Gameday Blog - Eagle Bank Bowl
12/20/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 20, 2008
2:08 p.m. - Final Score - Wake Forest 29, Navy 19
This was a very good football game. That's all I can say. It was ugly at first for Wake but to have to composure to comeback from a 13-0 hole and the play of both Riley Skinner and Kevin Harris were key today. You could only give the MVP to one of the two and the vote went to Skinner who finished 11-of-11 for 166 yards and one touchdown. He also ran seven times for 29 yards.
It was fun this season blogging for the games. It was my first go at live blogging for a game so I hope it wasn't too bad and we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and holiday season.
Also check out WakeForestSports.com for all of the post game coverage from today's game.
2:03 p.m. - Final Score - Wake Forest 29, Navy 19
After a 1st down QB scamper, navy tried a 48-yard field in hopes of making it and then getting the onside kick but the attempt was wide right, giving the ball back over the the Deacs.
After the seniors dumped the Gatorade on coach Grobe and the final knee was taken, the game ended in favor of Wake.
1:59 p.m.
After a celebration penalty on the TD, Swank kicked off from the 15-yard line. Kevin Campbell returned the kick to the Wake 33 where they take over with 47 second left.
1:58 p.m. - Wake Forest 29, Navy 19
Trying to run out the clock, Rich Belton slipped up the middle and broke a number of tackles on his way to the endzone for the game sealing score. It was the longest touchdown run of the season for the Deacs. The previous long was a 12-yard scamper by Pendergrass in the Ole Miss game. It was also the longest TD since Josh Adams had a 38-yard TD run in last year's Meineke Car Care Bowl.
1:54 p.m.
On 4th down, Kaipo took off running and may have had enough for the first down but Stanley chased him down from behind and knocked the ball loose. It was recovered by McClinic at the Navy 36 yard line, almost sealing the win for the Deacs.
1:52 p.m.
Brandon Ghee had another nice stop on 2nd down to force Navy into a 3rd and 10. Kaipo was flushed from the pocket by Boo Robinson and ultimately fumbled the ball but it went right into the hands of Kettani. Navy took timeout looking at a 4th and 10 with 2:04 to play.
1:48 p.m.
Wake decided to punt, which may have been the smart call. You don't want to give it up that deep in your own end. Popham's punt traveled 36 yards and was fair-caught at the Navy 28 yard line with 3:25 to go. This is setting up to be another good ending. Hasn't all of Wake's games come down to the end like this this year?
1:46 p.m.
A run by Harris and fullback Rich Belton has brought up a 3rd and 1 with 4:13 to go. After a Navy timeout, Belton got another crack at it and he came up a bit short. Wake is now facing 4th and 1 from their own 36.
1:41 p.m.
On 3rd and 5 from the Navy 47, Kaipo decided to keep the ball bu Kyle Wilber chased him down from behind forcing a Navy punt. Boldin took the punt at the 10 and raced it out to the Wake 27 and that;s where the Deacs will take over with 5:12 remaining. Dare I say we see a steady diet of Kevin Harris?
1:37 p.m.
Finally a break for the Deacs. White took the kickoff all the way down to the Wake 15 yard line but a holding penalty wiped out the return and forced Navy to start at their own 27 yard line with just over 7:30 to play.
1:34 p.m. - Wake Forest 22, Navy 19
On 3rd and 7, Skinner lofted a perfectly thrown ball to roommate Ben Wooster for the score. He then found Devon Brown for the two-point conversion giving Wake a three-point lead.
The TD grab for Wooster was his third of the season and the first since the Virginia game. Skinner is now 11-of-11 for 166 yards and one TD. The drive was 80 yards on nine plays covering 4:38.
1:31 p.m.
Facing a 3rd and 8 at the 40, Skinner had all day to find a receiver and he ultimately found Brinkman open down the left sideline for a 44-yard pickup down to the Navy 11-yard line. It was Brinkman's longest catch of his career.
1:29 p.m.
Wake has now picked up a pair of 1st downs and have moved the ball out over their own 40-yard line. Skinner is a perfect 9-of-9 on the day for 114 yards while Harris has run the 20 times for 121 yards.
1:27 p.m.
An interesting note from Asst. Ad for Media Relations Steve Shutt. Wake has not lost a game this season when it has recorded an interception. With Alphonso's pick in the first half, that stat is now on the line.
Wake will start their drive from the 20-yard line with just over 12:30 to play in the game.
1:23 p.m. - Navy 19, Wake Forest 14
After a 1st down pick up by Kettani, Kaipo kept the ball himself and eventually made his way intot the endzone for the 2-yard score. Navy then went for the two-point conversion but Kaipo's pass was broken up. The scoring drive covered 50 yards on six plays in 2:21. Kaipo now has 10 carries for 57 yards on the game.
1:19 p.m.
On the first play of the drive, Kaipo slipped through the line on the option and ran 35-yards down to the Wake 15 yard line. Let's see if the defense can come up with a stop and maybe hold them to a field goal attempt.
1:16 p.m.
Wake smartly elected to punt and Popham's punt was taken near midfield but Ghee had good coverage and stopped him for no gain. Navy takes over at the 50.
1:14 p.m. - End of the 3rd Quarter
Harris had a couple of good carries setting up a 3rd and 1 but he was unable to find any room on 3rd down and the Deacs will face 4th and a long 1 from their own 15 yard line when the 4th quarter starts.
1:11 p.m.
On 3rd and 5, a more manageable distance for the defense, Chip Vaughn came up and made a nice tackle on Shun White to force a Navy punt. Vaughn and White have had a good "war of words" this game that spawned after a hard collision early in the game. It's been fun to watch. Anyway, the bad news on the punt was that Navy downed the ball at the Wake six yard line. Let's see if Wake can pull off another long 90-some yard drive.
1:06 p.m.
Navy picks up a 1st down on 3rd and 1 to move the ball out to their own 44 with 4:00 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter. On 3rd and 1, Winston-Salem Journal reporter Dan Collins made the comment, "This is the toughest task in college football, stopping Navy on 3rd and 1." I have to agree with him.
1:03 p.m.
Navy took the kickoff out to the 29-yard line where it will start its second drive.
Another note on Adams' TD run, it marked the first time a Demon Deacon has rushed for two touchdowns in one game since Adams did it against Vanderbilt on Nov. 24, 2007. Chip Brinkman caught a pair of TD passes in the opening game of the season against Baylor to be the only other player to have a pair of scores this year.
1:00 p.m. - Wake Forest 14, Navy 13
Josh Adams plowed his way up the middle for a 5-yard touchdown plunge giving Wake its first lead of the game. The drive covered 73 yards on 10 plays in 5:17. On the drive, Kevin Harris went over 100 yards rushing for the first time in his career. He currently has 17 carries for 110 yards. He has also caught a pair of passes for 36 yards.
12:57 p.m.
Mr. Do-It-All today Kevin Harris just hauled in a 32-yard catch taking the ball down to the Navy 12-yard line. It was the longest reception of his career. Wake is now in business deep in Navy territory.
12:55 p.m.
Of all the running threats for Wake, it's Skinner who pickes up the first 1st down of the half for the Deacs on a 9-yard pick up on a designed QB draw. Wake has it out to midfield with 8:51 to play in the quarter.
12:52 p.m.
With Navy not throwing the ball much, sack for the defense are few and far between bu Chantz McClinic broke through the line and sack Kaipo on 2nd and 8 setting up a 3rd and 16. Eric Kettani was only able to pick up four yards and Navy was forced to punt for the first time today.
After the punt, the Deacs take over on their own 27 yard line.
12:47 p.m.
Navy will receive the second half kickoff. They took the ball out the Navy 28 yard line where the Middies will get things going here in the second half.
12:35 p.m. - Halftime Notes
- Riley Skinner if 6-of-6 for 65 yards as Kaipo is 2-of-6 for 32 yards and one interception.
- Kevin Harris is rushed 13 times for a career-high 97 yards in the first half. Shun White leads Navy with nine rushes for 65 yards.
- Interestingly enough, people talk about the Navy running attack but Wake has out rushed the Midshipmen in the first half 129-107.
- D.J. Boldin has caught three passes for 56 yards while Tyree Barnes has snagged both receptions for Navy for 32 yards.
- The time of possession is pretty close as Wake holds the slight edge 15:05 to 14:55.
- Wake has run a total of 31 plays for 194 yards while Navy has run 28 plays for just 138 but the Middies do have the big fumble recovery for a touchdown.
- The TD for Josh Adams at the end of the half was his third of the season and his first since the Navy game on Sept. 27.
- Alphonso Smith set the ACC record for career interceptions with his 21st pick in the second quarter. He broke Dre' Bly's record which he set back in 1996-98.
- Boldin extended his consecutive games with a reception streak to 13 with his catch in the first quarter.
- Swank kicked off today for the first time since the Navy game earlier in the year.
- Wake Forest opponent has now made 17 of 19 field goal attempts on the season as Navy made a pair in the first half.
- Wake has five players starting in their fifth-straight bowl game, QB Riley Skinner, LB Aaron Curry, LB Stanley Arnoux, S Kevin Patterson and PK Sam Swank.
12:25 p.m. - Halftime
Obviously good to put points on the board before the half and even better to give the Wake faithful something to cheer about. The 98-yard drive also marked the second-straight game the Deacs have covered 98 yards on a scoring drive. It was also the first TD allowed by Navy since the 3rd quarter of the Notre Dame game, covering 167 minutes of action.
Navy took the kickoff and was content on heading to the locker room up 13-7.
12:21 p.m. - Navy 13, Wake Forest 7
Coming out of the timeout, Skinner once again hung tough in the pocket and found, guess who, Boldin on the left sideline for a 21-yard pick up down the the Navy 5-yard line. After a run by Josh Adams was stuffed, the sophomore took the pitch to the left and followed the lead block of Joe Birdsong into the endzone for the Deacs' first score of the day. The drive covered 12 plays, 98 yard in 3:48 seconds.
12:18 p.m.
Facing a 3rd and 14 and everybody in the stadium knowing a pass is coming, Skinner hung tough and found Boldin for a 30-yard gain down the right sideline. Skinner then scampered for a 1st down to the 16. On the ensuing play, Skinner hit Boldin near the 5 yard line and he made his way into the endzone for an apparent score but a holding penalty back at the line of scrimmage negated the would-be score. Navy has taken timeout as the Deacs face a 1st and 20 from the 26 with 1:12 to play in the half. Wake just hasn't caught a break yet today.
12:12 p.m.
On 2nd and 6, Harris ran up the middle for 10 yards and after he had hit the ground, the ball popped out and was taking into the endzone by a Navy defender. The rule on the field was a second fumble return for a touchdown but after review, it was ruled he was down on the play.
The the fans had their say, Harris picked up two more carries, moving the ball out the Wake 45 yard line, where the Deacs have it 1st and 10 with just under three minutes to play.
12:09 p.m.
Interception!!! Alphonso Smith picked off Kaipo's pass giving him 21 career interceptions, breaking Dre' Bly's record of 20. Great accomplishment for the Phonz but the only bad thing for the Deacs was he caught the ball and went out of bounds at the 2-yard line. No complaining though. We are looking for anything positive and that's it!
12:05 p.m.
Navy is moving the ball very efficiently today against the Wake defense. Another two 1st downs took the ball out to close to midfield where the Middies faced a 3rd and 9. A rare pass from Kaipo found its way into the hands of Tyree Barnes at the Wake 29-yard line. The play was reviewed and the call stood, giving Navy their seventh 1st down of the half.
11:58 a.m.
Skinner picked up seven yards on 3rd and 10 setting up a Sam Swank 49-yard field goal attempt. He had the leg but the ball bounded off the left upright, leaving the Deacs still in search of their first points.
Navy has now not allowed a point since their 27-24 loss to Notre Dame back on Nov. 15, spanning nine and a half quarters.
11:55 a.m.
After a pair of offsides penalties by Navy, Harris broke through up the middle for a 29-yard gain into Navy territory. It was the best play of the day for the Deacons who now face a 3rd and 10 from the Navy 39-yard line.
11:51 a.m.
C.J. Washington took the kickoff out to the 24 where Wake will start 1st and 10.
11:50 a.m.
This game is looking eerily similar to the first game against Navy as Wake trailed 17-0 at the half. Despite a second half comeback, the Deacons couldn't overcome the turnover and ultimately fell. Let hope the offense can get it in gear.
11:48 a.m. - Navy 13, Wake Forest 0
Navy had picked up four 1st downs on the drive but another good tackle by Ghee on 3rd and 7 forced another 47-yard field goal attempt from Harmon. Once again, his kick was good and I can tell you that would have been good from 60. It also sets a single-season school record for Harmon with 19 field goals this year.
11:45 a.m.
After White picked up eight yards on 3rd and 10, the Middies elected to go for on 4th and 2 and it was a good call as White took the pitch to the left and picked up three yards for another 1st down.
11:42 a.m. - End of the 1st Quarter
After a nice stop by corner back Brandon Ghee on 2nd down, Navy is looking at 3rd and 10 from the Wake 45 when the 2nd quarter starts.
11:39 a.m.
Make it a third 1st down. Navy took timeout facing a 3rd and 8 but Kaipo (sorry I'm going to shorten his name to save time) rushed for just enough to pick up the 1st down. Navy has the ball 1st and 10 on the Wake 45-yard line.
11:36 a.m.
Typical Navy football on the first six plays this drive. The Middies are biting off little chunks at a time but so far it's been enough to pick up a pair of 1st downs as they have the ball out to midfield.
11:30 a.m.
The offense couldn't get anything going this drive depsite picking up a 1st down. Skinner was forced out of bounds on 3rd and 9 as the coverage was pretty good down field. Popham's second punt of the game was fair-caught at the Navy 20 yard line.
11:26 a.m.
Lets try this again. The last drive seemed promising as the Deacs crossed midfield but the turnover hurt. After a touchback, the Deacs will take over from the 20.
11:22 a.m. - Navy 10, Wake Forest 0
Corner back Alphonso Smith saw his first action on the offensive side of the ball this season. He took the end around pitch and reversed his field ultimately getting a block from Riley Skinner but appeared to fumble the ball as he went down after an 8-yard gain. A Navy DB then scooped the ball and ran it back to the endzone. But before the Middies could attempt the PAT, Wake took timeout to review the play. Hoiwever, the news wasn't good at the call on the field stood as a 50-yard fumbled recovery for a touchdown by Rashawn King. Things could not have started out any worse for the Deacs.
11:18 a.m. - Navy 3, Wake Forest 0
After being stuffed for a 4-yard loss on first down, Harris took the pitch around the left and picked up 15 yards for Wake's first 1st down of the game. Wake has it out close to midfield after another 1st down run for Harris.
11:16 a.m. - Navy 3, Wake Forest 0
The Deacs will start their second drive from their own 24 yard line.
11:13 a.m. - Navy 3, Wake Forest 0
The defense then held in the next three plays and forced a 40-yard field goal attempt from Matt Harmon. His kick was good giving the Middies an early 3-0 lead. It was Harmon's 18th field goal of the season, which ties the Navy school record.
11:11 a.m.
Not a good start for the Wake defense as Shun White scampered right for a gain of 39 yards on the first play from scrimmage. The Middies have it down to the Wake 30 yard line.
11:10 a.m.
After a pair of runs by Kevin Harris picked up four yards, the Deacs were flagged for a false start penalty, setting up a 3rd and 11. Skinner was flushed out of the pocket and picked up just two yards on the punt.
Shane Popham came in for his first punt of the day, which covered 44 yards and was downed at the Navy 31.
Were under way! - 11:07 a.m.
Devon Brown to the kickoff out to the Wake 24 yard line where the Deacs will start 1st and 10.
Coin Toss - 11:04 a.m.
Wake's captains today are seniors Aaron Curry and D.J. Boldin. The call must have been the right one as Wake won the toss and elected to receive. The Deacs will also defend the west goal to start the game.
National Anthem 2 - 11:02 a.m.
The national anthem was sung by rising R&B artist Charm and I have to say, it was pretty good. It wasn't long and drawn out like some tend to make it. There must have been a pretty nice flyover because the fans gave it a cheer but the overhang here in the press box did not allow us to see it.
National Anthem - 10:58 a.m.
With this game being played in Washington D.C. and with the Naval Academy participating in the game, the pre-game national anthem promises to be an event. A number of cadets are walking two large flags out onto the field. They span from endzone to endzone. It's pretty impressive.
Cool Starts - 10:55 a.m.
Today's announced game time temperature is 40 degrees. That ties the second-coldest kickoff temperature for a Wake game since 1996 when the Deacs faced Duke at home when the temp was just 39 degrees.
Winning in December - 10:53 a.m.
The Deacs are 8-3 all-time in games played in the month of December, including its last five.
Warming Up - 10:10 a.m.
Doesn't look like everyone is effected by the cold. Sam Swank was out the with other kickers and warming up and it was good to see him hit a pair of 47-yarders and both of them had room to spare. We'll see if he is recovered enough to handle the kickoff duties today.
One hour to kickoff - 10:00 a.m.
We have hit the 60 minute mark and I can tell you it hasn't gotten any warmer. I don't think I have ever typed with gloves on my hands but today may be a first.
Fans are starting to trickle in wrapped in heavy jackets and blankets. Typical football weather. Grey sky, nip in the air and and people can see their breaths, what more could a football fan ask for?
Uniform Watch- 9:40 a.m.
Both teams have a bit of a story behind the uniforms they are wearing today. First for the Midshipmen, they will be wearing the same uniforms they wore to thump Army a few weeks ago. Despite being the so-called "home team" for the game today, Navy will be wearing white jerseys with blue pants.
The Deacs will be doning their coveted gold jerseys today. The last time Wake broke out the gold jerseys was against Virginia, which resulted in a 28-17 victory. The gold jersey/black pant combo was much talked about so lets hope for the same result.
Welcome - 9:30 a.m.
Welcome to RFK Stadium for the inaugural EagleBank Bowl between Wake Forest and Navy. The teams are out on the field getting a feel for the surface and stretching out. As much as I documented the weather in my last blog against Vanderbilt (and much of it was because we were in the luxurious, climate controlled press box of Deacon Tower), I may be experiencing a bit of karma today as we are in the "natural" open air press box at RFK. I can tell you that the temperature is still in the low 40s and we may not get out of the 40s today.
Anyway, where ever you are watching the game today, sit back and relax and stay tuned to the gameday blog for all of the action in what should be an exciting game.
Blog by media relations assistant Gary Petit.
