Navy coach Paul Johnson likes to be independent.
He thinks his football program is better off playing an independent schedule rather than belonging to a conference, as Air Force does with its membership in the Mountain West Conference.
“For us, playing an independent schedule makes more sense,” Johnson said. “We always play Air Force, Army and Notre Dame and otherwise we can play teams such as Stanford one week, Maryland or Duke the next week. It’s more of a national schedule, and we like that.”
Johnson is in his fourth season as Navy’s coach. Over the past two years the Midshipmen have proved they can play a national schedule, with an overall 19-9 record, including a 1-2 start this season. They have gone to back-to-back bowl games and won the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy each year by beating Army and Air Force. Navy has struggled this season with losses to Maryland and Stanford before defeating Duke last week.
“When you’re in a conference, you play the same teams every year,” Johnson said. “I think our fans like the variety of opponents as well.”
This week, the Midshipmen are looking at what amounts to a conference game against Air Force in their bid to retain the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
Junior fullback Matt Hall senses the difference in practice.
“We know the interest here is heightened when we play Air Force and Army,” Hall said. “You know it’s a different level when you play another service academy because it’s drilled into your head. We’re not playing to win the trophy by default. We want to win both games.”
Johnson is still trying to figure out how good his team can be. For one thing, fullback Kyle Eckel has graduated, taking a big chunk out of the offensive game plan. The Midshipmen are also much younger throughout the roster this season.
Johnson wasn’t thrilled with his team’s performance against Duke after two weeks off.
“We won, but I didn’t think we played very well,” he said. “I think it was because of having not played in a long time. I believe we’ll play better this week.”
Even without Eckel, Navy’s option offense has been effective. With quarterback Lamar Owens leading the way with 236 yards rushing, Navy averages 260.7 yards a game on the ground.
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
