Taking care of business and working overtime
By: Kevin Dunleavy
Examiner Staff Writer
10/18/09 10:21 PM EDT
College football's overtime format (placing the ball at the 25-yard line for alternate possessions) has been much criticized. But it suits the Navy Midshipmen just fine.
With Saturday's 38-35 overtime win at Southern Methodist, Navy has won five straight games that have gone to extra time.
"These kids are unbelievable. Just when you think they can't one-up themselves, they pull out another big win," said coach Ken Niumatalolo. "Our kids are very resilient. Our kids are fighters. Even when the odds are stacked against them, they continue to plug away."
It was a big win considering that Navy's next four opponents have wining records. The Mids (5-2) need two victories in their next five games to assure their seventh straight bowl berth.
Winning overtime games has become a Navy trademark. In 2007, the Mids defeated Pittsburgh in two OT sessions and took Notre Dame down in three memorable overtimes.
Saturday night in Dallas, Navy got a 24-yard field goal in OT from Joe Buckley. He also beat Air Force with a 38-yard OT boot two weeks earlier.
The Navy defense also played a role. On SMU's OT possession, linebacker Ross Pospisil threw a ball carrier for a 1-yard loss. Then the Mids forced two incompletions, putting stress on Mustangs' kicker Matt Szymanski, who missed a 43-yard try.
It was the third straight overtime game that the Mids' have not allowed a point in the extra session.
"It's a tribute to the players and our assistant coaches that we continue to get it done in those overtime situations," said Niumatalolo.
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