Navy at UConn Live Blogging: First Half

Whoa Nellie, the George Forman Bowl is at stake! Actually, when you look at the schedule of Noon starts today, this looks like one of the best games on TV. I'll be tuning in for the MASN coverage of the game, but for fans not living in the Mid-Atlantic area, remember that you can see the Midshipmen take on the Huskies through ESPN Gameplan or ESPN Plus in selected areas.

11:42- Apparently commercials are still running for Navy season tickets, even though we only have two more home games.

12:00- Gametime! Already the commentators are saying that Ballard is the key for the Navy offense. Somebody's been reading this blog...

12:06- Mids kick off, as usual. Here we go...

12:07- A three-and-out for the Navy defense! Great pressure on the last two plays, this is an encouraging sign.

12:09- TOUCHDOWN NAVY! Reggie Campbell on a huge pass play! Great call, great execution, great stuff! Holy heck what a nice throw by Hampton!

12:16- Fumble by UConn, and Navy has the ball! Irv Spencer gets the recovery, with Mahoney jarring it loose. Great effort all around!

12:19- TOUCHDOWN NAVY! Brian Hampton does a great job looking off the defender on an option keeper for the score.

12:25- WOW. Terry Caulley makes a great run for a first down on a third and ten, but a fumble at the end sends the ball right back to Navy!

12:28- What the heck! Three consecutive penalties for the Mids put the offense at -25 yards in the last 3 plays. We just killed our momentum! Yep, now we have to punt. That was really a chance to go for the jugular. If Navy goes on to lose this game, it's because of this drive.

12:34- Great play by the Navy defense to get pressure on Bones, and to force a three and out. Don't be surprised to see if DJ Hernandez comes in pretty soon. Navy needs to eat some clock with this drive to keep the defense fresh for later.

12:39- Another holding call on the Mids. I'd like to see some of these replays if ESPN doesn't mind...

12:40- Nevermind, on second and thirty Hampton gets the first down. Ballard still without a carry yet...

12:42- Cancel that nevermind, another holding call. This is ridiculous, I'm blaming the dumb ACC officials. Why are we passing so much?

12:44- Dammit, on third and seven Hampton eats a sack to lose about a million yards. I love PJ as much as anyone, but why are we going away from our bread and butter run game?

12:47- Another flag on Navy. Facemask call. I swear we had this game, but up 14-0 it looks like the team is just letting it slip away...

12:55- UConn gets a field goal, putting the score at 14-3. It should be 28-0, but who am I to complain. I still have a bad feeling about this game, but I always have a bad feeling.

12:59- Ballard gets his first carry (2 yards.) Yay

1:09- Sorry, I almost had a heart attack. Still 14-2 Navy. Mids get the ball on their own 5. Time for the New Mexico

1:15- Good drive for Navy ends in a field goal. Ballard broke a monster 70+ yard run, showing that new and improved speed. Big defensive stand to come...

1:26- UConn gets a touchdown on a terry Caulley pass reception. It's now 17-10. My bad feeling is getting worse.

1:35- Navy is driving. Not much to report now, except that it's important to get points here.

1:40- Harmon just nocked in a 39-yard field goal, putting the lead at 20-10. Let's tae this into halftime and come out shooting in the second half.