For the first time in history, Navy (8-3), Air Force (8-4) and Army (6-5) are bowl bound in the same season. Each of the service academies has done it with the same formula — option offense.
But don’t suggest to players and coaches that the academies are plucky look-alikes that thrive with a gimmicky offense that demands more precision than talent.
“I think there’s a common perception that you can throw all three of us [together],” Army coach Rich Ellerson said. “As our opponents prepare for us, they kind of go, ‘Whoa, that’s not the same thing.’ The challenge is unique.”
Ellerson was speaking at a luncheon in Philadelphia on Wednesday, promoting the Army-Navy game on Dec. 11. Players echoed Ellerson’s comments.
“We all do our deal a little differently,” Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs said. “It’s not our systems; it’s the execution.
“Maybe if we dropped back to all passes, sprint-outs and stuff, who knows how we’d fare. Until that day comes, you’re not really sure.”
This is the eighth straight year that Navy will play in a bowl game. This is the first time in 14 years that Army has qualified. Ellerson, the Army coach the last two years, bristles at the suggestion that the Black Knights have mimicked the Midshipmen.
“We all run [the option] differently,” Ellerson said. “Within that framework, I see us all striving for our own identity.”
