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Here are a few observations after watching the tape of Army’s 23-3 loss to Stony Brook
Stony Brook executed its defensive game plan well. The Seawolves always seemed to have a linebacker free and unblocked to take on the pitch or support the run inside.
Army had 21 running plays up the middle for 105 yards. Eight of Army’s inside runs gained two yards or less. Raymond Maples, Army’s leading rusher, was slowed down inside. He had 39 yards on six carries. Maples has picked up chunks of yards on counter plays this season.
Army offensive coordinator Ian Shields said just one of Army’s four fumbles was on quarterback Trent Steelman. Steelman lost the ball on a running play inside Stony Brook’s 10-yard line in the fourth quarter. Army also fumbled a pitch and turned over the ball on a quarterback-fullback mesh.
Stony Brook’s offense ran 28 consecutive plays. The Seawolves closed the first half out with a 12-play drive, which resulted in a field goal. Stony Brook opened the second half with a 16-play touchdown drive.
Army’s starting offensive line – Ben Jebb, Frank Allen, Will Wilson, Steve Shumaker and Momo Kime – played all 54 snaps. Quarterback Trent Steelman and fullback Larry Dixon also didn’t come out of the game.
Senior running back Jared Hassin and junior running back Jon Crucitti did not play on offense.
Linebacker Geoff Bacon, safety Hayden Pierce and cornerback Chris Carnegie played all 74 defensive snaps.
Army’s defensive line rotation included junior Clayton Keller and freshman T.J. Atimalala, who saw their first extended action of the season.
Keller played 16 downs and recorded his second career sack. Atimalala had 24 snaps and coach Rich Ellerson thought the freshman played well.
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