. They host Ohio State this Saturday. It will be a challenge for the Midshipmen. Army plays Kent State and Air Force is at Wyoming.
Navy's Schedule (3 – 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 Navy 28 at Air Force 21 (OT)
Oct. 12 Navy 31 at Central Michigan 13
Oct. Oct. 20 Indiana (HC) 3:30 pm (Homecoming)
Oct. 27 at East Carolina State TBA
Nov. 3 Florida Atlantic 3:30 pm Nov. 10 at Troy (Ala) 3:30 pm
Nov. 17 Texas State 3:30 pm
Dec. 8 ARMy (Philly) 3:00 pm
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