The excitement is building at Qualcomm Stadium during the first bowl game of the season. With a close 10-7 ball game I wonder what Lou Holtz is thinking in the ESPN booth around the corner in the press box. Kevin and Rich pondered what type of cake he selected for his halftime treat. His choices were carrot cake or German chocolate. Navy took the opening kick off to start the game so now it was Utah’s turn to begin with the ball. Their first possession lead to a punt.

On Navy’s ensuing drive the Midshipmen began to swing it out more than ever. The misdirection was too much for Utah to handle though. When Utah thought Navy was going left on an option junior fullback Eric Kettani exploded up the middle for a 43 yard touchdown which simply erupted the cadets in the Navy section. The touchdown by Kettani was the longest touchdown run in Poinsettia Bowl history. The Navy drive lasted 48 seconds on 4 plays for 69 yards.

17-7 Midshipmen.

With 7:10 left to go in the third quarter Utah and Navy just got done exchanging punts. Utah will begin their third drive of the quarter at their own 41.

As Utah began their drive I thought to myself they need to switch something up against this Navy defense. The new attack led to Utah marching into Navy terroritory as light rain began to fall on the Qualcomm field. With 5:30 left to go in the quarter, Utah capitalized on a 4th and 1. The gain left Navy puzzled as Utah scored on the very next play. Freshman wideout Jereme Brooks came from the left side on a reverse for a 23 yard touchdown. The drive for Utah lasted 2:23 on 7 plays for 59 yards.

17-14 Navy. 4:17 left in the third quarter.

Navy’s first possession after the touchdown resulted in a three and out.

When Utah got the ball back they clearly had momentum on their side after a previous touchdown on their last drive. The Utes did what worked on the last scoring drive and implemented the short passing game once again. After crossing over into Midshipmen territory quarterback Brian Johnson decided to pull a Rex Grossman and go deep. Johnson found what he was looking for on the pass as wideout Derrick Richards caught a 40 yard bomb from Johnson to take the lead. The drive lasted 1:24 on 5 plays for 84 yards.

21-17 Utah. End of the third quarter.