Any euphoria Ken Niumatalolo had over Navy’s win over archrival Army and record seventh straight Commander-in-Chief trophy quickly dissipated when the Mids coach began to study Missouri, his opponent in Thursday’s Texas Bowl.
“You’re on cloud nine, and you come and turn on the tape Monday morning and to see these guys, how big they are,” said Niumatalolo. “The first thing that stands out is their physical size on both sides of the football. They’re a huge football team.”
Recommended Stories
The only time this year Navy (9-4) faced a team with similar size was in the Mids’ opener at Ohio State, a 31-27 loss. Missouri (8-4) starts no offensive lineman shorter than 6-foot-4, none lighter than 300 pounds. The Tigers’ skill players include quarterback Blaine Gabbert (6-5, 240) and wideouts Danario Alexander (6-5, 215) and Wes Kemp (6-4, 225).
Navy’s offensive line averages 6-2, 264, three inches shorter and 42 pounds lighter. The average Mids’ linebacker is 6-foot, 214, two inches shorter and 24 pound lighter per man than the Tigers’ crew. Every time Navy lines up to play, the Mids are at a physical disadvantage. But rarely is it this extreme.
“Watching them on tape, they’re pretty big and very physical on defense,” said Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs. “We’re going to have to come out here and prepare and be ready for a dogfight.”
After losing quarterback Chase Daniel and wideout Jeremy Maclin from the 2008 team that played in the Big 12 championship game, Missouri had a surprisingly strong season. With just five seniors in the starting lineup, the Tigers won their final three games, two over bowl-bound teams.
Missouri ranked No. 13 in the nation in passing offense (285 yards per game) as Gabbert, a strong thrower and runner, settled in quickly in his first year as starter. His favorite target, Alexander (107 catches, 1,644 yards, 13 touchdowns), led the nation with 137 receiving yards per game.
“He’s big and fast and strong,” said Niumatalolo. “Everybody knows how good he is, and people try to scheme things … He still finds ways to get in space. He still finds ways to make big plays.”
On the other side of the ball, Navy’s vaunted triple-option offense, which ranks No. 4 in the nation in rushing (272.5 yards per game), will be tested by a Missouri defense that ranked No. 12 against the run (96.4 ypg). All-Big 12 linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (6-2, 245) leads the unit.
Coach Gary Pinkel has made sure the Tigers know the Mids are formidable, despite their lack of size.
“They’re a very physical team. That’s what they do, they pound the ball, pound the ball,” said Missouri defensive back Kevin Ritland. “I’ve watched their film, and seen them play on the national stage, and they’ve always come to play and bring their ‘A’ game. So we’re definitely not going to sleep on them.”
