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With new coach, Navy returns to Poinsettia Bowl

Dec 20, 2007 - 1:13 PM Utah (8-4) vs. Navy (8-4) 9:00 pm EST Poinsettia Bowl December 20

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- Trying to avoid the distraction of a coaching change, Navy faces Utah in the Poinsettia Bowl on Thursday.

The Midshipmen lost their coach on December 7, when Paul Johnson resigned to take over at Georgia Tech, where he inked a seven-year contract worth more than $11 million.

Johnson compiled a 45-29 record in six seasons at Navy, guiding the Midshipmen to bowl appearances in each of the past five years.

While Johnson is gone, the Midshipmen will have familiarity with new coach Ken Niumatalolo, who was promoted the day after Johnson departed. Niumatalolo had had served as assistant head coach and offensive line coach for the past six seasons for the Midshipmen.

The 42-year-old Niumatalolo and Navy are looking for another positive experience in the Poinsettia Bowl.

A natural to play in the game since San Diego features a large Navy contingent, the Midshipmen posted a wild 51-30 victory over Colorado State in the inaugural Poinsettia Bowl on December 22, 2005. That contest featured a then-bowl record 1,183 yards.

In a bowl game for a fifth straight season, Navy closed the regular season with four straight wins, averaging 48.2 points.

As usual, the staple for the Midshipmen is their option-running attack that leads the nation at 351.5 yards per game.

Led by quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada (782 yards), the Midshipmen have seven players who have rushed for at least 463 yards.

But Navy's offense should receive a stern test from Utah, which allowed just 15.6 points per game.

A major source of concern for the Midshipmen this season has been a young defense which allows 36.5 points and 438.2 yards per contest.

Another concern for the Midshipmen should be the Utes, who are making their fifth straight bowl appearance.

The Utes also have won their last six bowl games dating to 1999, the second-longest streak in the nation to Boston College, which has won seven in a row.

Utah won seven of its last eight games in the regular season to finish in a tie for third place in the Mountain West Conference.

Leading the way for the Utes offensively is running back Darrell Mack, who has rushed for 1,128 yards and 10 touchdowns.