Unforgettable knockout of Notre Dame still fresh for Midshipmen
By: Kevin Dunleavy
Examiner Staff Writer
November 4, 2009
Quarterback Dobbs is back in the lineup
Wyatt Middleton had a concussion at the time, but has no difficulty recalling his feelings from Navy's historic 2007 upset of Notre Dame, which halted the NCAA's longest losing streak of all time -- 43 games.
"I remember running out on the field and thinking, 'Wow, we really did this,'" said Middleton, a senior safety. "The crowd was silent. They were like, 'Wow, this really happened.' But at the same time they were supportive of us. That was shocking to me."
After defensive end Michael Walsh, who still is with the Midshipmen, and linebacker Matt Wimsatt tackled Travis Thomas behind the line of scrimmage on a two-point conversion attempt to give Navy the 46-44 victory in the third overtime, fans of the Fighting Irish applauded the Midshipmen.
When Navy (6-3) returns to Notre Dame (7-2) Saturday, the Midshipmen again hope to test the limits of the sportsmanship of the Irish.
"A lot of people talk about playing in South Bend -- Rudy and stuff like that," said Middleton. "When you're actually on that field, it's an unbelievable feeling."
The atmosphere brought out the best in Middleton in 2007 as he made a game-high 14 tackles, the last of which came when he was trucked by Irish running back James Aldridge in the second overtime and was knocked cold.
"He was a pretty big boy," said Middleton. "I've had some small concussions. That was the only big one I've had. I was on the field, sleeping."
Middleton, who had two interceptions Saturday in Navy's 27-24 loss to Temple, leads a secondary that faces its biggest challenge this year. Notre Dame junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen ranks No. 2 in the nation in passing efficiency (164.25). He throws to a talented duo in junior Golden Tate (56 catches, 927 yards, 9 touchdowns) and big-play specialist Michael Floyd (13 catches, 358 yards, 5 touchdowns), a 6-3, 220-pound sophomore who is back after missing six games with an injured collarbone.
"They're real physical, almost impossible to tackle," said Navy cornerback Blake Carter, who had 10 tackles against the Irish two years ago.
This time Navy will face Notre Dame at close to full strength. Quarterback Ricky Dobbs (knee) returns to the starting lineup. Slot back Marcus Curry (ankle) is expected to return as well after missing the last two games.
"With Ricky back, we have our offensive leader back," said Middleton. "I think it will be a big morale boost."
