The naysayers are quick to point to 412 rushing yards that the Midshipmen racked up during the game.  While the number of yards is rather high, it is only to be expected when playing Navy.  No one needs to be told anymore how difficult the triple option is to stop and no one should be surprised that Maryland’s D struggled to defend it.

Regardless of the rushing output by Navy, Maryland’s defense was successful in a number of big spots.  Of course, Kenny Tate was huge on the game-ending goal line stand.  The D also stepped up after the fumble on Danny O’Brien’s first and only play of the game; they forced a quick 3-and-out at a time when Navy had a chance to seize the momentum in the 4th quarter.  Lastly, how about Adrian Moten forcing Dobbs to fumble?  Pure athleticism, anticipation, and football IQ.

The defense got the job done when it mattered most, and that is what counts.

Blog from Josh Fendrick—Sophomore at College Park

Kenny Tate stopped Ricky Dobbs at the goal line with 34 seconds left, and Maryland stunned in-state rival Navy 17-14 on Monday to break a seven-game losing streak that began last October.  Observations of a great victory for the 1-0 Maryland Terrapins:

Who cares about stats? Navy’s 417 rushing yards meant nothing because Maryland stiffened when it had to. To hold this potent offense to only 14 points is a credit to Def Coordinator Don Brown. Moten, Kenny Tate, Alex Wujciak and Demetrius Hartsfield stood out at key moments.

The first drive script was flawless as the Terps went up 7-0.

Jamarr reminded me of Vince Young with his single wing type running. He finished with 92 yards.

Shocked that Niumatalolo went for the TD at the end. That last 1 yard is always tough to get. Ralph made adjustments at half and decided to concentrate on Dobbs. Very Effective! The harder Dobbs was hit –the less effective he became.

Up 14-7 the Terps drove down field via the run and then on 2nd and 2 from the 19 Jamarr threw an interception.

Navy’s attempt to keep the ball away from Torrey Smith proved costly field position wise.

Coach Niumatalolo’s postgame comments  ”You have to give Maryland credit. Coach Friedgen and his program, obviously a hard fought game, but they made plays to win the ball game. Like I said all the credit to their program, give Maryland the credit” ”Ifs, ands, and buts, but you have to find a way to finish. I can’t remember a time where we rushed for 400 yards and lost a ball game. There’s no consolation in moving the ball. The object of the game is to score and they did a good job keeping us out. We just had some mental lapses. I got out-coached. This is a team loss. We came in here trying to make sure we took care of the football. We lost the turnover battle. We knew they were going to try and run the ball and we had a hard time stopping the run. We could have converted in the red zone. So like I said, we just had a mishap there at the end of the half. We were either just going to throw the ball out of bounds and kick the field goal and we had a mental lapse there. And it was probably a bad call on my part to go for it there at the end. The biggest fault is my fault. We could have kicked the game into overtime and seen what happened – bad decision.”

Kudos to Travis Baltz in a pinch hit role as placekicker in the absence of Nick Ferrara.

I had a chance to meet new AD Kevin Anderson. First impressions were excellent as the new AD greatly enjoyed his first victory over Navy.

Great crowd of 69000 of which it seemed about 60-40 Maryland.

Ralph was clearly in the best mood I have seen in 7 months referring to the importance of finishing!!!

Danny OBrien’s debut was spoiled by what looked to be a busted play. I believe he will get some reps against Morgan State this Saturday night.

Ricky Dobbs–great player yes–Heisman candidate—nahhhhhhhhhh

Next up The Morgan State Bears Saturday night at 6PM

Navy comes into this game a touchdown favorite. The speculation for success for the Midshipmen in 2010 is higher then it has been in 3 decades. There are many in Annapolis who believe Navy could go 12-0. This is actually one of Navy’s marquee games, with the exception of Notre Dame. Ricky Dobbs is a Heisman trophy candidate. You can slow him down a little but never entirely. The triple option will pose problems for Maryland in that they rarely see it. However Navy’s linebacking corps is composed of relatively  inexperienced players. Jamarr Robinson will have a field day with Navy, running and passing on the run. Look for Da’Rel Scott and Torrey Smith to have huge games. To a man Maryland has to be sick and tired of hearing Navy this, Dobbs that, 2-10.etc. Navy is a quality team. But not today!!! Maryland 35 Navy 28.

“I think we’ve had great preparation going into this season. Our off-season work was very good. I think we’ve improved over where we were this time last year. ”I think our offensive line is better, we’ve been able to stay healthy and have the same team working together which I think is really important for us. We have a young, inexperienced group behind the first team but we are looking very good with the first team at this point. We’re going to have players on the offense that can make plays, especially at wide receiver and running back and also at tight end. Even though we’ve suffered a few losses there, the good news is we’ve only lost one of our tight ends for the year; the others will be back. “Defensively I think we have some youth. We lost some defensive linemen but I think we are more athletic and have more speed. Our secondary is inexperienced but I think we will be better there. We have more athleticism and more aggressiveness so we should be improved there also. I think the strength of our defense is our linebackers. With (Alex) Wujciak, (Adrian) Moten and (Demetrius) Hartsfield I think we have three very good linebackers.

“He’s an extremely fiery and aggressive player, and I think he’s very talented,” said Foxworth, who played with Wilson for three years at Maryland. “I know his personality fits into what we’re building here. Josh is a no-nonsense type of guy that fits in with this defense and what it means to be a Raven. Off the field, he is a high-integrity guy. He’s a family man, who is very smart and community-minded.”