Annapolis, Md. – There’s something new this year for the Air Force-Navy opener of the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy race.
When the Falcons and Midshipmen play for the 38th time, the game will be at Navy’s home field for the first time since 1997. The last three meetings on the East Coast have been at FedEx Stadium in Landover, Md.
Whether having the game back in revamped Navy-Marine Corps Stadium is an advantage for Navy has yet to be seen. However, the game is being billed as a rededication of the stadium. A record crowd of 37,000 is expected.
“To be honest, I didn’t know it was a rededication game until I read it in our press release,” Navy coach Paul Johnson said. “It’s great to play at home in our own stadium, but there is going to be a lot of things going on around the game other than just football.”
Air Force coach Fisher DeBerry isn’t concerned about where the game is being played. He is more interested in getting his team back to playing winning football on the heels of a three- game losing streak in Mountain West Conference play.
“We need to win a game; that would be the best medicine our team could get,” DeBerry said. “Navy has won the last two games in our series, but I don’t think our players have forgotten how to win. With the trophy, Navy has about all the edge it needs.
“I don’t think they purposely picked this game to rededicate their stadium. I’d rather play the game at Navy. It makes for a much better college football atmosphere, and that’s what makes college football such a great game.”
The winner of the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy is the team with the best record when Navy, Air Force and Army meet. If there is a tie, the team with the trophy retains it another year.
None of Air Force’s players has played at Navy’s home stadium.
“It’s an advantage for them to be home, but it’s an away game for us either way we go. Even if the game is in the Redskins’ stadium or not, we’re still playing on the road,” Air Force quarterback Shaun Carney said. “We don’t have any trouble getting our emotions up to play Navy.”
Navy fullback Matt Hall said he believes the home crowd will be a boost.
“Anytime we play in our home stadium, it’s an advantage,” Hall said. “We play well here with our fans behind us.”
Maybe the biggest difference is Navy’s sudden dominance after Air Force won 19 of the previous 21 games before 2003.
“I don’t go into the game knowing we’re going to win,” Johnson said when asked if Air Force players used to have that feeling. “I’m expecting a hard-fought game, just like the last two.”
Air Force at Navy
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Air Force (2-3): Look for the Falcons to feature fullbacks Jacobe Kendrick and Ryan Williams in hopes of establishing the running game and controlling time of possession. If that is successful, quarterback Shaun Carney will choose when to throw over the Navy defense, utilizing receivers Jason Brown and Greg Kirkwood. Kendrick leads the Falcons in rushing with 304 yards, while Brown has become one of the top receiving threats in the Mountain West Conference with 22 catches for 432 yards. Air Force’s defensive front will again be put to the test, with defensive end Gilberto Perez needing a big game to disrupt Navy’s option.
Navy (1-2): Quarterback Lamar Owens and fullback Matt Hall provide a good 1-2 punch for an offense that is averaging just less than 30 points a game. The offense has been more quick-strike than in the past, with opponents showing a 71-53 advantage in first downs. Owens has had three passes intercepted. Navy’s defense features linebackers Rob Caldwell and Jake Biles, the leading tacklers with a combined 68.
KEY STAT
Navy’s opponents have a 32:11- 27:49 advantage in possession time.
KEY FOR AIR FORCE
Eliminate mistakes, finish possessions with touchdowns and keep Navy’s defense on the field. The Falcons need to play much more efficient, ball-control football to start winning again.
KEY FOR NAVY
Slowing Air Force offense. The Midshipmen have had trouble on defense and if the Falcons control the ball like the rest of Navy’s opponents have, Air Force could break a two-year losing streak.
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
