US Naval Academy 34 New Mexico 19
Emerald Nuts Bowl, Dec. 30th, SBC Park SF, CA
The Midshipmen (10-2) tied for the most wins in school history, last accomplished when Navy went 10-1-1 in 1905. It was a fitting end for the Mids, some of whom will head off to war in the coming year.
After stopping New Mexico on fourth down with a goal line stand on their own foot line; Navy kept the ball for the next 14 minutes, 26 seconds -- reeling off 26 plays on the drive -- and held New Mexico to only six plays in the fourth quarter.
"I've never heard of a 14-minute drive,'' Lobos coach Rocky Long said. "The strange thing is, we weren't playing bad defense.''
Being part of such a long drive is something players on both sides will remember. Those on the field were exhausted, and those watching also became tired.
"The drive to eat up the whole fourth quarter was huge. It was a great way to play defense,'' Navy coach Paul Johnson said.