United States Naval Academy
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Students: 4,400
Overall Record vs. USC: USC 4-3 vs. Navy, last meeting in 1988, Carolina won 19-8
2011 record: 2-0 (40-17 over Delaware, 40-14 over Western Kentucky)
Head Coach: Ken Niumatalolo (4th season, 29-13 overall record)
Famous Alumni: David Robinson (NBA Hall of Fame), Roger Staubach (NFL Hall of Fame), Jimmy Carter (39th US Pres) and Montel Williams (TV)
Who remembers 1984, well many Gamecock fans do, but I am almost certain none of the players do. A lot of things have changed since 1984 and I have a feeling a game played 27 years ago will not have much impact on the game Saturday.
Let’s break this game down for ya:
Navy on the Run: The Midshipman know how to run the football. The triple option might be an old style of football, but it works Navy. Coach Niumatalolo studied under Paul Johnson as a player at Hawaii, and then as a assistant coach at Navy. If Paul Johnson is the best at coaching the triple option, Niumatalolo is a close second.
Assignment defense is the key for SC: The key to stopping the option is disciplined defensed. After the first two game, Coach Johnson might have his hands full preparing the defense. With the talent, and speed the Gamecock defense has, it should be an easy task preparing them to stop the triple offense.
Navy Players to watch on Offense: Senior QB Kriss Proctor might not throw the ball a lot, but he will run the ball every chance he can. Last week Proctor ran the ball 16 times for 23 yards, but only threw the ball 7 times for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns. Junior running back John Howell rushed for 113 yards on 3 carries, with 2 touchdowns last week. If the Gamecock defense can shut him down, it might be the key to winning this ball game.
Looking at the Navy Defense: The Gamecock offense has has been a little inconsistent over the past 2 games but being at home should help. Navy is lead by linebackers Matt Warrick and Matt Brewer. They have combined for 33 tackles on the season. Navy has only given up 31 point this season, and 640 total yards.
Prediction Time: UCS will come out fired up and will play well for the home crowd. Navy’s offense won’t be easy to stop but the defense has a lot of talent and should be able to overcome the triple option. USC 32 Navy 21, Up next Vandy.
