Navy Football 2005 Wrap-Up:
23 20
My take on the game:
Overall:
Lordy Lordy! All I read this morning was how great a rivalry this would be and how Maryland and Navy should play each other every year. I don’t know if I agree about that, in fact if I ever see the triple option again it will be WAY too soon. Luckily alls well that ends well. The Terps take home a huge opening victory and give us a preview of the 2005 season, where every game is going to be a dog fight and all W’s will be as treasured as a lot one parking pass.
Game Highlights:
Sometimes this section is hard to write, but today it is a no-brainer. Lance Ball’s run after catching the Hollenbach screen pass was by far the highlight of the game. This play is also nominated for highlight of the 2005 season. If Ball doesn’t break those tackles the game is over and the Terps start the tough 2005 season 0-1. Come November that play could be the difference between bowling and sitting at home. Great job Lance!
Game Lowlights:
I hate to dwell on the bad after winning such a key game, but I have to admit when Hollenbach threw his second interception of the game while the Terps were already down 14-3, I was ready to write off the 2005 season. Though the first interception was not his fault the second one left you scratching your head. Luckily Sam rallied once again proving how undeveloped my football prognosticating skills really are.
Game MVP:
This one is tough. Ball’s run was absolutely crucial to the win. D’Qwells 18 tackles were also the stuff of legends, but for my MVP award I am going to have to go with Mario Merrills and his 149 yards (and 12 yard TD). I for one believe that everything Maryland does resolves around our ability to run. Bruce helped open things up for Shaun Hill, and Josh Allen helped free up McBrien, now it is Merrills turn to help out the offense. His ability to find the holes allowed Hollenbach time to set his feet and make sound decisions. That is why Mario Merrills gets the Denton 7 Tailgate MVP award!
Around the ACC:
Clemson
25- Texas A&M 24- A thriller in Death Valley gives the
Tigers a 1-0 start and some pay back to the beating they took in
College Station last year. Jad Dean sets a school record for 6
field goals made, something no Tiger (or man named Jad) has ever
done. The battle of the unbeatens is on for next week!
Boston College 20 BYU 3- Quinton Porter throws for 232 yards and 2 TD’s as the #22 Eagles represent the ACC for the first time. BYU losses it’s 11th straight game to a ranked opponent, giving the Eagles schedule maker BC’s first MVP award of the year.
Georgia Tech 23 Auburn 14- I don’t know about you but I for one am glad we don’t meet up with the Yellow Jackets this year. Chan Gailey led an inspired group into Auburn and shocked Tiger Nation. Auburn never could get things going and any chance of going undefeated in 2005 left on the Georgia Tech team bus.
Virginia 31 Western Michigan 19- Marques Hagans had one passing and one rushing TD to lead the Cavilers to an unimpressive, yet crucial first “W” of the year. The Bronco’s exposed UVA’s vulnerability to stop the short passing game, but in the end the Cav’s tack on a late score to make the game appear more lopsided than it actually was.
Vandy 24 Wake 20- Jeff Jennings scored from 5 yards out with 1:48 left on the clock to beat the Demon Deacons in this less than marquee ACC-SEC match up. Vandy opens up the year 1-0 for the first time in 8 years. Way to go Wake!
Eastern Carolina 24 Duke 21- Does anyone really care? Honestly, do you? If so call me and I will give you a quip, otherwise lets not waste time.
Virginia Tech 21 NC State 16- Is there any team out there better at beating themselves than NC State? VT survives it’s trip to Raleigh on Sunday night by allowing NC State to well, be themselves. On another note Michael “Ron Mexico” Vick set a new record for most air time ever by a player not even on either team. I don’t know who had the old record, but Ronnie got as much screen time as the grass at Carter-Finely.
ACC Standings:
Atlantic
BC 0-0 1-0
Clemson 0-0 1-0
Maryland 0-0 1-0
FSU 0-0 0-0
NC St 0-0 0-1
Wake 0-0 0-1
Coastal
GT 0-0 1-0
Virginia 0-0 1-0
VT 1-0 1-0
Miami 0-0 0-0
UNC 0-0 0-0
Duke 0-0 0-1