Navy defeats SMU on last-second field goal, 43-40

Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry scores a touchdown in the first quarter against SMU on Saturday. The Mids defeated the Mustangs, 43-40, on a last-second field goal at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. (Paul W. Gillespie / Capital Gazette) Every football coach knows the importance of putting the ball in the hands of the team’s most dangerous offensive player.

After a long weekend of soul-searching, Navy elected to do just that – making the dramatic decision to move Malcolm Perry to quarterback.

Perry, who has played slotback all season, personally fixed the Midshipmen’s stagnant offense with his dynamic running ability. However, the defense continued to struggle and could not protect a huge…