Standing on the field as the sideline reporter on the Navy Radio Network, I watched the Mids nearly ruin the weekend for over 105,000 people dressed in red. The Mids were within a two-point conversion of tying THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY with 2:23 to go.
What struck me the most were two things. No one got up in anyone's face and started taunting. When guys had big collisions, they were met with taps on the shoulder pads of respect. See, when you are well coached, and coached by staffs who demand you act like men and not 15 year old egotistical punks, this is the product you get. The behavior of both teams in a hard fought game for 60 minutes was exactly what the AFCA was hoping to get from its teams this weekend. This is just a football game. Perhaps tapes should be sent to Boise State and Oregon for future reference.
The second thing was how Navy Quarterback Ricky Dobbs, who might one day be in a situation to take a bullet on the battlefield, took a football bullet yesterday for his team. He didn't have too, he played very well. His teammates did what they were asked to do. A superior athlete on the other side, Terrell Pryor made several plays to escape potential danger in the first half to give Ohio State just enough breathing room.
"I take full responsibility for this loss," Dobbs said. How many college athletes, or heck, athletes at any level are willing to step to a podium and say that? This is a kid who wants to run for President in 2040. Ricky, Ill 70, but if im kicking, you still have my vote.
The Service Academies went 2-1 overall yesterday. All three showed signs they are ready to play good football this year. Army bested Eastern Michigan on the road and Air Force scorched 1-AA or FCS foe Nicholls State in a glorified scrimmage, 72-0.
The commerce that was taking place on Lane Ave. on the way in to Ohio Stadium yesterday was amazing. Vendors galore, selling everything from Necklaces to sunglasses to any kind of food or beverage of your choice. But the respect the people of Columbus showed for the Mids players, fans, and support staff was truly remarkable and will never be forgotten.
The ACC would like to forget its weekend. No notable wins, and several frustrating losses. Virginia Tech and Maryland lost to SEC and PAC-10 foes, and Richmond and William & Mary of the CAA won games against ACC teams, Duke and Virginia on their fields! Cop that with Villanova coming back to beat Temple late, and the CAA had a spectacular weekend.
Sam Bradford's injury proved costly to Oklahoma, but what was more stunning to find out was 36 BYU players are Married! I know they go on missions and are a bit older, but 36!!!!! That has to be an NCAA record.
4-0 this week, Army and South Carolina win outright and NAVY-OSU went over and Oklahoma State -5 beat Georgia by 14. See ya next week.
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