TIGER FOOTBALL
Memphis football looks to slow down Navy's flexbone offense
Evan Barnes
Memphis Commercial Appeal
The past two seasons under coach Mike Norvell, Memphis has had varying results in dealing with Navy's triple-option flexbone offense.
In 2016, Memphis gave up 532 yards of offense in a 42-28 loss at Navy. Last year, the Tigers held Navy to 334 total yards and won 30-27 at home thanks to forcing five turnovers.
Despite that first win over Navy in program history, Norvell said Tuesday that being familiar with their scheme doesn't make it any easier to prepare for Saturday's conference opener.
"I think every year you have to get used to the speed (of it)," Norvell said. "That's the biggest transition to the game. Our scout team did a really nice job today but it's still not to the speed of what we're going to see."
The biggest misconception, Norvell said, is thinking Navy's offense succeeds by being deliberate with its blocking, misdirection and wearing teams down. What makes the Midshipmen dangerous is how dynamic they've been.
From 2013 to last season, Navy has averaged 34.1 points. Even in their season-opening loss to Hawii, the Midshipmen still scored 41 points.after falling behind 28-0.
"You want a fast start and you have to be able to finish strong. That's the key to this game." Norvell said. "Last year we really didn't start as well as we 'd like but we found a way to rally throughout and we were able to finish on top"
It's why Norvell and defensive coordinator Chris Ball had the Tigers preparing for Navy well before spring practice. Senior linebacker Jackson Dillon said preparations began as early as January and February.
Ball said Tuesday that Navy is a high priority and with the winner being in the lead for the AAC West title race, it adds urgency to how he prepares his game plan.
"We've got to beat this team for us to be successful and win our division so they're always our on minds," Ball said. "We're always trying to figure out ways to slow them down."
Last year, Memphis mostly relied on a defensive scheme with three linemen, three linebackers and two safeties close to the line of scrimmage. Navy still ran for 314 yards but it was 100 below its season average.
Against Hawaii, Navy still forced its share of missed tackles. Four players each had at least one run of 21 yards or more, including quarterback Malcolm Perry's 75-yard touchdown run.
"You just have to do your job every single play. You can't let up your fundamentals or technique for one play or else they got you," Dillon said.
The task will be tougher on the road with Saturday being Navy's home opener. Memphis carries the confidence of winning last year but knowing what to expect against the Midshipmen doesn't make stopping them any easier.
"It's difficult but if you trust the process and trust your keys, everything is going to play off itself," senior linebacker Curtis Akins said.
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