NAVY FOOTBALL 2013 OLDE POOLIE'S PROGNOSIS August 27, 2013
Coach Niumatalolo, who is beginning his sixth season as the head coach and 16th at the Naval Academy, is optimistic about this year's team. "I don't know if I've ever been this thrilled with the young men we have coming back. We have great senior leadership and I think we are as talented as we've ever been". 42 lettermen and 18 starters return from the 2012 team.
Offense. The starting center, RG, and RT return. The LG and LT saw quality time last year. The O-line should be solid. Three experienced Wide receivers return. Soph. QB Keenan Reynolds returns. He will be backed up by junior John Hendrick. Fullbacks Jr. Noah Copeland and Soph. Chris Swain (5-11, 232 lbs) are competing for the starting position. Both will see lots of action. A freshman – Shawn White (6-0, 235) has been impressive this August. Olde Poolie believes that the slot backs must step up. Three graduated. The two potential starters have the talent but lack experience. Navy likes to rotate 4 -6 slot backs so hopefully some young guys will step up.
O/C Ivan Jasper has put in some spread formation plays to take advantage of Reynold's passing ability. That should give the defenses more to contend with.
Defense. Three solid down linemen return on the defensive line. Three linebackers graduated but three return and there are good back-ups. Four defensive backs return. The defense should be good although always smaller and less talented than some opponents. Back-ups need to be developed.
Kicking. The Midshipmen return two excellent kickers. Jr. Pablo Beltran averaged 41 yards a punt last year. Soph. Nick Sloan was 41 out of 41 on extra points and 10 -15 field goal attempts. He has strengthened his leg and should have better range this year.
Notes: QB Trey Miller who started the first 4 games in 2012 was dismissed from the Academy in the spring.
Rafi Montalvo, the freshman QB who was injured in a serious car accident during Thanksgiving in Miami has recuperated and returned to the Academy in July. He was in a coma for two weeks last November. He has worked hard to restore his health. He is working out with the team but is not allowed to have any contact.
Bob Socci the long time play-by-play announcer for Navy has accepted a position with the New England Patriots. He has been replaced with Pete Medhurst - who has been part of the broadcast team for several years.
Indiana. Before a homecoming crowd last year the Midshipmen were behind 30 – 21 with 12 minutes to go. They drove to the one and kicked a FG. Ind. 30 Navy 24. The defense stepped up. The Hoosiers were 3 plays and punt. Navy then drove 72 yards and scored to lead 31 – 30. With 2 minutes remaining. Navy intercepted to preserve an exciting win. The Hoosiers like to throw the ball with a no-huddle offence. Will be a challenge for the defense. The Hoosiers will be motivated!
GO NAVY BEAT INDIANA!
SCHEDULE (Last year record)
Sept. 7 At Indiana (4-8) 6 pm. Big Ten Network
Sept. 14 Delaware (5-6) 3:30 pm CBSSN
Sept. 28 At West. Kentucky (7-6) 7 pm.
Oct. 5 Air Force (6-7) 11:30 am CBS
Oct. 12 at Duke (6-7) TBA
Oct. 19 at Toledo (9-4) 7 pm
Oct. 26 Pittsburgh (6-7) 1:00 pm CBS
Nov. 2 at Notre Dame (12-1) 3:30 pm NBC
Nov. 9 Hawaii (3-9) 3:30 pm CBSSN
Nov. 16 South Alabama (2-11) 3:30 pm
Nov. 23 At San Jose State (11-2) 9:30 pm ESPN2
Dec. 14 ARMY (2-10) Philly. 3 pm CBS
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