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College football experts have been pointing toward Sept. 28 as the most important game on the schedule for the Naval Academy. That is the day the Midshipmen host the Duke Blue Devils in a battle of teams that failed to win a single game in 2001. Many feel that is the Middies' only chance to pick up a victory in 2002.

Navy, of course, opens its season at 7 p.m. Saturday at Ford Stadium against SMU. The Middies will present a new look under first-year head coach Paul Johnson. Gone is the triple option offense that has been the signature of Navy offenses in years past. Johnson brings with him a spread, multiple offense (that will feature some option, but it won't be as exclusive as it was under former coaches) from Georgia Southern, where he was one of the most successful coaches in Div. I-AA history, putting up a 62-9 (.873) record and won two straight Div. I-AA national championships. His .873 winning percentage at the Div. I-AA level is the highest Div. I-AA percentage ever, far outdistancing the .826 mark posted by current Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer.

In its 0-10 campaign last year, Navy was dominated in nearly every statistical category, but played only one game that was a complete demolition: a 70-7 pounding at the hands of Georgia Tech. So while they failed to win a game, the Midshipmen were at least competitive in most. The Middies' rushing-based offense was outgained, 244.6 yards per game to 181.8. The passing game was even more lopsided, as opponents threw for 218.1 yards per game, compared to Navy's 137.5 yards per game through the air. The total yardage differential of nearly 150 per game led to the Middies losing all 10 games by an average score of 24.4-18.3.

Navy's top two rushers from a year ago are gone; the most prolific returning rusher is slotback Tony Lane (5-foot-9, 202 pounds), who averaged just 18.5 yards per game a year ago, although because his carries were limited to 39, he averaged 5.4 yards per carry. Guiding the Middies' offense Saturday will be quarterback Craig Candeto (5-11, 197), who played in six games in 2001, completing 15-of-33 passes (45.5 percent) for 208 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Wideout Chandler Sims is the team's top returning receiver, hauling in 18 passes last year for 183 yards (10.2 yards per catch). Lane caught 12 passes a year ago for 232 yards (19.3) and three scores.

The Mustangs' defense will face an experienced offensive line that features three seniors and two junior among its starting five, a group that averages just over 6-3 in height and 282.2 pounds per man. Navy will rarely employ a tight end.

Defensively, the Midshipmen feature a four-man defensive line that is relatively small, which might bode well for the SMU running game; starters Dan Person (left defensive end), Joey Owmby (left tackle), Josh Brindel (right tackle) and Pierre Moss (right end) average just 256 pounds per man. Brindel (280) is the biggest of the four, and sophomore Moss is the only non-senior of the bunch.

Starting linebackers Eddie Carthan, Andy Sinitiere and Ben Mathews are all juniors, but none ranked among the Middies' top tacklers a year ago. Junior left cornerback Shalimar Brazier is the team's top returning tackler, with 46 stops and an interception in his sophomore campaign.

The Navy defense mustered just eight quarterback sacks last season, and 19 takeaways on nine interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries.

Junior Eric Rolfs takes over as Navy's placekicker, while junior John Skaggs returns as one of the nation's premier punters. A year ago, Skaggs averaged a whopping 44.8 yards on 48 punts, with a long of 72 yards. He had 12 punts inside the 20, and didn't have any blocked.

Dang - is there anything Navy's good at? Besides punting?
No wonder the Ponies are heavy favorites.

Navy is the perfect opening opponent. As Tate gets his feet wet, he'll be facing a defense that doesn't seem able to stop anyone. They have a new defensive staff under the new coach - led by assistant coaches who came to Annapolis from N.C. State and Marshall - but they still have the same personnel. With Comet out and Tate starting his first game, this is the perfect defense for SMU to establish some offensive comfort.

But I think you're taking Navy's offense too lightly. From what I've heard, they will still use some option, and they should be able to score some points. This might be a higher scoring game than you think.

And for the record, be prepared for a massive invasion from Ennis this weekend. Everyone I know is coming up for Tate's debut.

There are a lot more things that benefit the Mustangs starting out with Navy other than Tate getting his feet wet.
The offensive line is going to need some time to learn how to work together and see if the young guys can step up. Some of the older players need to realize it's their time and take over. The defensive line is in for a little test also. Since Birdwell left, Adami is going to have to really unleash himself on the offensive lines. I like the kid, he plays with a lot of tenacity.
The bottom line is the team can only be as good as their lines.

I agree - the play of both lines will be crucial. Good thing Navy's defensive line isn't that strong or effective.

And you're right on about Adami. He plays like he's chasing his dinner -- he doesn't stop. Ever. I think he's going to be a huge surprise on the defensive line this year.

Everything I read is that Tate Wallis is very well-coached, works very hard and has a lot of poise. Any more like him in Ennis you want to send our way?

Here's hoping Ennis QB Harrell, a rising junior who started as a soph last reason someday chooses SMU. His dad is the coach at Ennis.

Any one know what college coach Harrell attended?

There was a nice piece in the DMN recently that mentioned current HP quaterback FOran (I think) and Harrell. They may meet in the play-offs this season.

According to a teammate, Foran is a nice athlete, but will never be able to learn a college offense.

[This message has been edited by ClassOf81 (edited 08-27-2002).]

Hey 81, I'm not suggesting Foran. I had not heard of Foran before the DMN article. I do think the current Ennis QB Harrell might be something special when he finishes.

I also wish SMU had signed the last HP quaterback though, Webb who went to Northwestern.