Navy Midshipmen and SMU Mustangs will meet for the 16th time in series history when they square off on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. Kickoff is set for 3:30 pm (ET). Navy has won four in a row against the Mustangs and seven of the last eight.
The two programs will battle for the Gansz Trophy, which was established in 2009. Considered perhaps the top special teams coach in the history of the NFL, Frank Gansz spent time at both SMU and the Naval Academy. Gansz was starting his second season as special teams coach at SMU when he passed away. As a collegian, Gansz played center and linebacker for the Naval Academy from 1957 to 1959 and graduated in 1960. He also spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Navy (1969-72). In all, Gansz spent 38 seasons coaching – 24 in the NFL and 14 in the collegiate ranks.
Navy heads into Saturday’s contest with the country’s third-best rushing attack, averaging 318.0 yards per game. SMU, meanwhile, is 18th in run defense (106.4 yds/gm). Navy is 13th in turnover margin (+0.8), while SMU is 117th in turnover margin (-1.2). SMU is a dangerous team on offense as it is proficient both on the ground and through the air. SMU’s running back has rushed for 1,089 yards and 17 touchdowns this year, while their quarterback has completed 191 of his 329 pass attempts for 2,515 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. SMU’s defense also has been outstanding for the Mustangs, ranking 18th nationally against the run (106.4), 35th in total defense (346.3) and 44th in scoring defense (23.2)
The Navy v. SMU football game viewing will be at Jocks & Jill’s Galleria. The Galleria (2778 Cumberland Blvd SE # 586, Smyrna (770) 952-4254) is located across Cobb Parkway from the Cumberland Mall.
Please join Naval Academy Alumni and USNA Georgia Parents cheer Navy to victory over the SMU Mustangs. Fox Sports Net will air the national broadcast. . For more information, go to: http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/gameTrax?gameId=201111120082
Go Navy! Beat the Mustangs!
Ed Brownlee
President
USNA Alumni Assoc Atlanta Chapter (USNAAAA)
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Atlanta Network