Navy Opponents Week One Snapshot

Though it seems a little cruel to have a bye week right after the season opener it is probably for the best after Dublin. So while the Midshipmen get over their jetlag and fix the defensive problems that plagued them in Ireland here is a little snapshot of how the rest of the 2012 opponents faired in week one.

Penn State - LOST 24-14 vs. Ohio

In what was one of the most anticipated matches on opening day the Nittany Lions lost the first game post Paterno to Ohio of the MAC. Penn State let an 11 point half time lead slip and was unable to control Bobcats QB Tyler Tettleton either through the air or on the ground in the second half.

VMI - LOST 17-10 vs. Delaware State

The Keydets tied the game late at 10-10 before losing the lead for good with 45 seconds left on the clock. One thing to note is that VMI had ball security issues (three fumbles and a pick) so the Navy defensive personnel should be practicing their strip drills in the week leading up to the game.

San Jose State - LOST 20-17 @ Stanford

Though a field goal loss to No. 21 Stanford may look ok on paper, remember this is not the Stanford team of the last few years. With Andrew Luck ready to kick off his NFL career this weekend Stanford is vulnerable, but the Spartans could only muster 72 rushing yards and 17 points against a middle of the road Pac-12 defense.

Air Force - WON 49-21 vs. Idaho State

Finally we have a winner, although it was against an FCS school in Idaho State. Air Force did put up the most rushing yards in the nation (484) in week one though, so their option attack will be potentially as dangerous as it has been in a few years.

Central Michigan - WON 38-27 vs. Southeast Missouri State

Sometimes you wonder exactly how these schedules get made, but Central Michigan at least did what it had to by beating the Redhawks. The Chippewas are another team who did most of their work on the ground as the rolled up 324 yards rushing on their FCS foes (good for 7th in the country).

Indiana - WON 24-17 vs. Indiana State

Indiana got better play than expected out of quarterback Tre Roberson, but the fact that an FCS school had three late drives which could have tied the game will have to be a concern for the Hoosier coaching staff. Any time you break a nine game losing streak though I guess you would have to be happy regardless.

ECU - WON 35-13 vs. Appalachian State

East Carolina has a solid outing against their FCS warm up, doing a little bit of everything on the way to a comfortable win. Though there were no spectacular statistical outings the Pirates are going to be a very balanced team who will give Navy some problems when they meet later this fall.

Florida Atlantic - WON 7-3 vs. Wagner

The best thing to say about FAUs four point win is that they at least picked up after half time. Though they didn't score until early in the fourth quarter, the offense finished with 327 yards after having only 86 at the break. I have no idea how good or bad Wagner is, but FAU will have to step up big time to beat any FBS schools in 2012.

Troy - WON 39-29 vs. UAB

With the way these early season games are scheduled Troy deserves an award just for playing another FBS team on opening weekend. The fact that the Trojans beat the Blazers while putting up 262 rushing yards automatically marks them as a threat for Navy in November.

Texas State - WON vs. Houston

In one of the better stories that didn't get much national play the Texas State Bobcats won their first official FBS game over a Houston Cougars team who are admittedly down from where they were a few years ago. Marcus Curry is the name which Navy fans should watch for as the running back had 131 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, as well as adding one through the air.

Army - Bye Week