SAN DIEGO (Map, News) - Most players dread going to practice. But Navy senior fullback Adam Ballard couldn’t be happier preparing to play Utah in the Poinsettia Bowl on Thursday night at Qualcomm Stadium.

The 6-foot-1, 236-pound starting fullback’s 2006 season came to an abrupt end against Army — the game before Navy was to play in the Meineke Car Care Bowl — when he broke his right leg in the first quarter. Ballard accompanied the team to Charlotte, N.C., for its bowl game against Boston College, but as a spectator.

“It was frustrating watching those guys practice last year and lose the way we did against Boston College,” Ballard said. “Things are different this time around. Coming from Annapolis where it was cold and rainy, we really hit the ground running and had some good practices.”

Ballard’s teammates noticed a difference in his play during yesterday’s hour-long practice at the University of California, San Diego.

“Ballard’s happy to be out here, you can really tell, all joyful and stuff,” senior center Antron Harper said. ”He’s ready to go out with a bang.”

But Harper and Ballard will both have to play well for Navy (8-4) to beat Utah (8-4) in front of a national television audience on ESPN at 9 p.m. Many teams install trick plays during bowl preparation to keep players focused. Navy, however, will rely on what has powered it to a fifth straight bowl game: a relentless, a ground-oriented, triple-option attack that averages 444.6 yards and 39.9 points per game.

“The option itself is exciting,” said senior slot back Reggie Campbell, who scored an NCAA-bowl record tying five touchdowns in a 51-30 win over Colorado State in the 2005 Poinsettia Bowl. “Whenever you are running it and running it well you never know where the ball is going to go and who is going to make a play.”

And Ballard is looking forward to his chance to make those plays this year. If Navy wins, the Class of 2008 will leave the Academy with 36 wins — tying a school record for victories with the Class of 1909.

“It feels great to be here coming off last year,” said Ballard, who has rushed for 644 yards and 5 touchdowns on 135 carries. “I was worried about staying healthy all year and I’ve been able to keep my body ready and healthy. It’s nice to be here as a senior. It’s just kind of a reward for us.”

POINSETTIA BOWL: MIDSHIPMEN (8-4) VS. UTAH UTES (8-4)

» Kickoff: Thursday, 9 p.m.

» Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

» TV/Radio: ESPN, 1090 AM, 1430 AM

dcarey@baltimoreexaminer.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

7:24 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Navy, new coach start spring practices"

Examiner Reader said:
The spring game is actually April 18 @ 7pm.

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6:47 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Navy, new coach start spring practices"

Former Player said:
I will admit that when I heard Coach Johnson left Navy I was disappointed and nervous with what direction Navy football would go. After they promoted Coach Niumatalolo to Head Coach, I can honestly say that I am more excited about Navy football now then I have ever been. I played for coach Niumat for 2 years and he is by far the best coach I have ever been around. His knowledge of the triple option not only rivals the creator's (Coach Johnson), his ability to connect with each player at a much deeper level will allow him to bring out the very best in each player and put together a cohesive group of young men that believe in themselves as well as their coaches! Go Navy, Beat Everyone!

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8:50 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "Navy hopes to end 43-game drought to Irish"

Examiner Reader said:
With all due respect to the Adm Fowler, he doesn't even attend his own year group's tailgaters. He's focused on the mission, just not much of a social butterfly. His communication skills aren't lacking, they're non-existent and that's the crux of the problem. He hasn't had a Supe's call for the Brigade since he initiated changes just prior to the academic year starting. He might have a great plan, but, no one knows where he's headed, only he does. Now for football. Navy just needs the defense to make a few stops and the offense can put the points on the board. Fifty two points should be enough to win any game. The Irish offense probably can't wait to get on the field Saturday. Go Navy! Beat the Notre Dame!

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1:29 PM MST on Fri., Oct. 12, 2007 re: "Mids defense comes through in the clutch"

Examiner Reader said:
Nuc Sumariners are very capable people who are trained to leave nothing to chance in accomplishing their mission. That's why we never hear about submarine related nuclear incidents. Unfortunately, we HAVE heard about submarine collisions, which has prompted the sub community leadership to remind the troops that in their zeal to make sure the plant runs safely, they also need to occasionally get their heads up above the deckplates and watch where they're going ! In like fashion, it sounds like Adm Fowler needs to come up to the bridge and get a sniff of some fresh air. And he should take a look around while he's up there. There's more to making a good officer than attending to academic and military training. How about some balance, Admiral? It's called the Whole Man/Woman Concept, or even the "Big Picture".

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12:51 PM MST on Fri., Oct. 12, 2007 re: "Mids defense comes through in the clutch"

Examiner Reader said:
This guy is a loose cannon. In an effort to 'make a name for himself,' he places his individual ego and arrogance above the morale and spirit of the Naval Academy and the armed forces in general. As a Naval Academy graduate, I'm embarrassed by his poor example of leadership.

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7:06 AM MST on Wed., Sep. 19, 2007 re: "Navy gets some good news"

Examiner Reader said:
Annapolis, MD (WTF). VADM Fowler today issued a statement via his command judge advocate general (JAG) that the Academy is seriously considering cancelling this year's Army-Navy football game. VADM Fowler's statement explained that the game's proximity to final exams and the Christmas holiday was causing a lot of angst in the Brigade and might "serve as a distraction". He further explained that although the decision might be unpopular, his job is "not to do the popular thing but rather the right thing." The Superintendent emphasized that this move was not unprecedented. "In 1917 and 1918, the Army-Navy game was not played due to WWI. What better way to reinforce the fact that we're at war than to cancel the Army-Navy game?" The Admiral's statement stressed that the decision was not final, but an Academy spokesman said "I wouldn't be booking any rooms in Baltimore if I were you."

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7:43 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
I'm traveling up writing "Free the Brigade" on the back window in protest to Fowler. Dumb Nuke move. Know what I mean, Vern?

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7:24 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
Look at the financial headaches this could cause

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6:14 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
The Midshipmen are miserable with the changes and the Supe has one of the worst leadership examples set forth in the navy. You would not have wanted to be on his ship. Sad day for Navy.

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4:12 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
We've been a nation "at war" for almost 6 years now and only the services have been sacrificing, not the country "at large." It sounds like Adm Fowler is going to try to reverse this in his small way. Guess what -- it's DUMB! Making the Brigade of of Midshipmen the "sacrificial lamb" will not compensate for the nation's indifference and their overall lack involvement. He might even be manifesting the Navy's overall lack of involvement, in comparison to the Marines and Army. I wonder how many top notch Midies are now contemplating transfering. If I was a youngster, I probably would -- and I served for 20 years in the Artillery and Military Intel. Dumb Admiral! ...just dumb.

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3:01 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
To quote President George W. Bush, "Join today's military and you're history."

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2:14 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

USNA Alum [Ancient Mariner] said:
I have no qualms about and support the return to mandatory study hours ... it is the way I and thousands of others went through 4 years at "the Boat School/Canoe U/Sing Sing on the Severn" and benefited therefrom. I also agree with the Admiral's dedication to USNA's Mission. However, that said, I think he has gone off the deep end and over-reacted. The Team and the Brigade are a powerful recruiting tool and the Team is a necessary morale element for the Brigade, just as the Brigade is for the Team. I believe the Supe should have listened more before he leapt to lead. Hopefully, he will see the errors and correct them which is the sign of a true leader. Meanwhile, all he has accomplished is giving credence to the Brigade's nickname for the Academy's Admin ... the Dark Side !

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1:32 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
Admiral Fowler sent an open letter to Midshipman parents that reads in part: .... Since my change of command I have been using the Chief of Naval Operations� approach for taking on a new position of responsibility: listen, learn, and lead. I have spent the summer listening and learning, and now it is time for me to lead. My Senior Leadership Team and I want to make sure our course is set to prepare your sons and daughters to become the best junior officers in the Fleet; officers with competence, character, and compassion..... ... Every member of our Naval Academy team must be focused on developing midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically for the privilege of serving as leaders of Sailors and Marines who volunteered to serve their country. Develop is an active verb requiring intrusive leadership from staff, faculty, and coaches. We must direct and facilitate the development of our midshipmen to accomplish the mission with a sense of urgency....

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11:30 AM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
With the sweeping changes Admiral Fowler proposes, including cancelling movement orders to sports events and cancelling musical groups/concerts, I would think some alumni would start calling their congressmen/senators. I know some parents have begun. Most of us that sent our kids to USNA sent intelligent, emotionally mature over-achievers that have NOT needed babysitting in quite some time.

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11:04 AM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
Great idea Supe Fowler. We certianly wouldn't want the Midshipman to have any personal enjoyment during the four years they have as young adults waiting to possibly sacrifice their lives for our country. Best to have them locked down and preparing to go to war. If we treated our other military members who were at home waiting for deployment this way there would be public outcry. Let us not forget that these men and women are enlisted and considered active duty military.

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9:49 AM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Policy shift leaves brigade at home"

Examiner Reader said:
With 3,000+ Midshipmen back in Annapolis not being distracted by the Navy football game, I wonder how the Superintendent and Commandant can be at the game. Surely they're not distracted by football while their troops are back home as they prepare to serve. I don't think the fleet cares whether or not Midshipment are at a football game on a Friday night supporting their team. Leaving them all at home doesn't show any support for the Navy-Marine Corps team. This shows a lack of vision. If all is well and the Academy is fine as the leadership states, then this direction stems from some sort of ill that the team wants to correct. Granted, the Academy has had some problems with specific Mids. No college/university is without problems. These Mids that were responsible were held accountable. If this is being done to effect change, that's one thing. Leaving the Brigade to attend an evening meal formation and leave no time to support THEIR team doesn't show suppor

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