The Utah Utes (9-4) and their “Spread Offense” put their 6 game bowl winning streak on the line against the Midshipmen of Navy (8-5) and their Old School version of the “Triple Option.” This was another David vs Goliath match-up pitting an above-average size Utah squad against a typically under-sized Navy team. Going into the contest, I was curious as to whether Navy could hold up for all 4 Quarters and how Utah’s back seven would handle the Triple Option offense.

The first half of this game was fairly sublime as each team appeared to be feeling out the other. Ironically, Navy’s genuinely disciplined team made several costly mental mistakes and ended the half leading 10-7.

The second half was filled with exciting football as both teams executed very well on both sides of the ball. One could see Navy’s Offensive & Defensive Lines were beginning to break down as Utah’s Junior QB Brian Johnson moved his team up and down the field for several scores. Utah’s backers and safeties also became patient in their reads, thus allowing them to contain the option play. Interestingly, Navy began utilizing their two Fullbacks up the gut, thus enabling them to move the chains a little at a time.

The finish was disappointing because no one wants to see an official’s call ruin the game. With a couple of minutes on the clock and Navy down by 3, Utah actually fumbled the ball through the end zone and instead of it being a touchback the officials gave the ball to Utah on the 1 yard line. Ironically, Navy stopped Utah but eventually gave the ball back on downs leading to a short field score by Utah. Navy subsequently drove the field to pull within 3 again and a miracle appeared to be in the works when Navy recovered a perfectly executed on-side kick. Tragically, Navy literally threw the game away after being intercepted at the opponents 35 yard line with 30 seconds left to play.


College: Utah Conference: Mountain West Columnist: Jay Strickroth

Game Notes
Jason Boone #69 6' 4.0" 300 0.00 OT 2008: Did Not Play: Boone was a two year starter at RT and was making a move to the left side before tearing his Right ACL during Spring scrimmage. It is unknown whether he will accept a medical Red-shirt for his Senior year.

Steve Tate #28 5' 11.0" 195 0.00 S 2008: A Throwback…Tate loves to play in the box and often assumes the role of OLB. For somewhat of a smallish Safety, Tate does an excellent job of shedding blockers at the Point of Attack and at the 2nd level. Tate also does an excellent job of keeping his head up when engaging a blocker, thus allowing him to make very good reads on the ball. Tate is a very stout tackler and I can see this kid as a mid late round pick, especially by any team looking for a ST’s gamer. One knock on him is he has a tendency to straighten out his legs when engaging, causing him to lose leverage. Tate also seldom plays back in pass coverage so this could be a major concern at the next level; however, he does have 3 interceptions on the year. Tate finished the game with 3 Solo Tkls, 2 Assists and .5 TFL. GRADE: Neutral

Joe Jiannoni #44 6’ 0.0” 235 0.00 LB 2008: Jiannoni is a fine football player at this level and within the conference he plays. A small MLB by today’s standards, Jiannoni will have a hard time translating his college success to the next level because he has a tendency to get engulfed by opposing offensive linemen. Jiannoni had a good game and Navy’s small line allowed him to roam sideline to sideline making plays. Jiannoni finished the game with 3 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 TFL and 1 Fumble Recovery. Grade: Neutral

Louie Sakoda #35 5' 10.0" 178 0.00 P/PK 2009: Sakoda has already earned several post season awards and is very solid prospect both as a Punter and Kicker. Sakota is better suited as a Punter at the pro-level and his ability to place kick is a huge plus. Sakota finished this game with 4 punts for 138 yards, an average of 34.5 yards and long of 49. What statistics don’t tell is how one of these kicks was a shank for 23 yards, while two were kicked from the opponent’s side of mid-field. Sakota was 5/5 on extra points and did not attempt a field goal. Sakota’s biggest weakness his lack of leg strength on kick-offs, with just one kick for 57 yards. However, Sakota was 10/12 on fg’s from 40+ during the season and averaged 44.3 yards per punt. GRADE: Slightly positive


College: Navy Conference: Independent Columnist: Jeff Carnahan

Game Notes
Adam Ballard #22 6’ 1.0” 223 0.00 FB 2008: Ballard is a tough SOB and 3 year starter at FB. Although he will serve the next 5 years as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer, Ballard has the requisite skills to play FB at the next level. Ballard’s next game will come at the East-West Shrine Game, where we’ll get a better idea how his abilities translate to a pro-set offense. Ballard has above-average speed for a FB, not necessarily in the mold as BJ Askew; however, it is plenty quick when compared to most NFL FB’s. Ballard is a decent runner inside the tackles and an extremely proficient blocker on the edge. It is not clear whether he can take on blitzing backers and ends since Navy rarely throws from the pocket due to their undersized line. Ballard would also make a great addition to any ST’s Unit. Ballard had 6 carries for 21 yards and lost a lot of touches to up and coming Junior FB Eric Kettani. Ballard could work on his pass catching and maybe practicing catching a few Mk-19 Rounds at TBS in Quantico will fine tune his hand-eye coordination. Semper Fidelis! Grade: Slightly Positive

Irv Spencer #55 6’ 0.0” 238 0.00 ILB 2008: Spencer made the move from outside to inside at the beginning of this season and it has paid huge dividends for Navy. Spencer is an undersized backer but makes plays all over the field with his speed and nose for the ball. Spencer had a slight chance of being an UDFA signee had he not chose to defend our country. Grade: Neautral



Other Notes:

Navy:

Eric Kettani #36 6’ 1.0” 233 0.00 FB 2009: Kettani is another featured back in Navy’s Triple Option offense. Kettani is a bruising back that can bench over 400 lbs, run a 4.53 and clear 32” on the vertical. Kettani, much like his predecessor Ballard, can play FB at the next but must improve his vision when running inside. Kettani had 12 rushes for 135 yards and 1 td. Kettani also had one of those carries go for 43 yards right up the gut displaying his speed and ability to break tackles. Grade: Slightly Positive.


Utah:

Paul Kruger #11 6’ 5.0” 259 0.00 DE 2011: Kruger is a rangy end that was a former HS QB before moving to DE in 2004 and departing for a church mission in 2005. Kruger had 5 solo tackles, 5 assists, 1.5 TFL and 1 sack in this game. Watch for this kid in another 2 years, especially if he adds a few pounds and can play end without hesitation. Kruger has far more upside given his inexperience at the position when comparing him to other DE’s within the conference.

Brian Johnson #3 6’ 1.0” 210 0.00 QB 2009: Johnson was actually the star of this game and even though it wasn’t filled with highlight reel material, Johnson performed flawlessly. Johnson finished the game throwing 20/25 for 226 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception. Johnson also ran 11 times for 69 yards and 1 score. Utah fans have to be excited with the idea Johnson goes into his Senior year on a positive note considering his Junior season was marred by inconsistent play. In this game, Johnson displayed a fairly accurate arm with nice touch. However, no one will mistaken this kids arm for Marino’s. Johnson did enter the contest with a slight shoulder injury to his throwing am but even so, don’t look for Utah’s pass offense to return to the days of Alex Smith a few years back. Grade: Neutral