Navy's D displays toughness

Rare shutout boosts

confidence of Mids

Northern Illinois' second-to-last drive of the game epitomized the grit and determination the Navy defense put forth on a bitter cold night in DeKalb.

Trailing 16-0 and desperately in need of a touchdown, Northern Illinois held the ball for 18 plays and nearly 10 minutes. The Huskies drove from their own 29-yard line all the way to the Midshipmen's 3-yard line.

It was a methodical march kept alive by a pair of questionable unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against Navy. Northern Illinois would have faced third-and-13 from near midfield following an incomplete pass, but...