I know that the Midshipmen came out on the losing end of Saturday’s game but their performance has to feel like a huge victory. And no, it doesn’t have to do with them covering the spread- because they didn’t as the result of a failed 2-point conversion attempt. Navy held one of the nation’s best rushing attacks in check and played a top-25 team to one of their closest games of the year.
Navy came out with a clear focus on shutting down Air Force’s rushing game and they did just that. Air Force came into the game averaging over 300 rushing yards per game and 5.3 yards per carry. On Saturday Air Force only rushed for 137 yards and 2.9 yards per carry.
The defense did give up a few big passing plays to Air Force including a 94 yard touchdown to start the second quarter. Still, holding a team like Air Force to just 10 points on your side of the ball is setting you up for success.
Unfortunately for Navy their own offense was unable to capitalize. True Freshman Braxton Woodson started the game for Navy. It wasn’t all on him but he was unable to get anything going. He was under pressure all day, didn’t have any open receivers, and had little room to run. Navy was only able to run for 22 yards. They attempted 29 passes in the game. You didn’t read that wrong- Navy, who was allergic to passing the ball a year ago, nearly threw the ball thirty times this weekend. It seemed crazy that they were averaging 15 passing attempts coming into the game but doubling that is a whole other level. Granted a lot of the attempts came at the end of the game when there were trying to come back, but they were also forced into a lot of 3rd and longs all game. That got the offense out of rhythm and contributed to a lackluster performance.
Tai Lavatai came into the game and while he still didn’t get much help from the rest of the offense, he showed that he can bring a lot to this team. In hindsight, it pry would have been best for him to start the game. Despite the two interceptions, both of which went off the hands of Navy receivers, Lavatai threw some really nice passes and brought the offense back to life late in the game.
What’s Next Going Forward?
Navy gets another much needed bye week before heading to Philadelphia take on Temple in two weeks. This team is 3-4, but will have a legitimate shot to win every game left on the schedule. Outside of SMU, they don’t play another team above .500.
Braxton Woodson showed he still has some work to do before becoming the starting QB but there is a lot to feel good about from what we saw out of Lavatai and the Navy defense. The goal for this team has to be beating Army and making a bowl game. Based on what we saw today, it’s going to be tough, but is very much possible for this team.
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