Projected Postseason Top 25: #19 Navy

Of the 119 teams in Division 1 Bowl Subdivision college football, Navy perhaps has the least amount of question marks. You need not to have ever stepped on an aircraft carrier or submarine to know what the Midshipmen do on the football field, they run the option and run it well. Navy got 83.2% of its yards on the ground, by far the highest percentage of any team. Also decided for all intents and purposes is where Navy will end its season. Once they become bowl eligible, the Midshipmen will go to San Diego for the Poinsettia Bowl. This fledgling bowl will depend on the Fleets to fill up the seats and hopefully turn a profit.

Projected Record and Bowl Result: 10-3 Beat BYU in Poinsettia Bowl

Who they’ll beat: Temple (Road), Ball State (Home), Duke (Home), Air Force (Home), Wake Forest (Home), Delaware (Home), North Texas (Road), Northern Illinois (Home), Army (Baltimore, MD), BYU (San Diego, CA)

Who’ll beat them: Rutgers (Road), Pittsburgh (Road), Notre Dame (Road)

When they Pass: It’s considered “razzle-dazzle” Quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada (from Hawai’i in case you were wondering) is rarely called to pass and is without leading receiver Jason Tomlinson. Expect Navy to rank 119th in passing offense.

When they Run: Small and shifty describe Reggie Campbell and Zerbin Singleton are the slot backs, Adam Ballard returns at fullback for the closest thing to rugby team in college football. Navy led the nation in rushing offense, but then again they should.



When their Opponents Run: The defense is going to have to return six of its front seven which is why it has almost no chance against the Big East teams on its schedule.

When their Opponents Pass: The secondary is also only returning one starter off a team which ranked 85th against the pass last year.

When they Kick: Punter Greg Veteto will try to improve the punting which was atrocious last year. The option offense and Matt Harmon’s average leg mean few field goals over 40 yards will be attempted this year.

When they call Timeout: Paul Johnson is an oft-mentioned candidate when non-service academy jobs open up. With good reason, as he expects to take Navy to its fifth consecutive bowl appearance.