Navy may have wrapped up its fifth straight bowl bid with its win at North Texas on Saturday, but the Midshipmen’s run toward rewriting the Academy?s record books is far from over.
The Midshipmen enter this Saturday’s home finale against Northern Illinois (2-8) two weeks removed from beating Notre Dame for the first time in 43 years and a week after they combined with North Texas to set a Football Bowl Subdivision record for most points in regulation (136) in a 74-62 victory.
“In a shootout, we feel comfortable,” Navy fullback Adam Ballard said. “I have a saying: ‘When the leaves turn colors, watch out, because that’s when our offense really starts getting rolling.'”
Navy (6-4) is trying to become the first team to lead the nation in rushing three consecutive seasons. The Midshipmen appear poised to accomplish that goal after running for a school-record 572 yards and eight rushing touchdowns against the Mean Green. For the year, Navy has rushed for a 3,572 yards and average a 357.2 yards per game ? both of which lead the country.
This week, Navy hosts Northern Illinois, which is coming off a 27-20 victory over Mid-American Conference rival Kent State. The Huskies had 510 yards in total offense ? 275 rushing ? against the Golden Flashes (3-7).
That type of balance could cause trouble for Navy, which has allowed at least 40 points in five straight games and seven times overall.
“If we don’t score every time we get the ball, we’re in a deep hole,” Navy coach Paul Johnson said.
Regardless of what happens against Northern Illinois, Navy will play in the Poinsettia Bowl. Navy’s opponent be from the Mountain West Conference.
Navy is 2-2 in bowl games the past four years. The Midshipmen can also clinch their fifth straight outright Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy when it plays Army on Dec. 1 at M&T Bank Stadium.
“A beautiful setting in a Navy city at one of the finest football venues in the country has everyone excited,” said Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk in a statement. “Five bowl games in a row is historic for the Academy and our congratulations to Coach Johnson, his staff, our players and the Brigade of Midshipmen for reaffirming that Navy is one of the finest football programs in the nation.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report
