Two weeks ago, when he was asked whether the triple-option offense was the key to Navy’s success, quarterback Ricky Dobbs took exception. It’s the Midshipmen’s execution of the offense, not the system, he said. “If we dropped back, did all passes, sprint outs and such, who knows how we would fare,” Dobbs said.
The answer came Saturday against Army. In the first 17 minutes, Dobbs threw eight passes — often more than a game’s worth in Navy’s ground-oriented attack. Dobbs completed four for 163 yards and two touchdowns, staking the Mids to a 17-0 lead on their way to a 31-17 win.
Afterward, when asked about beating Army four times, Dobbs pointed out it was his fifth win over the Black Knights. Four years ago, Dobbs passed the Naval Academy Prep School to a 28-24 win over the U.S. Military Academy Prep School.
Dobbs also pointed out that the key play in that victory four years ago was a length-of-the-field interception return by safety Wyatt Middleton, who also made the key play Saturday, running 98 yards with a fumble recovery at the end of the first half.
Until Saturday, his big play against USMAPS was the last time Middleton had scored a touchdown in his distinguished career. Middleton will make his 50th start later this month at the Poinsettia Bowl.
There was symmetry for Dobbs and Middleton on Saturday — ending against Army the same way they started.
