Final - Navy 42, Tulsa 40

Post game notes - Navy improves to 7-2 (5-1) and Tulsa falls to 7-3 (4-2).  Navy travels to East Carolina next week in a make-up game that was postponed during Hurricane Matthew.

Post game press conference -

3:25 - The call was confirmed.  Navy has the ball 1st-and-10 on the Tulsa 35 with 1:00 remaining and Tulsa has no timeouts.  Navy will hold on for a 42-40 win over Tulsa and be in sole possession of the lead in the AAC Western Division.

3:22 - Will Worth with a QB keep on a 4th-and-1 for Navy runs for 1 yard to keep the drive alive. After the play the Tulsa defense was called for unsportsmanlike conduct.  The play is under review.

3:11 - Evans completes a 22 yard TD pass to Chris Minter and Tulsa cuts Navy's lead to 42-40 with 5:30 remaining in the game.  This was Evans' fourth passing TD today to four different receivers. Tulsa's scoring drive was 8-72-2:28.

3:08 - Tulsa is moving the ball quickly downfield with the ball at the Navy 35.

3:02 - Will Worth with the keeper for 44 yards and a Navy TD.  The PAT was good and Navy leads 42-33 with 7:58 remaining in the game.  Worth now has 120 yards on the ground today.  Navy's scoring drive was 5-69-2:36.  This is Worth's 5th consecutive 100-yard rushing game which is the first time this has occurred since 2009 by Ricky Dobbs.

3:01 - Gulley with a 19 yard run to the Tulsa 45.  Navy is driving with 8:40 remaining in the game.  Gulley has 75 yards rushing in the game.

2:57 - It was just announced that both teams have combined for 915 yards - 504 from Tulsa and 411 for Navy.

2:54 - Evans keeps the ball on third down for a Tulsa 1-yard TD run. Tulsa's 2-point conversion attempt was topped by Navy.  The Mids lead Tulsa, 35-33 with 10:34 remaining in the game.  Tulsa's scoring drive was 10-73-3:07.

2:52 - After a review, the receiver was down at the 1 yard line of Navy.  1st-and-goal Tulsa.

2:49 - Tulsa converts their third fourth down play (3-3). This time Evans completes a 45-yard pass to Hobbs for a Tulsa TD.

2:39 - Will Worth scores from 15 yards out giving Navy a 35-27 lead with 13:41 remaining in the game.  Navy's scoring drive was 9-73-4:47.  The TD run was Worth's 17th this season which is tied for second nationally.

2:34 - Worth completes a 28 yard pass to Bonner to the Tulsa 21, converting a 3rd-and-16 play.  That play will end the 3rd quarter with Navy driving and leading visiting Tulsa, 28-27.

2:33 - Navy called for holding and an ineligible receiver down field on consecutive plays.  Navy is only averaging 2.1 penalties per game.

2:30 - Gulley mishandles a pitch from Worth but the ball bounces right back into his hands and he gains 19 yards to the Tulsa 43.  Sometimes the ball just bounces your way,

2:21 - Evans completes a 31-yard TD pass to Keenan Johnson.  With the PAT Navy's lead is just one, 28-27 with 3:28 remaining in the third quarter.  Tulsa's scoring drive was 6-62-2:19.

2:19 - Brewer is the workhorse for Tulsa on this drive carrying three straight times for 26 yards.

2:15 - Will Worth is stopped on 4th-and-1 with a 2-yard loss.  Tulsa takes over on their own 38 yard line.  Navy is now 2-3 on fourth down conversions in today's game.  The defense has come up big for both teams on the last two drives.

2:13 - Navy is facing a 4th-and-1 on the Tulsa 36.  Will they go for it? My guess is yes.

2:04 - Evans' pass intended for Lucas is picked off by Tyrus Wooten in the end zone.  The INT is Wooten's first pick and just the fourth for Navy this season.  Navy takes over on their own 20 yard line.

2:00 - Evans completes a 17-yard pass to Hobbs to convert the second fourth down play of this drive. Navy and Tulsa are converting 100% (4-4) of their fourth down plays this afternoon.

1:58 - Tulsa takes their first timeout of the second half to decide whether to attempt another fourth down conversion on this drive.  Navy leads 28-20.

1:56 - Tulsa converts a fourth down moving the ball into Navy territory.  Each team has converted fourth down conversions in today's game - Navy 2 and Tulsa 1.

1:52 - An announced crowd of 36.397 (10th largest in Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium history) await the second half kickoff from Navy.

1:29 - At the half, Navy leads Tulsa 28-20.

1:27 - Jones kicks a 26-yard FG with 0:42 remaining in the second quarter.  Navy still leads 28-20 just before halftime.

1:21 - Evans completes a 25-yard pass to Hobbs to the Navy 46 yard line.  On the next play, Brewer carries the ball 22 yards to the Navy 24.  Tulsa quickly gets the ball deep into Navy territory with 1:30 left in the half.

1:15 - Worth completes an 11-yard TD pass to Tyler Carmona.  Navy extends their lead to 28-17 with 3:01 remaining in the first half.  Navy's scoring drive was 13-78-7:08.

1:09 - Navy converts another 4th down play, their second of the game.  Navy has a 1st-and-goal at the Tulsa 9 yard line.

1:07 - Worth carries the ball for 20 yards to the Tulsa 19.

1:04 - Worth completes a 24-yard pass to Tillman to the Navy 46 yard line

12:58 - Evans completes a 56-yard pass to Josh Atkinson for a Tulsa TD.  Tulsa cuts Navy's lead to 21-17 with 10:09 remaining in the first half.  Tulsa's scoring drive was 5-75-1:29.

12:51 - Worth carries the ball for 11 yards to the Tulsa 1 yard line.  He runs more like a fullback than a QB. On the next play, Worth powers the ball into the end zone.  Navy leads Tulsa 21-10 with 11:38 remaining in the first half following Moehring's PAT.  The TD is Worth's 16th rushing TD of the season.  He has now scored a rushing TD in all 9 games this year which is tied for second in school history with Chris McCoy.  Keenan Reynolds holds the record by scoring a rushing TD in 14 consecutive games.  Navy's scoring drive was 10-69-4:31

12:49 - Toneo Gulley carries the ball 22 yards to the Tulsa 15.

12:44 - The first quarter ends with Navy leading Tulsa, 14-10.  Navy has the ball 2nd-and-6 on the Tulsa 49.  There were 336 yards of total offense in the quarter, 179 for Tulsa and 157 for Navy.

12:41 - Evans is hit hard by Micah Thomas at the Tulsa sideline after a 6-yard carry on a 3rd-and-24 play.  Tulsa is forced to punt the ball back to Navy

12:38 - Evans completes a 22-yard pass to Justin Hobbs to convert a 3rd-and-9 and keep the Tulsa drive alive.

12:36 - Tulsa's Raymond Taylor fumbles the kickoff and is tackled for a 2-yard loss at the Tulsa 1 yard line.

12:33 - Dishan Romine carries the ball 41 yards for a Navy TD.  The touchdown was Romine's first career TD.  Navy regains the lead, 14-10.  Navy's scoring drive was 3-75-1:18.

12:32 - Will Worth completes a 32 yard pass to Jamir Tillman to the Tulsa 43 yard line.

12:28 - Facing a 4th-and-9 on the Navy 12, Tulsa kicks a 29-yard FG off the foot of Redford Jones.  Tulsa leads Navy, 10-7 with 6:11 remaining in the first quarter.  Tulsa's scoring drive was 9-61-3:18.

12:25 - James Flanders carries the ball 38 yards to the Navy 26.  Tulsa is moving the ball deep into Navy territory.

12:21 - Navy is forced to punt on their second drive.  Navy's punt goes out of bounds at Tulsa's 27 yard line.  Tulsa takes over with 9:29 remaining in the first quarter.  This was Navy's first punt in their last 13 possessions.

12:19 - Navy converted their first fourth down attempt facing a 4th-and-1 on their own 34.  Will Worth carried the ball for three yards to keep the drive alive.

12:11 - Dane Evans hits Keevan Lucas for a 74-yard TD pass on Tulsa's first play from scrimmage.  The Golden Hurricane quickly tie the game 7-7 with 13:25 left in the first quarter.  Tulsa's scoring drive was 1-74-0:16.  This is the 5th straight game that an opponent has scored a TD on the opening drive against Navy.

12:06 - Darryl Bonner carries the ball four yards to put Navy on the scoreboard first.  Bennett Moehring kicked the PAT and Navy leads 7-0 with 13:41 remaining in the first quarter.  Navy's scoring drive was 3 plays for 43 yards and took 1:19 off the clock.

12:05 - Romine runs the ball 31 yards on Navy's first offensive play.  First-and-goal Navy at the Tulsa 7.

12:03 - Dishan Romine returned the ball from the Navy 9 yard line to the Tulsa 43, a 48 yard kickoff return to start the game for Navy.

12:01 - Tulsa won the coin toss and elected to defer until the second half.  Navy will have the ball first in this AAC Western Division matchup.

Navy and Tulsa meet for the fourth time this afternoon with first place in the AAC West Division on the line. Navy - Tulsa Preview.

The "Ice Bucket Challenge" Raises Awareness for ALS

You may have seen the videos on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. A new challenge is being accepted across the nation and documented on social media sites to raise awareness for ALS, or sometimes known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to the patient's death. Patients in the later stages of the disease may also become totally paralyzed.

The Ice Bucket Challenge shows participants getting drenched with buckets of ice water and then nominating others to do the same.  According to the ALS Association website, those who refuse the challenge are asked to make a donation to the ALS charity of their choice.

According to the ALS Association's national president, Barbara Newhouse, the Ice Bucket Challenge has been a huge success.  In the last week alone, $168,000 has been raised in online donations.  During the same time last year they had raised $14,000.

The Ice Bucket Challenge has made its way to the United States Naval Academy via Tom O'Brien, University of Virginia's associate head football coach.  O'Brien was the former head coach at Boston College.  The Ice Bucket Challenge was started by former Boston College baseball player, Pete Frates who has lived with ALS since 2012.



Coach O'Brien challenged his son Danny, outside linebackers coach at USNA.



Coach O'Brien has challenged Navy Sports Information Director, Scott Strasemeier.

 

We're waiting for the video from former Navy quaterback, Ricky Dobbs and Navy equipment manager, Greg Morganthaler.

To make a donation to help fight ALS, you can visit the ALS Association webpage.

Mids Appear to Have Notre Dame's Number with a 35-17 Win

By Trevor Replogle

Mid-Atlantic Sports

Navy came into this afternoon's game against Notre Dame with a lot of confidence. They had won their past two games and had knocked off the Irish two of the past three years. It didn't take very long for that confidence to increase.

On Notre Dame's opening drive, the Navy defense stepped up and held the Irish on a fourth-and-goal from inside the one yard line. Navy then proceeded to drive the ball 99 yards on 6 plays to give the Midshipmen a 7-0 lead.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly was very disappointed with the result.

"We outman them by 70 pounds on average up front. If you can't get a foot on the one-half yard line, you get what you deserve."

Alexander Teich led the offense on their opening drive with two career bests - a 54-yard rush and a 31-yard, one-handed reception for the TD. That would be a sign for how the afternoon would go for Teich - and Notre Dame.

Teich's production from the fullback spot (26 carries and 210 yards) kept the Irish on their heels and opened the door for quarterback, Ricky Dobbs to continue to move up the NCAA's list of all-time rushing touchdowns for quarterbacks.

Teich, who started the season as a backup to Vince Murray, became the first Navy fullback to ever rush for over 200 yards. The offense as a team amassed 367 yards rushing, the most by any Navy team in the Notre Dame series.

Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo was pleased with Teich's performance.

"I'm very proud of him. He typifies our team. He lost out on the starting job last year and he didn't sulk or complain. He accepted his role and was a cheerleader for (starter) Vince Murray. When you run like he did today, the guys up front are doing their jobs."

With the Notre Dame defense primed to stop Teich, Dobbs was able to rush for 92 yards on 20 carries and found the endzone three times. Dobbs is now tied for 10th on the NCAA's all-time rushing touchdowns for quarterbacks, tied with former Navy QB Chris McCoy.

Although the Navy offense performed as efficiently and scored the most points that they had all season, coach Buddy Green's Navy defense was just as impressive. The defensive played a bend-but-don't-break style and matched Notre Dame's speed throughout the afternoon.

De'Von Richardson and Kwesi Mitchell were both able to pick off Irish QB Dayne Crist and both turnovers led to touchdowns by Navy.

Kelly was obviously not happy with his team in the redzone.

"Navy did what they need to do. There were bend but don't break and they when they got in short field they kept us out of the endzone. When we got close we couldn't get it in the endzone."

Niumatalolo felt that this was Navy's most complete performance of the season.

"We knew that in order to compete against Notre Dame, we had to play at a high level. We couldn't play like how we've played in other games this year and have a chance to compete. Like I said, I'm just proud of our young men for the way they played. No doubt, the most complete game of the year for our football team."

Navy improved their record to 5-2 while Notre Dame fell to 4-4. The Mids return to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium next Saturday when they host Duke. Notre Dame will play host to Tulsa next weekend in South Bend.

Photos by Travis Replogle

Navy Outlasts Georgia Southern

Trevor Replogle

Mid-Atlantic Sports

Coming into Saturday afternoon’s contest with Georgia Southern, the Navy football team was ready to put last Monday’s 17-14 upset to Maryland behind them. What most people didn’t expect was that they would be in a dogfight against an FCS opponent like the Eagles.

Georgia Southern’s football team is led by new head coach Jeff Monken, a disciple of Paul Johnson and his option offense. Monken and his Eagles used that knowledge against Navy and took the game to the wire before falling 13-7 in front of 33,391 fans and a CBS College Sports television audience.

Georgia Southern won the coin toss, but in Navy fashion, deferred to the second half. Alexander Teich took the kickoff, found a seam, and returned the ball 55 yards to the Georgia Southern 36 yard line. Over the next 6:44, Navy proceeded to run 10 plays and gained only 35 yards and settled for an 18-yard FG by Joe Buckley on a 4th and goal from the 1 yard line.

Niumatalolo was asked whether he considered going for the TD after getting stuffed in a similar situation against Maryland that ended Navy’s chances at getting the win.

“I did consider it, but I wanted to have something positive come out of that opening drive,” said Niumatalolo.

Buckley connected on a 42 yarder to give Navy the 6-0 lead with 2:07 remaining in the first quarter.

With the Eagles gaining more confidence as the game went on, Georgia Southern attempted a fake punt on a fourth and five from their own 39. They direct snapped the ball to upman Tobi Akinniranye, but the play was busted up by John Howell after just a one yard gain.

Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs completed a twelve yard pass to Aaron Santiago and carried the ball 5 times and 18 yards including a one yard TD plunge to give the Mids a 13-0 lead.

Buddy Green’s defense held Georgia Southern’s option offense to just 2 first downs and 23 total yards in the first half.

Niumatalolo was also pleased with the defense’s performance.

“It was a great job by our defense. It wasn’t just the guys getting tackles, it was all who forced the ball to someone else.”

Similarly to Navy’s opening drive of the first half, Georgia Southern found success in the second. Laron Scott took the kickoff 49 yards into Navy territory and set up the offense to cut into Navy’s lead. Robert Brown and Jaybo Shaw were the workhorses of the drive. Brown carried five times for 24 yards and Shaw tossed a 17 yard touchdown drive to J.J. Wilcox to cut Navy’s lead to 6.

Neither team was able score and the game ended in Navy’s favor 13-7. Both teams records are even at 1-1.

Navy travels to Louisiana Tech next week and Georgia Southern travels to Coastal Carolina.

Tuani Added to Lombardi Award Watch List

ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Navy junior defensive end Jabaree Tuani has been added to the 2010 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List. Tuani joins teammate Jeff Battipaglia, who was placed on the initial list May 5.

Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to down linemen, end-to-end, either on offense or defense, who set up no farther than 10 yards to the left or right of the ball, or linebackers who set up no farther than five yards deep from the line of scrimmage. The 41st Rotary Lombardi Award dinner will be held December 7-8, 2010, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

Tuani has played in all 27 contests in his first two years, garnering 22 starts. As a freshman, Tuani was named the ECAC Rookie of the Year by the head football coaches on the Eastern Seaboard. Tuani was selected over freshmen from Connecticut, West Virginia, Pitt, Rutgers, Penn State, West Virginia, Temple, Syracuse, Boston College, Buffalo and Army. He was named a Second-Team Freshman All-American by Phil Steele's College Football Magazine as his 42 tackles were the second most by a Navy defensive lineman.

Tuani is coming off a sensational sophomore campaign that saw him start in 13 of Navy’s 14 contests. He finished the year with 54 tackles, turned in 5.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He broke up a pair of passes and picked off one, while forcing two fumbles and recovering one.

Navy kicks off the 2010 campaign on Monday, Sept. 6 against Maryland at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium. Tickets are still available for that game at navysports.com or by calling 1-800-US4-NAVY. Navy’s home opener is on Saturday, Sept. 11 against Georgia Southern. Season and single game tickets are still available as well.

Paul Johnson Press Conference following Navy Victory over Pitt

A few quotes from Navy Coach Paul Johnson following his doube-overtime win over Pittsburgh on October 10, 2007.