Yesterday in Downtown Baltimore, a divided Stadium cheered equally for the in-state institutions – the University of Maryland and the Naval Academy.
It was great scene, and the atmosphere makes me reconsider my previously stated position of this being a poor game for Maryland to play on an annual-basis.
My opinion on the Navy Football team did not change. I admired them prior to this game for what they have accomplished over the previous 7 years, and I respect what they did yesterday. I knew the Terps were in for a fight, and I anticipated a very tough-game. I knew Navy would have 1/2 the crowd, and would be difficult to defend with their triple-option offense. After coming off a season where Navy played close with Ohio State, beat Notre Dame, beat Missouri; you knew a team returning a lot of experience would be a difficult opponent for anyone.
It showed on the field yesterday. I went into the game anticipating Navy rolling to 300+ yards on the ground. The Midshipman did just that with 412 yards, and 5 different backs gaining at-least 50 yards. Up and down the field they marched, chewing up time on the clock and pushing towards points.
I was most impressed with Navy with their pass defense. I knew that Navy likes to play a defensive style of containment, where they keep the opposing offense in-front of them. I knew Navy would have a hard time stopping the Terrapin rushing game, and thought that could lead to the Terps spreading Navy out and making plays over the top. Jamarr Robinson threw for over 200 yards against Florida State, and I reasoned he could do the same against Navy. The Midshipman held Robinson and the Terps offense to 11 yards passing, which was very surprising to me.
When I previewed this game in August, I received a lot of comments from Navy supporters who thought I was disrespecting their team:
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2010/08/maryland-vs-navy-rivalscom.html
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2010/08/maryland-vs-navy-rivalscom-pt-2.html
My main point in that initial blog above really had little to do with Navy, and more about what I thought was poor analysis from Rivals.com. Rivals ranked MD as having an average recruiting class ranking of 30th over a 6 year period, but ranked the Terps as their 92nd best team overall. They ranked Navy as having an average recruiting ranking of 117th over that 6 year period, but as their 23rd best team in the country.
I never made the point that games are won and loss through recruiting rankings, I just thought this made little rationale sense.
Even though I never made the point that games are won/loss through recruiting rankings, I certainly received a lot of comments from Navy supporters reminding me about results and the scoreboard.
Terrapin fans should view this game in the same prism. MD’s defense had plenty of breaks, but they also made the plays they needed to make to win. For all the yardage Navy accumulated, all that matters is that Maryland left Ravens Stadium yesterday with the Win. That was an accomplishment, and something the Terrapins desperately needed. Their confidence is going to grow from this victory, and that is what this team needed the most.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.