With its invitation to the Meineke Car Care Bowl secured and 1-8 Eastern Michigan on the schedule Saturday, the Navy football team is in a prime position for another late-season run that has become the standard during coach Paul Johnson?s tenure.
Over the previous three years, Navy (6-3) has gone 8-1 over their final three games while averaging 41.1 points per contest during that span. This record includes a 3-0 stretch to end last season, when the Midshipmen averaged 43.7 points in lopsided wins over Temple (38-17), Army (42-23) and Colorado State (51-30).
However, while Navy?s final three opponents have a combined record of 5-24, Johnson said repeating the accomplishments of the last three years will be more difficult this season since the Mids are dealing with a number of key injuries. Most notable are the season-ending knee injuries to quarterback Brian Hampton and right tackle Josh Meek. Also, safety Dujan Price is listed as doubtful for this weekend with a pulled right quadriceps, while kicker Joey Bullen is doubtful with a strained groin.
At the sametime, a number of players have filled in admirably, including quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, right tackle Andrew McGinn and kicker Matt Harmon.
“We are what we are, and we do what we do,” Johnson said. “We keep running [our offense], and you would hope you get better at it as the season goes along. This year, we?ve had so many injuries and we have a lot of key guys that aren?t there.
“Kaipo actually has two games as a starter under his belt, so it?s not like he?s a guy that has played nine games. We?ve had some guys play different positions. Defensively, we?ve had to mix and match some. We?ve had some guys hurt. Historically, we?ve done OK towards the end of the year. Hopefully, we can keep it going.”
Kaheaku-Enhada said a big part of Navy?s success toward the end of the season can be attributed to the constant repetitions in practice and games.
He added this is especially important with the triple-option offense, which requires a great deal of timing and chemistry between the quarterback and running backs.
“Our offense is all about developing a rhythm,” Kaheaku-Enhada said. “And this time of year, we start to click. Hopefully, we can do that over the last three games this year.”
Surge protectors
» Navy?s opponents so far this season have a combined record of 37-32. This includes the three teams that have beaten Navy ? Tulsa, Rutgers and Notre Dame ? which are a combined 23-3 entering this week.
» Navy join Southern Mississippi, Ohio State, Boston College, Utah, Texas and Arizona State as the only schools to win bowl games each of the last two years.
