Navy will be seeking to jump-start its struggling offense tonight when it travels to the suburban city of DeKalb to take on Northern Illinois of the Mid-American Conference.
Navy is coming off a disappointing offensive effort against Notre Dame in which it was held to a season-low 178 yards rushing and converted just one of 15 third- or fourth-down opportunities. The Midshipmen had numerous breakdowns in that game, with the quarterbacks missing reads and blockers blowing assignments.
"I'm just looking for us to execute better on offense. I just want us to play better offensively, do a better job of running the option," Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. We're hoping we have a breakout game and execute for four quarters. We've just been playing too much in spurts. We haven't sustained stuff."
Hotshot sophomore Ricky Dobbs will start at quarterback tomorrow night in hopes he can spark the team's triple-option attack. Dobbs was rewarded for putting forth three straight strong performances in relief of seniors Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada and Jarod Bryant.
Niumatalolo said Dobbs still makes mistakes in terms of reading the defense and distributing the ball, but said the youngster's ability to move the team and produce points were undeniable.
"I think the dimension that Ricky adds is that he's a strong runner. He has the strength to run through tackles," said Niumatalolo, adding that Dobbs had a good week of practice. "We're very excited about Ricky. After what he's done on the field against SMU, Temple and Notre Dame, you have to start believing what you are seeing."
Niumatalolo and offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper were stunned watching the Notre Dame film as the Midshipmen failed to execute the basic fundamentals. For example, there were multiple plays in which the play-side slot back and wide receiver both went after the safety and left the cornerback un-blocked.
"It was rough. It was very unlike a Navy football team. We have to put that behind us and come out and play a flawless game. It's just a matter of going out and putting it all together,," Jasper said.
Navy's offense normally hits its stride when the weather turns cold. The Midshipmen are averaging 37.3 points in games played in November and December the past six years. That's because the players have been practicing the triple-option for three months and are executing at a high level.
"Execution. That's what we've been harping on all week. We just have to raise the focus level and execute. If we do that, we'll be fine," said slot back Shun White, who leads Navy in rushing with 873 yards and seven touchdowns.
Navy's offensive line has been inconsistent, performing well in one game then breaking down the next. Jasper has been forced to use an unbalanced line more often than usual this season, inserting an extra tackle or bringing a wide receiver in tight to provide help with blocking linebackers.
"Most of our problems are the result of assignment busts. I think a big thing is guys getting too keyed up and losing focus," Gaskins said. "I try to tell guys to just settle down and concentrate on their job. Just act like we're back in practice doing team option. We rep our plays so much, it should be second nature by now."
Northern Illinois returns nine defensive starter's from last year's team that gave up 359 yards rushing in a 24-18 loss to Navy in 2007. Right end Larry English leads a unit that is vastly improved this season, ranking first or second in the MAC in five defensive categories. The Huskies are holding opponents to 18.3 points and 304 yards per game.
Free safety David Bryant leads Northern Illinois with 64 total tackles while strong safety Mike Sobol (52), along with outside linebackers Josh Allen (50) and Alex Kube (49) are also key figures.
"You're not going to totally stop Navy's offense because they run that option very, very well. What you need to do is come up with some negative plays to get them off schedule," Northern Illinois head coach Jerry Kill said. "If you can get Navy into some third-and-long situations ? that is not their strength."
This is the final regular season game for Northern Illinois (6-5), which is looking to clinch a winning record and improve its chances of earning a bowl bid. The Huskies will honor 20 seniors in a pregame ceremony and expect a raucous crowd for a rare national television contest.
Navy, on the other hand, will be making its first visit to DeKalb and will play on a Tuesday night for the first time in program history. All those factors - combined with the fact the Midshipmen have a sophomore quarterback making his first career start - have Niumatalolo worried.
"This is going to be a tough football game for us. I'm very concerned with where this game lies in the schedule and what Northern Illinois has at stake," said Niumatalolo.
Navy is coming off a disappointing offensive effort against Notre Dame in which it was held to a season-low 178 yards rushing and converted just one of 15 third- or fourth-down opportunities. The Midshipmen had numerous breakdowns in that game, with the quarterbacks missing reads and blockers blowing assignments.
"I'm just looking for us to execute better on offense. I just want us to play better offensively, do a better job of running the option," Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. We're hoping we have a breakout game and execute for four quarters. We've just been playing too much in spurts. We haven't sustained stuff."
Hotshot sophomore Ricky Dobbs will start at quarterback tomorrow night in hopes he can spark the team's triple-option attack. Dobbs was rewarded for putting forth three straight strong performances in relief of seniors Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada and Jarod Bryant.
Niumatalolo said Dobbs still makes mistakes in terms of reading the defense and distributing the ball, but said the youngster's ability to move the team and produce points were undeniable.
"I think the dimension that Ricky adds is that he's a strong runner. He has the strength to run through tackles," said Niumatalolo, adding that Dobbs had a good week of practice. "We're very excited about Ricky. After what he's done on the field against SMU, Temple and Notre Dame, you have to start believing what you are seeing."
Niumatalolo and offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper were stunned watching the Notre Dame film as the Midshipmen failed to execute the basic fundamentals. For example, there were multiple plays in which the play-side slot back and wide receiver both went after the safety and left the cornerback un-blocked.
"It was rough. It was very unlike a Navy football team. We have to put that behind us and come out and play a flawless game. It's just a matter of going out and putting it all together,," Jasper said.
Navy's offense normally hits its stride when the weather turns cold. The Midshipmen are averaging 37.3 points in games played in November and December the past six years. That's because the players have been practicing the triple-option for three months and are executing at a high level.
"Execution. That's what we've been harping on all week. We just have to raise the focus level and execute. If we do that, we'll be fine," said slot back Shun White, who leads Navy in rushing with 873 yards and seven touchdowns.
Navy's offensive line has been inconsistent, performing well in one game then breaking down the next. Jasper has been forced to use an unbalanced line more often than usual this season, inserting an extra tackle or bringing a wide receiver in tight to provide help with blocking linebackers.
"Most of our problems are the result of assignment busts. I think a big thing is guys getting too keyed up and losing focus," Gaskins said. "I try to tell guys to just settle down and concentrate on their job. Just act like we're back in practice doing team option. We rep our plays so much, it should be second nature by now."
Northern Illinois returns nine defensive starter's from last year's team that gave up 359 yards rushing in a 24-18 loss to Navy in 2007. Right end Larry English leads a unit that is vastly improved this season, ranking first or second in the MAC in five defensive categories. The Huskies are holding opponents to 18.3 points and 304 yards per game.
Free safety David Bryant leads Northern Illinois with 64 total tackles while strong safety Mike Sobol (52), along with outside linebackers Josh Allen (50) and Alex Kube (49) are also key figures.
"You're not going to totally stop Navy's offense because they run that option very, very well. What you need to do is come up with some negative plays to get them off schedule," Northern Illinois head coach Jerry Kill said. "If you can get Navy into some third-and-long situations ? that is not their strength."
This is the final regular season game for Northern Illinois (6-5), which is looking to clinch a winning record and improve its chances of earning a bowl bid. The Huskies will honor 20 seniors in a pregame ceremony and expect a raucous crowd for a rare national television contest.
Navy, on the other hand, will be making its first visit to DeKalb and will play on a Tuesday night for the first time in program history. All those factors - combined with the fact the Midshipmen have a sophomore quarterback making his first career start - have Niumatalolo worried.
"This is going to be a tough football game for us. I'm very concerned with where this game lies in the schedule and what Northern Illinois has at stake," said Niumatalolo.
