Congratulations to the US Navy Football Team

For those of you who didn't stay up late last night to watch the Poinsettia Bowl (the game didn't start until 9:30 Central Time), you missed a great game.

The Midshipmen showed a lot of heart and character.

It would have been easy for the Mids to get discouraged, since Colorado State took an early 7-0 lead, marching steadily down the field against Navy's defense. Instead, Navy bounced back, tying the game in one play.

Then Colorado State again took the lead 10-7 and their defense seemed to be able to penatrate Navy's offensive line and disrupt the triple-option that has served the Mids so well. Then, when Navy finally took the lead, Colorado State was able to block the extra-point, leaving the score 13-10 and putting the Rams within stricking distance of regaining the lead.

Instead, Navy began to dominate. The Navy defensive line bent, but didn't break on the next three series, forcing Colorado State to punt twice, and finally stopping them near midfield as time expired at the half. At the same time Navy's offense took charge of the game, scoring two touchdowns to make the game 27-10 at the half.

The second half was all Navy. It seemed like every time the Rams scored, and might make it a close game again, Navy answered and put the game back out of reach.

Navy set or tied more records than I care to recount in their 51-30 victory.

Navy Football was a success in another respect as well. Even though the game was played across the country from Annapolis, Navy sold more tickets to the game than Colorado State did, putting over 20,000 fans in the seats to CSU's less than 16,000.

Now we look ahead to next year - GO NAVY!!!