Talk about a difficult game to handicap, but I will try to keep it simple.
Though I live close to Annapolis, I have to admit that I do not know much about the Navy program this year. They graduated most of their starters, but that is a typical situation for them as seniors usually get the nod over underclassman. The new QB, Lamar Owens, was a Johnson recruit at Georgia Southern and has more speed than any of the other recent Navy QBs which could prove to be helpful against a MD defense that strength is in its linebacker core.
Maryland is a program that I know well and they have serious offensive problems again this year. Their offernsive line is in disarray. They lost their best tackle and only senior on the line for the year and converted last year's tight end to replace him. They have had numerous injuries on the offensive line and will start an inexperienced group.
The running back situation is just as bad. They will play three backs on Saturday, but all are inexperienced and frankly not that good. Merrills is a senior but has been injury prone all his career and does not have break away speed. Lattimore has more speed, but is undersized. Lance Ball is in between. The MD offense is centered around the running game and it has not looked good all camp long.
The best part of their camp has been their wide receivers. The freshman, Williams and Heyward-Bey are going to be special. They have tremendous speed and can catch the ball. The problem is who is going to throw it. Right now it is Hollenbach's team. He has looked good throwing the ball lately, but the lack of an established running game is going to hurt them.
Their is no secret to the Navy offense. They will run the ball with the triple-option. I think they may throw the ball some more this year since Lewis is rumored to have a strong arm and they will likely have to throw to be successful in the MD game. MD's defense centers around their middle linebacker, D. Jackson. He is very good. Their secondary, a strength last year, has many question marks this year as all the starters are new.
Until MD proves they can put some points on the Board, they should not be laying more than a TD to anyone. This rivalry has been dormant for many years, but has a long and storied history. This game means much more to Navy than MD. The game is at neutral site (the Ravens stadium).
I look for a typical inspired effort from the Navy squad. If they limit turmovers and put pressure on the MD QB, I think they have a shot at winning this game. I am scared of MD long passing game and think the only way they can cover is by completing many of them.
What the hell, first weekend of the year, I am predicting the first big upset.
NAVY 20
MD 17
Good luck this week to all!
Though I live close to Annapolis, I have to admit that I do not know much about the Navy program this year. They graduated most of their starters, but that is a typical situation for them as seniors usually get the nod over underclassman. The new QB, Lamar Owens, was a Johnson recruit at Georgia Southern and has more speed than any of the other recent Navy QBs which could prove to be helpful against a MD defense that strength is in its linebacker core.
Maryland is a program that I know well and they have serious offensive problems again this year. Their offernsive line is in disarray. They lost their best tackle and only senior on the line for the year and converted last year's tight end to replace him. They have had numerous injuries on the offensive line and will start an inexperienced group.
The running back situation is just as bad. They will play three backs on Saturday, but all are inexperienced and frankly not that good. Merrills is a senior but has been injury prone all his career and does not have break away speed. Lattimore has more speed, but is undersized. Lance Ball is in between. The MD offense is centered around the running game and it has not looked good all camp long.
The best part of their camp has been their wide receivers. The freshman, Williams and Heyward-Bey are going to be special. They have tremendous speed and can catch the ball. The problem is who is going to throw it. Right now it is Hollenbach's team. He has looked good throwing the ball lately, but the lack of an established running game is going to hurt them.
Their is no secret to the Navy offense. They will run the ball with the triple-option. I think they may throw the ball some more this year since Lewis is rumored to have a strong arm and they will likely have to throw to be successful in the MD game. MD's defense centers around their middle linebacker, D. Jackson. He is very good. Their secondary, a strength last year, has many question marks this year as all the starters are new.
Until MD proves they can put some points on the Board, they should not be laying more than a TD to anyone. This rivalry has been dormant for many years, but has a long and storied history. This game means much more to Navy than MD. The game is at neutral site (the Ravens stadium).
I look for a typical inspired effort from the Navy squad. If they limit turmovers and put pressure on the MD QB, I think they have a shot at winning this game. I am scared of MD long passing game and think the only way they can cover is by completing many of them.
What the hell, first weekend of the year, I am predicting the first big upset.
NAVY 20
MD 17
Good luck this week to all!
