Mids’ obstacle is real McCoy

ANNAPOLIS

Two days before defeating rival Air Force, Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo and his staff caught a glimpse of the Midshipmen’s opponent Saturday, as Pittsburgh upset then No. 10 South Florida on national television.

They watched as tailback LeSean McCoy found little resistance from the Bulls, juking and cutting his way to 142 yards and two touchdowns.

The Midshipmen have found a way to stop notable players during their three-game winning streak. First was Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel, who set a school record with 20 touchdown passes last season. The Mids held him to 131 yards and no scores.

Then came Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner, the ACC’s highest-rated passer. Navy forced Skinner to make five turnovers.

But neither of those players is as dangerous as McCoy, who has racked up 533 yards rushing and seven touchdowns in five games. As the Mids (4-2) attempt to topple No. 23 Pitt (4-1) at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, containing the superstar running back is their top priority.

“He makes everybody look silly,” Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green said of McCoy. “He’s the best back that we’ll see. He’s hard to tackle — in closed space he makes people miss, and at the same time he runs with power. He has all the tools.”

The Mids witnessed McCoy’s talents firsthand last year, when he torched them for 165 yards and three touchdowns. But they were still able to escape Heinz Field with a double-overtime victory.

But the Panthers appear to be much improved this year. The Mids may have surprised Pitt last year, and Niumatalolo is weary of a team riding a four-game winning streak and coming off an open week.

“I’m sure their coaches have been talking about that. That’s not going to happen this year,” he said. “If we think we are going to sneak up on them this year, we are in for a rude awakening.”

Navy’s defenders aren’t optimistic that seeing McCoy last year gives them a better chance to slow down the sophomore. Scouting the dynamic back only revealed that he has improved nearly every facet of his game.

“He was amazing last year, but the older you get, the more mature you get,” defensive captain Clint Sovie said. “He was a true freshman who came in last year and played well. Watching film on a guy like that helps you out, but unless you have 11 guys running to the ball, it doesn’t do much.”

That’s the strategy that echoed from Green and his players during practice this week. The Mids will need to gang-tackle to have a chance of containing McCoy.

But they must also be careful not to overcommit to the run. Pitt quarterback Bill Stull has used play action to his advantage; he has completed a pass of at least 20 yards in each of his last four games.

“As [defensive backs], our first responsibility is the pass,” safety Jeff Deliz said. “If the back four keep our eyes where they’re supposed to be, hopefully we can account for that play action.”

The Mids’ defenders have increased confidence after anchoring the past three wins. Perhaps that is why they are relishing the test that is ahead of them.

“We’ve just got to go out there with the attitude that we’re going to stop him,” linebacker Ross Pospisil said. “It’s a fun challenge. That’s what I love about playing defense - playing against guys like that.”