Navy’s offense was sputtering badly to start the season opener against Hawaii. The Midshipmen managed just one first down on three possessions to begin the game, repeatedly putting the defense back on the field to face the potent run-and-shoot offense of the Rainbow Warriors.
Nelson Smith entered on Navy’s fourth possession and immediately broke a 40-yard run on first down. The diminutive sophomore made a sharp cut into a nice hole on the left side and accelerated right past the defensive linemen and linebackers into enemy territory.
Two plays later, Smith burst straight up the middle for a 15-yard gain to set up Navy’s first touchdown.