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Good morning Army football fans! It’s about 9 a.m. at the moment and I’m sitting down to start today’s blog a little bit early. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Air Force is in town as the Black Knights begin their quest to capture the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy. Today’s kickoff may start at noon, but there is already plenty of buzz around Michie Stadium three hours prior to kick.
My name is Tracy Nelson, and for those of you who have checked in throughout the season know the drill. I’m an assistant director of athletic communications here at West Point. Part of my job, at least my main job on football game days, is to be the resident press box blogger.
Throughout today’s blog, feel free to email me with any feedback/questions, etc. You can give me a shout at tracy.nelson@usma.edu. We’re expecting a sellout crowd of 40,000+ this afternoon, so I’m hoping that at least a few people are at home reading the blog!
The preparations that go into a football game go so far beyond just putting 22 guys on the field at a time. Granted, that’s the most important part, but behind-the-scenes there are countless individuals that do everything from direct traffic to taking tickets. Then you have those of us that are up in Hoffman Press Box, keeping stats and making sure that media outlets’ needs are fulfilled.
Speaking of media, ESPNU arrived on the banks of the Hudson yesterday and the crew has already been hard at work getting ready for today’s production. Dave Andrews and legendary Miami coach Larry Coker have the call for today’s service-academy showdown. They have a very special treat in store for fans watching the game on The U. Let’s just say that it involves Dave, Larry, a couple of parachutes and a helicopter. Should be loads of fun for those watching at home!
I realized that I’ve already used the word “special” once, but that word really encompasses what today’s game is all about. Everyone hears about the Army-Navy game. The Air Force game may not take place in a fancy, NFL stadium like the Linc, but it packs a mean punch for fans of both academies around the world.
There is so much action going on today that I don’t even know where to begin. I’ll give you a brief run-down of highlights as I think of them, but I’m sure no matter what I tell you, it won’t hold a candle to being here to witness such a special game.
You couldn’t ask for a better day. Unlike last week’s monsoon-like atmosphere (who cares, it got Army a win!), today features mild temperatures and winds. The sun is peaking out and shining across Lusk Reservoir with the red, orange and yellow trees lining the stadium. It gets said over and over again, but I honestly can say that it’s true. I would put this sight up against any college football stadium in the country when it comes to beauty.
I’m going to try and take advantage of this gorgeous weather myself and head down to Black Knights Alley for a quick walk-through. There’s always so much going on down there. People are milling around, enjoying the pregame show and sounds of Hudson Blue. Many of our cadet-athlete teams have volunteered their precious time to interact with fans young and old. Face painting, kettle-corn eating and rock wall climbing are all among the fun-filled activities that fans can catch via Black Knights Alley. I shall return....
Well, an hour and two stops later, and here I am. I had a chance to stop by the ODIA tailgate, say hello to women’s head basketball coach Dave Magarity and family, and then headed over to Black Knights Alley. What a site the Alley was today! People were everywhere! To make things even better, members of Army’s Sun Bowl team were on hand to sign a bevy of autographs. Perhaps one of the more impressive things that I saw came courtesy of the Army gymnastics team. What an entertaining site they were! When I left, the cadets had a handstand contest. Maybe the reason why it’s so impressive to me is that gravity (and a bit of weight...) have prevented me from successfully doing a handstand since I was about 12-13!
We’re inching closer to game time now, as the Army Football Class of 2009 is currently down on the field with parents and siblings as a part of Senior Day ceremonies.
Time for a quick water run for me, but don’t worry, I will be back in time for kick!
PREGAME
Today’s game is going to be an interesting one to say the least. Since Army went back to the run this year under head coach Stan Brock, it’s going to be option vs. option. Lots of ground game today. Air Force probably comes in as a favorite to win this game, but Army has been hot lately and will also have the advantage of a home-town raucous hometown crowd. Brock is in his second year heading up the BKs, and the same can be said for Air Force’s Troy Calhoun.
Your Black Knights are fresh off an impressive 14-7 win over Louisiana Tech last Saturday here at Michie Stadium. The black and gold have won three of their last four games and stand 3-5 on the season. The Falcons come in boasting a 6-2 mark and are 4-1 in the Mountain West Conference. Army fans are undoubtedly happy to see that Brock’s triple-option is really starting to take flight. Maybe flight is not best word today. Fruition – I’ll go with that. Anyway, sophomore QB Chip Bowden has been impressive in recent weeks and seems to be settling into the offense more and more. He has a huge help out there in senior RB Collin Mooney, a bruising captain that is averaging over 100 yards a game. One thing that is very apparent week after week is that, aside from Mooney, a new star seems to rise each game for Army. Last week, it was junior RB Ian Smith. He scored both of the BK’s touchdowns last week – the first being the first of his collegiate career.
Rather than reiterate what my colleagues have already done, click here for a preview of today’s game (thank you to Ryan Yanoshak) and here if you want an in-depth look via Brian Gunning’s game notes. They can tell you about today’s game a lot more accurately than I probably can!
Captains from Army and Air Force have headed out to meet at midfield for today's coin toss. Army has won the toss and has elected to receive. Air Force will defend the north endzone. Army in its black tops and gold pants. Air Force in all white with silver and blue trim.
FIRST QUARTER
15:00 - Jameson Carter is deep for Army. Ryan Harrison's kick goes out of bounds. Army will start 1st and 10 from its own 40. Decent field position for the BKs out of the gate. QB Chip Bowden goes right to Collin Mooney for a 10-yard gain down the left side. Mooney on the carry again. He is met by a few Falcons, but not before picking up three. Bowden goes to the air and finds Damion Hunter streaking down the Air Force sideline. It's complete and Hunter is off to the races! He does a great job of staying in-bounds and Hunter finds the endzone for the first time in his three-year career. A 47-yard TD for the BKs on the first drive of the game! Matthew Campbell's PAT is good and Army good! Wow Army could not ask for a better start!!!
Drive: 3 plays, 60 yards, 1:18
Army - 7
AF - 0
Campbell back on to kick for the BKs. Asher Clark on the return. He is brought down by senior Frank Scappaticci. 1st and 10 on the 29 for the Falcons. Asher Clark takes the handoff and charges ahead for a 1-yard gain. Clark is the ball-carrier again. He is taken down by senior Lowell Garthwaite after a 3-yard gain. 3rd and 6 for the Falcons. QB Tim Jefferson on the keeper. He is brought down in a hurry and does not have enough. AF to punt. Again, could not ask for a better start. I just hope this momentum continues...
Carlo Sandiego is deep for the BKs. Sandiego waves for a fair catch and Army goes back to work from its own 20. Mooney on the carry. He picks up seven, but it did look like the ball popped out of Mooney's hands. He did look like he was down, but of course, that's why I am not the expert! The play is under review. Looking at the replay angles up here in Hoffman, it does appear a fumble, but we'll have to see if the evidence is enough to overturn. Unfortunately, I was right on my second thought. It was called a fumble and Air Force recovers. AF takes over 1st and 10 on Army's 27.
Ty Paffett takes the pitch and picks up a 1st down. Tim Jefferson on the carry, but there is a flag on the field. Illegal formation is called against AF. That will back the Falcons up 5 yards to the Army 20.
10:00 - QB Tim Jefferson keeps the ball. Flag is down. Jefferson finds the endzone, but a holding penalty negates the score. A huge break for the BKs there. AF is now looking at 1st and 7 from the Army 12. Todd Newell takes the handoff and picks up a couple. Flag is down and Army is called offsides, making it 1st and 2 from the Army 7. Jefferson with the carry. He's brought down by Josh McNary after a gain of 1. Newell on the carry and he pushes it up to the Army 2. Army's defense holds for no gain. Asher Clark on the carry. He is met by Stephen Anderson and Ted Bentler, who abruptly end that run. 3rd and goal. Clark on the carry. He is brough down by McNary for a loss of one. AF opting to go for a FG. His 20-yard FG is good. What a stand by the Army defense under the gun there. To only give up 3 points on that turnover isn't bad at this point.
Drive: 8 plays, 24 yards, 4:23
Army - 7
AF - 3
Ryan Harrison is on to kick for AF with Jameson Carter deep for the BKs. Carter takes a knee for a touchback. Army takes over 1st and 10 at its own 20.
Collin Mooney picks up three on the handoff. QB Chip Bowden goes to Mooney again for a two-yard gain. Wesley McMahand reels in the pitch and looks to run wide, but he is tripped up for a loss of 2. That means Andrew Rinehart heads on to punt for the BKs. Anthony Wright deep for AF. A 41-yard punt and 1-yard return.
5:00 - AF takes over 1st and 10 from its own 29. Jefferson pitches to Kyle Lumpkin. His is just shy of a 1st down. Todd Newell on the carry. He looks like it's enough for a 1st down and he did indeed pick it up. Jefferson drops back to pass and looks long. Intended for Josh Cousins down around the 30, Jefferson's pass is too long for Cousins. Lumpkin on the carry. Josh McNary pulls him down for a loss of two. 3rd and 12 for the Falcons from their own 38. Kyle Halderman on picks up four yards, but it's not enough and Harrison heads out to punt. Carlo Sandiego is deep for the BKs. Nice punt from Harrison, as the 52-yard punt rolls out of bounds at the Army 6.
Collin Mooney goes back to work and picks up four. Mooney picks up five and the BKs are looking at 3rd and 1. Mooney picks up more than enough for a 1st down, as the chains charge ahead to the Army 21.
Bowden keeps it, but he is drawn down right away for a three-yard loss. And that'll do it for the first quarter as the cannons sound across the water.
SECOND QUARTER
During the break, fans were entertained with an "endzone dance" contest sponsored by USAA. A couple of exhuberant competitors out there, but no contest, the guy on the left won. Not that I'm biased or anything, but I am fully confident that Army's own TIm Volkmann would have blown either one of them out of the water. He is a defending dance champion of the Hudson Valley Renegades, and it's too bad that work got in the way of him showing his moves here today.
I digress, back to the action...
15:00 - Army with a very quick 3rd and out, but as Rinehart comes on to punt, flags are all over the place. Roguhing the kicker is the call and Army picks up a huge 1st down on the play. 1st and 10 from the Army 38. Mooney on the carry and picks up four. Penalties are really proving to be a huge advantage for the BKs today. AF has three penalties for 30 yards, while Army just one five-yard punishment today. Mooney picks up one on his next run. Army looking at 3rd and 5 from the 43. Bowden looks to go through the air. I spoke too soon, I guess. His pass is tipped and intercepted by AF's Jake Paulson. Air Force calls for its first timeout of the half.
Asher Clark on the carry. He is chased by Donovan Travis and there is a flag on the play. It looks like an offensive facemask on AF. That 15-yard penalty pulls the Falcons back to their own 44. Jefferson keeps it and he is hunted down in a hurry by Frank Scappaticci for a three-yard loss. 2nd and 28 from the AF 41. Jefferson's pass falls incomplete after taking big hit. Newell on the carry. He picks up five, but it's not nearly enough for the Falcons, as Ryan Harrison heads out to punt. Carlo Sandiego is deep for the BKs. The 38-yard punt is fair caught, and Army takes over at its own 20.
10:00 - Chip Bowden hands off to Bryson Carl. He breaks a tackle and motors ahead for a 1st down. Carl on the carry again. This time he is brought down after a gain of one. Bowden fakes the handoff and takes off straight up the middle for another Army 1st down. Carl picks up two on the carry. Bowden on the keeper. He didn't get much there. No gain on the play. 3rd and 8 from the Army 43. Bowden on the keeper. He moves it ahead for a three-yard gain, and Andrew Rinehart heads on to punt for the BKs.
The 54-yard punt rolls untouched into the endzone for a touchback. Kyle Lumpkin on the carry. He is brought down by Garthwaite after a three-yard carry. Jefferson drops back to pass. It's knocked out of bounds by John Plumbstead. 3rd and 5 from the AF 25. Jefferson on the carry and he is met by a wall of BKs, bringing up 4th down. AF on to punt with Carlo Sandiego deep for Army. He waves for a fair catch. The 39-yard punt makes it 1st and 10 Army from its own 36.
Bowden on the keeper and he picks up six. Bowden goes to Mooney next for a couple of yards. 3rd and 2 for the BKs from their own 44. Bowden on the carry and he breaks loose! Bowden scampers ahead for a 10-yard gain and Army moves into enemy territory with a 1st down.
5:00 - Bowden's pass is incomplete intended for Tony Dace. Bowden dropping back and his is brought down for a loss of three. Bowden looking to throw again. He looks for Jameson Carter, but the ball is batted down and the BKs are forced to punt. Andrew Rinehart boots it and AF comes up with a huge return. The BKs are then slapped with a 15-yard penatly, which moves the ball up to the Army 34 for AF to start its drive.
The Army fans on their feet, looking for a big defensive stop. Jonathan Warzeka on the carry and he picks up a 1st down with an 8-yard gain. Jefferson back to pass. He finds a wide open Ty Paffett. He is just shy of the goal, as the Falcons face 1st and 1. The touchdown play is now being reviewed. Looking at the replay, it's close, but I hate to say that it looks like Paffett stretched out enough for the TD. We shall see...
Thankfully, I was wrong. Afer review, the play stands as called and the Army defense with a chance for a goal line stand. Jefferson keeps it and follows the pile in for a one-yard TD. Harrison is on to attempt the PAT. It is good.
Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 1:05
Army - 7
AF - 10
Harrison is back on to keck with Jameson Carter deep for the BKs. A 58-yard kick and Carter's return spot the ball at the Army 27. Mooney with a five-yard gain on the handoff. Mooney goes up the middle again for a gain of one. Air Force calls for its second timeout of the half.
While I have a minute, thanks to all of you that have been checking in! I really appreciate the feedback and am happy that I'm able to bring the game to you if you don't have access to ESPNU. Just as an added bonus, don't forget that we are running Live Stats from the press box as well. Check those out as well!
Bowden on the carry. There is a flag on the play. A personal foul called against AF. The 15-yard penalty make it 1st and 10 Army from the AF 45. Bowden's pass falls incomplete bringing up 2nd down. Bowden on the carry but there is no gain on the play. Army has now called its first TO of the half with 28 seconds on the clock.
Junior QB Carson Williams is now on the field. Stan Brock is likely looking to go to the air with William's arm. His first pass is complete over the middle to Mooney. Army now looking at 4th and 8 with 20 seconds left. Another Army TO is called.
Williams staill on the field. He looks downfield to Jameson Carter, but his pass falls incomplete. AF takes over 1st and 10 from its own 43. Just under 15 seconds remaining.
Jefferson's pass is complete to Kyle Halderman for a nine-yard gain. Jefferson sees a hole and keeps the ball for a two-yard gain. AF has now burned its final timeout of the half with 4.5 seconds remaining.
As expected, Jefferson is looking deep into the endzone. His pass is intercepted by Donovan Travis of Army just in time for the cannons to signal the end of the half.
Some halftime stats for you...
First Downs
Army - 9
AF - 6
Rushing
Army - 27-99
AF - 22-72
Passing
Army - 8-2-1
AF - 6-3-1
Plays
Army - 35-148
AF - 28-104
Penalties
Army - 2-20
AF - 5-60
Possession
Army - 16:21
AF - 13:39
I think that about does it for now. I'm going to run and grab a bite. You guys do the same and we'll meet back here in 20 short minutes!
Okay troops, I'm back and a lot happier now that I have a standwich in my stomach! I just got an interesting nugget of info. Bonnie Bernstein is in the house and will be joining us up in the press box momentarily. I'll let you know how that progresses. I will share that my male colleagues are pretty psyched for this sighting. If it was somebody like, say, Steve Young or Kirk Herbstreit, I might share the same enthusiasm.
THIRD QUARTER
15:00 - Matthew Campbell is on to kick for Army. Reggie Rembert returns it 23 yards and the Falcons go to work first here in the second half. Ashler Clark hauls in the pitch and gets enough for a 1st down. Clark carries for a loss of one. Lumpkin on the carry for one. Jefferson's pass is swatted into the backfield by Stephen Anderson and a quick 4th down comes up for the AF. Harrison heads on to punt. Carlo Sandiego calls a fair catch at the Army 22. A flag on the play. Illegal formation AF. The five-yard penalty makes it 1st and 10 Army from its own 27.
Mooney goes straight ahead for a three-yard gain. Bowden weaving on the keeper and picks up three on the play. The pitch isn't there so Bowden opts to keep it. He motors ahead and this will be close. Officials award Army the 1st down, so the BKs now on the 38.
Mooney on the carry for no gain. Bowden looks to pass. The short shuffle find Mike Wright for a six-yard gain. 3rd and 4 for the BKs. Bowden keeps the ball and it looks like he got well past the 1st down marker at the Army 48. Bowden on the keeper for a two-yard gain. Bowden's pass is way off the mark, bringing up 3rd and 12.
Bowden pulls down a high snap and hands off to Mooney. A gaping hole straight up the middle allows Mooney to pick up 16 on the play. Mooney again takes it, but this time for no gain. Bowden goes to Mooney again for a two-yard gain. 3rd and 8.
10:00 - Army is now 3-for-3 on 3rd down conversions. Again, I spoke too soon, as Bowden looks for Mike Wright, but his pass falls incomplete. Andrew Rinehart heads on to punt. The punt rolls into the endzone for a touchback.
Asher Clark on the carry. He is brought down by Frank Scappaticci after picking up two. Clark on the carry again for a gain of one. The Falcons are 0-6 on 3rd down conversions so far today. It looks like that trend will continue, as Stephen Anderson stops the Falcons short. AF to punt and Carlo Sandeigo deep. Sandeigo picks up a few extra yards, but a holding pentalty against Army will roll the ball back to the Army 31.
5:00 - Army taking over 1st and 10 on its own 31. Bryson Carl on the carry for no gain. Bowden is caught from behind for a loss of four, bringing up 3rd and 14. Bowden scrambling to pass and looking for Sandiego. The ball falls out of bounds and Army is on to punt. Not much of a return for the Falcons on the 35-yard punt. The Falcons take over 1st and 10 on the Army 44.
Indeed fans, Bonne Bernstein is in the house and currently chatting up my boss, Bob Beretta, just about an arm's length away. I know that my little brother, Jay, back home is extremely jealous of me now! Sorry kiddo! Maybe you'll be lucky enough to meet somebody good at Army-Navy later on...
Okay, well you have got to love when technology fails you. I was experiencing a little computer freezing as the 3rd quarter comes to a close. To sum it up, AF drove down and the BK defense did a decent job of limiting the Falcons to a FG by Harrison. With 18 seconds left, AF went ahead with a 9 play, 32-yard drive that spanned 3:17. So sorry for the mishap!
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Army - 7
AF - 13
FOURTH QUARTER
15:00 - Looking at 2nd and 9, Bowden's pass is complete to Damion Hunter for an 11-yard gain and an Army 1st down. This is shaping up to be a huge drive for the BKs. Mooney on the carry and he gets three on the play. If Army could score here, the defense has been playing well enough that it wouldn't be too discomforting having to lean on them a bit this quarter.
Bowden on the keeper for a two-yard pick up. Army now looking at 3rd and 5 from the AF 46. Bowden's lateral pass goes wide and Army is forced to punt.
Rinehart's 35 yard punt is returned just three yards, giving AF the ball on its own 18. Paffett does a lot of running out wide and gets five yards out of the deal. Asher Clark on the carry and he picks up two, bringing up a big 3rd and 3. Paffett on the rush and his is brought down by the toes by Army's Antuan Aaron. AF is now to punt with 10:44 left.
A 54-yard punt with a loss of one on the return gives Army the ball 1st and 10 on their own 21. Freshman George Fletcher on the rush for a loss of one. Bowden keeps it and got five on the play, making it 3rd and six.
10:00 - Carson Williams is back under center for the BKs now. He runs a draw to Mooney and he is just short at 4th and 2. Rinehart is on to punt. No return on the 26-yard boot, giving AF the ball 1st and 10 from its own 45.
Paffett on the carry and he is chased back for a five-yard loss by Stephen Anderson. Jefferson goes to the air and he is complete to Josh Cousins around the 30-yard line. Flag on the play. Wow, this could not be better timing. Offensive pass interference pushes the ball back to the AF 25. I've never been happier to see a yellow flag before!
Lumpkin on the carry for a short gain, bringing up 3rd and 26. Fans are on thier feet making plenty of noise. Lumpkin on the run. He is well short, getting about five yards. Harrison heads out to punt for AF with Carlo Sandiego deep. Flags again. Roughing the kicker against Army is the call, giving the ball back to the Falcons, 1st and 10 from the AF 49.
What a change in momentum there, as the teams trade penalties that were huge impact calls. Asher Clark is the carrier for a 1-yard gain. Kyle Lumpkin picks up another two, bringing up 3rd and 7. Lumpkin on the carry. He's stopped up by John Plumbstead, bringing up 4th and 3. AF will punt the ball.
5:00 - Ryan Harrison on to punt with Carlo Sandeigo back for the BKs. Harrison pins Army inside the 10, more specifically at the 7. Army takes over with 4:29 on the clock. With this kind of running game and 93 yards to go, its a tall order for this Army offense.
Here we go Army fans! A note that Carson Williams is at QB so we might be seeing some passing this drive. Mooney takes the handoff for a six-yard gain. Williams' pass is compete to Sandiego for a 1st down from the 18. Mooney with the rush. He stays on his feet with a solid second-effort to pick up 5. Williams drops back to pass and it appeared to be complete to Jameson Carter around the 35. It is ruled incomplete, but Stan Brock is challenging the call.
After a very quick review, the play stands, so Army staring at 3rd and 5 from their own 23. Time is ticking as the clock winds down under 3:00. Williams' pass is complete to Mike Wright on the near sideline for a 6-yard gain. Williams looking to pass again. He is complete again to Carter, who is driven out of bounds, after a picking up 4. 2nd and 6 from the Army 33. Williams looks downfield for Carter, but that pass is broken up and that brings up a crutial 3rd down. Williams' pass is incomplete, through the arms of Joe LeForte. Army will go for it here...his pass is again incomplete and AF takes over on downs.
2:00 - Jefferson on the keeper for a two-yard gain. Army now calls for a 30-second timeout. Jefferson keeps the ball again for no gain. Stan Brock burning another TO with 1:51 to go. AF looking at 3rd and 8 from the Army 31 when we come back.
Jefferson holds onto the ball again after a gain of one. Army stops the clock at 1:47 with its final timeout of the game. AF sends Harrison out for a 48-yard FG attempt. The kick is up and right down the middle for a huge insurance score.
Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, :18
Army - 7
AF - 16
Harrison heads back out to kick with Jameson Carter deep for the BKs. A 67-yard punt is returned to the Army 24. Carson Williams back under center. He is sacked in a hurry by Ben Garland. A loss of four makes it 2nd and 14. Williams' pass is incomplete, intended for Sandiego. There is a flag. Pass interference is called on AF, handing Army a 1st down on their own 35.
William is looking for Carter, but doesn't connect. He goes to the air again and his pass flies out of bounds towards the AF sideline. Williams looks for Carter and is off-target. Williams comes up limping a bit but stays in the game. 4th and 10. Williams finds Carter straight up the middle for a 26-yard gain. 1st and 10 from the AF 39. Williams is looking for Damion Hunter on the Army sideline, but the pass is broken up with 27 seconds remaining. Williams drops back to pass again. It's off the mark and intercepted with 20 seconds on the clock. AF will now just take a knee and that will be all from Michie Stadium.
FINAL SCORE
Army - 7
AF - 16
A good effort from the BKs today, but not enough against a more experienced option. A quick start seemed to stall a bit for Army this afternoon, but the BKs still gave themselves a chance down the stretch. A sellout crowd saw a good one today, and I hope that you enjoyed the blog just as much.
This does it for our home football blogs. I'm hoping to get the chance to do Army-Navy on Dec. 6, and the odds are looking pretty good. Keep an eye out for that, but until then, follow everything Army football via www.goARMYsports.com.
Thanks for checking in and enjoy the rest of your weekends!
GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!!
Courtesy: Army Athletic Communications
