PHILADELPHIA – Navy football coach Ken Niumatalolo wrapped Malcolm Perry tighter than Army’s defense could muster for an embrace that served as a bit of an apology.
Perry had done it all for the Midshipmen in a 31-7 victory Saturday that earned him MVP honors in the 120th game between the service academies. Perry became the fourth quarterback in Football Bowl Subdivision history to rush for 300 yards, running for 304 and two touchdowns, and set a slew of program records.
It forced Niumatalolo to go on TV and issue a mea culpa: “I’m a bad coach. How did I bench him last year?”
Perry’s biggest number? For the senior it was one, as in the first time he led No. 21 Navy (10-2) past Army (5-8).
“This was the biggest game I’ve played in my life,” Perry said. “We didn’t win the last three games (against Army). But that makes this even more sweet.”