Wake Forest Athletics
Deacons Direct - Navy Gameday Blog
9/27/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 27, 2008
7:23 pm
Tough to put into words the mood at BB&T Field now. It was a tough loss for everyone. You have to give Navy credit for hanging in and pulling out a big win. The Midshipmen ran for 292 yards on 59 carries and threw the ball just four times. They were backed up in their own end the entire second half but their defense forced seven Deacon turnovers.
Make sure you check out Chad Crunk's game story and check back to www.WakeForestSports.com for all of the postgame quotes and and notes.
7:03 pm
Even after a disappointing loss, in a good sign of sportsmanship and respect for out military, the Deacons joined the Middies for the playing of their alma mater on their side of the field.
6:59 pm - Final Score Navy 24, Wake Forest 17
After a 3-yard gain on first down, Bryant knifed through the middle for a Navy first down which will end the game.
6:56 pm
The onside kick did not pop-up off the ground and a Navy player fell on the ball at the 42. Wake has two time outs left but there is just 1:13 left on the clock.
6:55 pm - Navy 24, Wake Forest 17
Skinner for fullback Mike Rinfrette for an 8-yard touchdown pass with 1:14 to play. Swank's extra-point brought the Deacons to within seven and are in need of an onside kick.
6:53 pm
The Deacons picked up another first down at the Navy 16 with a pass to Andrew Parker. The clock continues to move, 1:45 left.
6:51 pm
On 4th and 2, Skinner hit Boldin over the middle for a first down, moving the chains to the Navy 46. The catch took Boldin over 100-yards receiving on the day. 2:28 left on the clock.
6:47 pm - Navy 24, Wake Forest 10
On Navy's first play, Kattani ran 57 yards right up the middle setting Navy up at the Wake 6-yard line. Two plays later, Jarod Bryant found the endzone putting the Midshipmen up by 14. The drive lasted just 1:26 and covered 63 yards.
Wake has its work cut out for them as there is just 3:46 left in the game.
6:45 pm
Wake gives it right back. After picking up a first down, Skinner three late over the middle and Emmet Merchant made the interception, the fourth of the day for Skinner which is a career-high.
6:43 pm
Wake gets a break as Bryant's pitch fell right into the lap of Brandon Ghee at the Wake 45 yard line. It was Navy's second turnover of the day.
6:40 pm
Facing a 3rd and 2, Bobby Doyle scampered 39 yards down the right sideline for Navy's first 3rd down conversion of the second half. The Middies have a 1st and 10 from their own 48 yard line with 7:39 to go.
Chantz McClinic made his 10th tackle of the day which is a new career-high.
6:34 pm
Where have I seen this before as Wake came out of the timeout with the punt crew and proceeded to pin the Midshipmen at the 1-yard line with 9:33 to go in the game.
The average starting position for Navy in the second half has been its own 8-yard line.
6:32 pm
Wake takes timeout with 9:42 to go facing a 4th and 9 at the 36. The Deacons were lined up for field goal prior to the timeout.
6:28 pm
A nice diving tackle from Matt Robinson forced a fourth 3-and-out for Navy. The Delahooke punt was returned 4 yards by Smith, setting the Deacs up again in Navy territory at the 37 with just over 10 minutes to play in the game.
6:19 pm
Wake was left with a tough decision, facing a 4th and 1 at the Navy 44 with just under 13 minutes left to play. The Deacons decided to punt and again, Swank hit a nice 40-yard punt which was downed at the 4-yard line. Navy takes over with 12:47 left on the clock.
6:13 pm - End of the 3rd quarter
The halftime speech must have been a good one because Wake outscored Navy 10-0 in the quarter and out gained the Midshipmen 82-17. Navy's Eric Katanni has 111 rushing yards today, making him the first 100-yard rusher against Wake since Maryland's Keon Lattimore on Sept. 22, 2007.
Wake starts the 4th quarter with the ball on its own 40-yard line under the first rainbow of the season at BB&T Field.
6:11 pm
Make that another sack for Robinson as the Deacons forced their second straight 3-and-out. After another Navy punt, Wake takes over on its own 33 with :12 seconds left in the quarter.
6:08 pm
Boo Robinson recorded the first sack of the game for Wake with a big hit on Bryant, setting up a 2nd and 13 from the Navy 25.
6:06 pm
Skinner hit Boldin for another 19-yard pass play but the drive stalled at the Navy 38. Instead of a long field goal attempt, Wake decided to punt which turned out to be a good decision as Swank angle his punt into the right corner of the field and the Deacons downed the ball on the 3-yard line.
Wake has won the field position battle in the second half as the averaging starting position for Navy is its own 13-yard line. Wake has started all three second half possessions on the Navy side of the field.
6:00 pm
The big hits continue for the Wake defense as numerous black shirts are flying to the ball. Alphonso Smith and Chantz McClinic both had nice stops. Navy was forced to punt again after failing on another 3rd down. The Midshipmen converted their first seven 3rd downs but have been 0-for-5 since.
Wake takes over at its own 38 yard line with seven minutes to go in the half.
5:57 pm
By the way, Jarod Brown is still in at quarterback for Navy.
5:55 pm - Navy 17, Wake Forest 10
Josh Adams lost four yards on the first play and the Deacons couldn't find the endzone on either of the next two plays. Swank came in and knocked home a 23-yard field to make pull the Deacs within seven at 17-10.
5:52 pm
On 3rd and 6, DJ Boldin made a great double-move, beating the defensive back. Skinner lofted a perfect pass down the right sideline where Boldin made the catch and was knocked out at the 1-yard line. First and goal for the Deacs.
5:48 pm
A holding penalty on 3rd down doomed the Navy drive, forcing a punt. The momentum seems to have shifted and the fans can again be heard here in BB&T. Another bit of good news for Wake was injured lineman Jeff Griffin has just a sprained knee and may return.
5:40 pm - Navy 17, Wake Forest 7
After back-to-back runs were stuffed at the goal line, sophomore Josh Adams found his way into the endzone for the first score of the game for the Deacs. The drive went 16 yards on 6 plays in 2:09. Swank hit his 115th consecutive extra point.
5:37 pm
After a rush up the middle, offensive lineman Jeff Griffin suffered a knee injury, thrusting redshirt freshman Doug Weaver into action. He has only seen action on the special teams this season.
5:33 pm
Two plays later, Skinner hit Devon Brown at the 5-yard line where Brown stretched the ball for the endzone. He was knocked out of bounds at the 2-yard line. The play was originally called a touchdown but after review, it was said that the ball was at the 1-yard line when he stepped out.
5:27 pm
FUMBLE! Alex Frye came flying down the field and laid a big hit on John Angelo at the 20 yard line, jarring the ball loose, where Anthony Williams recovered. Just the start Wake was looking for.
5:25 pm
Navy will get the ball to start the second half. It will be interesting to see if Kaipo-Noa will be healthy enough to start the second half.
5:22 pm
Wake held a nice halftime ceremony for its five Hall of Fame inductees, Len Mattiace, Ernie Accorsi, Tim Duncan, Dave Odom and Hunter Kemper. As you can imagine, the loudest round of applause came for Duncan.
5:15 pm - Halftime Notes
• Skinner's three interceptions are the most since throwing three interceptions against Boston College last season.
• Time of possession: Navy 19:58, Wake Forest 10:02.
• Navy has rushed the ball 32 times for 139 yards. The Wake defense was only allowing 101 yards per game coming into today. WFU has rushed for just 26 yards.
• Navy also leads in total yardage 197 to 123.
• This is the first time Wake has trailed at the half this season.
• Wake is just 10-27 when trailing at the half under Grobe.
5:07 pm - Halftime
After scrambling from the pocket, Skinner threw down the left sideline towards Andrew Parker but Ketric Buffin stepped in front for the third interception of the half for Skinner. That ties his career-high for interceptions in a game.
Navy was contempt to take a 17-0 lead into the half as it took a knee.
5:05 pm
Wake moved out to near midfield after a pair of first downs but a sack dropped them back to the 39 yard line and forced the Deacs to take a timeout with :50 to go.
5:02 pm
After converting their first seven 3rd down attempts, the Midshipmen have failed on their last three. Delahooke's punt was returned by Alphonso Smith to the 15 yard line where it will be 1st and 10 for Wake with 1:31 to go in the half.
4:59 pm
Unbelievable. After picking up a first down, Skinner scampered to the right for seven yards but was hit Matt Nechak and couched the ball up. Navy benefits from another Wake turnover and will start the drive at its own 29.
Kaipo-Noa was shaken up after the last drive and No. 2 Jarod Bryant is now in at quarterback for Navy.
4:56 pm
Devon Brown returned the kickoff 55 yards to set Wake up at the Navy 45 yard line. This is the best field position of the day for the Deacons.
4:53 pm - Navy 17, Wake Forest 0
Navy couldn't pick up another first down but a Matt Harmen 35-yard field goal makes the score 17-0 in favor of the Midshipmen.
4:51 pm
Skinner throws his second interception of the game as his pass sailed a bit out of the reach of Brinkman and safety Wyatt Middleton was able to snag the ball and return it to the Wake 27 yard line. Navy is now in business with just over five minutes left in the quarter.
4:44 pm
Navy went for it and looked to have picked up the first down by another chop block penalty wiped out the play. Now facing a 4th and 16, Navy decided to punt.
Wake takes over on its own 40 with 6:03 to play in the half.
4:41 pm
Timeout Navy. The Midshipmen are facing a 4th and 1 at its own 45 after Wake picked up its first stop on a 3rd down. Navy looks to be thinking about going for it and why not. They are 6-for-9 on fourth down this season.
4:39 pm
Navy is now 7-for-7 on 3rd down after converting a 3rd and 1 at the Wake 33.
4:32 pm
After picking up a first down on a pass to Chip Brinkman, offensive lineman Joe Birdsong was penalized for striking a Navy player in the head. He was then ejected from the game. Wake kept the ball and picked up another first down.
However, Marshall Williams fumbled the ball after being hit by Ryan Griffith at the Navy 24-yard line. Navy takes over on the Wake 24 with 10:20 to go in the half.
4:22 pm - Navy 14, Wake Forest 0
Kaipo-Noa rushed up the middle for his second touchdown run of th day on the first play of the second quarter. It was his 24th career touchdown. The scoring drive lasted 13 plays, and covered 74 in 7:42.
This is the largest Wake Forest deficit since a 44-10 loss at Clemson last seaosn.
One interesting stat from the first quarter was time of possession: Navy 11:43, Wake Forest 3:17.
4:20 - End of the first quarter
4:18 pm
It's easy to see why Navy has the best rushing attack in the country. The option has been giving the Deacons trouble early on.
The midshipmen picked up a pair of first downs on the ground and then a chop blocking penalty set them back 15 yards. But on 3rd and 17, Kaipo-Noa found Tyree Barnes open down the middle of the field for a 39 pass play to the Wake 16. Kaipo-Noa picked up a fourth first down on the drive, setting up a Navy first and goal on at the WFU three yard line when the first quarter ended.
4:06 pm
Wake takes over on its own 20 and has picked up a first down on an 11-yard pass from Skinner to Richard Belton on 3rd and 8. A holding penalty on the ensuing 3rd down however, would halt the drive. Swank's punt covered 37 yards and Navy takes the ball back at its own 26 with 7:36 to go in the quarter.
3:59 pm, Nvay 7, Wake Forest 0
Navy scores first on a four-yard run from quarterback Kaipo-Noa. The Midshipmen took over on their own 49 yard-line and used a nice 3rd-down conversion by Kaipo-Noa to Eric Kettani to pick up 20 yards. The drive covered 51 yards on eight plays in 4:07.
This is the first time Wake has failed to score first in a game.
3:50 pm
Sorry for the delay. Pregame duties took me elsewhere. Navy won the toss and elected to defer to the second half. Wake got the ball and got a good return by C.J. Washington. On the second play from scrimmage, Skinner threw his first interception of the season. Linebacker Ross Posisil snagged the arrant pass. It was Skinner's first interception in his last 133 pass attempts.
Opening the Gate - 3:44 p.m.
Former Deacon standout Tim Duncan and legendary head coach Dave Odom earned the honor for today. Both were inducted into Wake Forest Athletic Hall of Fame last night. The fans gave both men a nice hand. There was also nice video shown on the video board. Capping off the ceremony, Odom joined the Deacon on the motorcycle and led the team out on the field. It was a great site to see.
The band is on the field! - 3:28 p.m.
To steal the line from the famous Cal-Stanford game, the Spirit of the Old Gold and Black is out on the field going through their pregame routine which will culminate with the national anthem.
Looking around - 3:23 p.m.
As I look around the stadium, I am seeing a lot of bright yellow and royal blue. Because of the rain, folks are wearing their rain gear over top of the Old Gold and Black. It's starting to get a bit brighter so we might get to see the black anc gold before the end of the day.
Uniform Watch - 3:20 p.m.
Wake Forest will don the same uniforms that it wore in the first home game against Ole Miss. The black tops and gold pants. I guess if it isn't broke, don't fix it.
Navy is wearing its white jerseys with gold pants and gold helmets.
Pregame Photo Gallery - 3:17 p.m.
As kickoff draws nearer, I have posted a photo gallery of the Deacon Walk earlier today. I was able to snap a few pics despite the less than ideal picture taking conditions. The Navy players got off the bus and missed the rain but the Wake buss pulled up about five minutes later and the rain was there to great them.
Deacon Quick Hits - 2:34 p.m.
• Wake Forest has a six-game winning streak dating back to last year. The school record for consecutive wins is seven, set in 1944.
• Wake Forest is the only Football Bowl Subdivision team with three wins against members of the big six (BCS) conferences.
• Wake Forest's current six-game winning streak is the fourth longest in the country.
o BYU has won 14 straight.
o Georgia has won 11 straight.,br> o TCU has won 7 straight.
• Wake Forest is the only unbeaten team in the ACC.
• Navy slotback Shun White is averaging 168.3 yards rushing per game. The Deacons have not allowed an individual to rush for more than 62 yards over the last nine games.
o The last person to rush for more than 62 yards in a game vs. Wake Forest was Eric Kettani of Navy on Oct. 20, 2007.
o The last player to rush for 100+ yards was Maryland's Keon Lattimore with 112 yards on Sept. 22, 2008.
Wake Forest Game Captains
Senior DE Matt Robinson
Senior SS Chip Vaughn
Weather Report
The current pre-game temperature is 67 degrees with winds from WSW at 2 mph. The forecast calls for the light drizzle to continue throughout the game and temperatures to remain in the mid-60s.
Wake Forest Olympic Sport Notes
Men's Soccer (8-0, 2-0 ACC)
• The No. 1-ranked men's soccer team defeated No. 2-ranked Maryland 4-2 last night at College Park, Md. The Deacons improved to 8-0 on the season, marking the best start to a season in school history. Wake Forest, the defending national champions, received goals from Marcus Tracy, Ike Opara, Austin da Luz and Zack Schilawski.
Volleyball (10-4, 1-1)
• The Deacons swept Miami in three sets last night at Reynolds Gym, winning by scores of 25-19, 25-22, 25-21. The Hurricanes had come into the match unbeaten at 13-0. Wake Forest's next match is at home against Duke on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.
Field Hockey (8-1, 1-1)
• The Deacons, ranked No. 1 in the nation, fell 4-2 to No. 3-ranked Maryland today at Kentner Stadium. Wake Forest drops to 8-1 with the loss.
Women's Soccer (8-1, 1-0)
• Wake Forest, ranked No. 12 in the nation, will host No. 14 Boston College Sunday at 1 p.m. at Spry Stadium.
Deacon Tower Attendance - 2:28 p.m
Navy has started its warm-ups as the rain tapers off, and tailgaters have begun to fill the parking lots. The pressbox is bustling with activity with a wide array of media personnel slated to attend today's game. ESPNU has its crew here, and representatives from the Champs Sports Bowl and Meineke Car Care Bowl are also in attendance. Some of the other media outlets represented in Deacon Tower today include: Sports Illustrated, Washington Post, Baltimore Examiner, Fox Sports and Carolina Sports Monthly.
Storylines to Watch - 2:25 p.m.
Here are some storylines to watch for in today's game:
- Wake Forest, winners of six straight games, will be looking to tie the school record for consecutive wins. The record is currently seven, set in 1944. The Deacons have won 12 of their last 14 games.
- The Deacons will also be seeking their 50th win under head coach Jim Grobe. The Deacons are 49-39 since Grobe took command prior to the 2001 season.
- No. 15 Wake Forest is set to host Navy in a non-conference matchup for Hall of Fame weekend. During halftime of today's game five new members will be inducted into the Wake Forest University Hall of Fame, bringing membership to 111. The induction class includes former basketball star Tim Duncan '97, Olympic triathlete Hunter Kemper '98, former Deacon golfer Len Mattiace '90, ex-New York Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi '63 and former basketball coach Dave Odom.
- Navy is the nation's top rushing team, averaging 345.8 yards per game on the ground. Wake Forest's rush defense is 33rd nationally, allowing only 101.0 yards per game on the ground.
- The weather could play a factor in today's game. It is currently drizzling at BB&T Field with one hour and 40 minutes to go until kickoff. Radar shows scattered pockets of rainfall in the surrounding area.
Blogging from BB&T Field - 2:17 pm
Welcome to the Deacon's Direct Gameday blog. We have shifted some people around for this game so Scott Wortman, your usually blogger, will be inputting the official stats. Thus yours truly, Gary Petit, will be bringing you all of the today's action.
