Navy Offense vs. Boston College Defense
Navy's triple-option attack needs a physical fullback to pick up tough yards between the tackles and prevent linebackers from flying to the perimeter in an effort to take away the outside to be truly effective. With that in mind, losing Adam Ballard to a broken leg in the regular-season finale could be significant. The tough runner rarely went down with the first hit and led the team in rushing.
Navy vs. Boston College
When: Dec. 30, 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Where: Charlotte, N.C.
Fortunately for the Midshipmen there is reason to be optimistic about their ability to overcome the injury. Eric Kettani and Matt Hall provide excellent depth. Kettani is a big back who has made the most of his limited touches and Hall is a former starter.
However, their ability to rise to the occasion should play a big role in the outcome of the game -- and it shouldn't be easy. Boston College DTs Ron Brace and B.J. Raji possess excellent size and are capable of clogging up the middle working against an undersized Midshipmen offensive line. Kettani and Hall need to focus on staying north-south and falling forward. If they can consistently pick up three yards per carry, they should be able to keep BC's linebackers honest and help open up the outside. That's important because QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada and slot back Reggie Campbell are dangerous in space. They can make the first defender miss and have the speed to exploit seams. Though LBs Jolonn Dunbar, Brian Toal and Tyronne Pruitt are sound open-field tacklers who generally wrap up well, but they must stay disciplined and not try to do too much. If they don't, they won't be in position to make the play.
Kaheaku-Enhada has completed less than half of his passes and it's unlikely his completion percentage will be much higher than that against the Eagles. DeJuan Tribble is a shutdown cover corner who has the quickness and athletic ability to blanket Navy's leading receiver Jason Tomlinson. Free safety Jamie Silva is a playmaker who can cover a lot of ground. Toal and Pruitt can hold their own in coverage and limit the production. Reserve OLB Kevin Atkins provides a consistent rush and should have some success getting to Kaheaku-Enhada. However, Kaheaku-Enhada has thrown just one interception and is always a threat to scramble when nothing is available downfield. If he can continue to take what the defense gives him and help move the chains with his feet, he greatly increases the Midshipmen's chances of winning this game.
Boston College Offense vs. Navy Defense
Boston College has thrown far more than it has run this year -- and for good reason. The offensive line hasn't driven defenders off the ball and the Eagles don't have backs that can create when they don't get a quality seam. However, the Eagles should show a stronger commitment to the ground game against Navy. First and foremost, Boston College's offensive line is substantially bigger than the Midshipmen front three. As a result, it should have some success controlling the line of scrimmage and wearing the defensive front down over the course of the game. Secondly, there is good depth in the backfield. RBs L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender don't have great explosiveness, but they read their blocks fairly well and run hard. Thirdly, QB Matt Ryan has shown that he can make teams pay when they load up against the run. Navy's pass defense has been porous at times so Whitworth and Callender shouldn't see many eight-man fronts. It's also worth noting that the Eagles should attack the heart of the Midshipmen run defense. Running between the tackles cuts down on the interior offensive linemen's blocking angles, making it easier for them to reach the inside linebackers of Navy's 3-4 scheme. In other words, it exploits Navy's inability to anchor and allows Boston College to maximize its edge in power.
Ryan is a field general who shows good command of the offense and is accurate when he sets his feet. He also has excellent chemistry with WRs Tony Gonzalez and Kevin Challenger who complement each other well. Gonzalez has the speed to stretch the field and Challenger has the burst to quickly separate from coverage. Both should have some success getting open against CBs Keenan Little and Rashawn King. Though Little and King have adequate cover skills, they lack the natural ability to consistently stay with Gonzalez and Challenger. However, Ryan isn't mobile enough to consistently buy time in the pocket or pick up yards with his feet. He also doesn't always make sound decisions in the face of pressure. Keeping that in mind, Navy should try to rattle Ryan to slow down the Eagles' passing attack. That is easier said than done. Though LOT James Marten doesn't have great quickness, he has the long arms to ride DE John Chan, who has seven sacks, past the pocket. Boston College should have success picking up rushing linebackers as well. The Eagles' offensive line is experienced and it should account for OLB David Mahoney, who has six sacks, on every snap. In addition, Ryan can neutralize the pass rush by getting rid of the ball quickly and utilizing his backs.
Special Teams
Navy's Matt Harmon has connected on seven of his 10 field goal attempts and has done an excellent job of filling in for Joey Bullen, who has missed several games with a groin injury. However, he doesn't have great range and Bullen should be available. Bullen, who has connected on two of his three field-goal attempts this year, is more experienced and has shown he can come through in pressure situations in the past. Keeping that in mind, coach Paul Johnson could use one or both kickers. It's also worth noting that 13 of Harmon's 58 kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks. Greg Veteto gets adequate distance on his punts and has flashed the ability to place the ball inside the opponent's 20-yard line, but he isn't great in any one area and two of his punts have been blocked. Reggie Campbell is a dangerous open field runner who can break long kickoff returns and Jason Tomlinson shows good speed when returning punts. As a result, Boston College's cover units must continue to play well.
Eagles PK Steve Aponavicius walked onto the team in 2005 and attracted national attention when he replaced Ryan Ohliger, who served a one-game suspension. Since then he hasn't missed a field goal attempt inside 40 yards, but he hasn't shown great range. On the year, Ohliger has connected on seven of his 11 field goal attempts and shown the ability to connect from longer distances. As a result, interim coach Frank Spaziani also could use two kickers. Neither kicker has gotten great distance on his kickoffs. Johnny Ayers gets good distance on his punts and can place the ball inside the opponent's 20-yard line. DeJuan Tribble can make defenders miss and shows a second gear when retuning punts and kickoffs. In addition, Jeff Smith is fast. He returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown earlier this year. However, the Midshipmen have done a great job of covering punts and the kickoff cover unit has been strong as well.
Matchups
? Boston College WR Tony Gonzalez vs. Navy DC Rashawn King
? Navy QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada vs. Boston College MLB Jolonn Dunbar
? Boston College LOT James Marten vs. Navy DE John Chan
Scouts' Edge
Navy needs to run the ball well and sustain long scoring drives that eat up the clock and limit Ryan's opportunities to put points on the board. Unfortunately for the Midshipmen, Boston College's front seven should be able to slow the option attack and force Navy to put the ball in the air. Though Kaheaku-Enhada and Campbell could break some long runs and should help keep the score close, the loss of Ballard will dilute the effectiveness of the inside run. Kaheaku-Enhada simply doesn't have the weapons or experience throwing downfield to regularly keep drives alive with his arm when the Midshipmen get into third-and-long situations. The Boston College running game shouldn't be as explosive as Navy's but it should be more consistent and effectively take pressure off Ryan. The junior QB will take advantage by staying patient, making accurate reads and getting the ball into the hands of his playmakers. Of course, former head coach Tom O'Brien's decision to take the North Carolina State and the distraction his departure presents for Boston College's players can't be overlooked. However, interim head coach Frank Spaziani has been at the school for 10 years and is an excellent defensive coordinator. The Eagles should be ready to play and in position to slow the option attack.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Midshipmen 21
Navy's triple-option attack needs a physical fullback to pick up tough yards between the tackles and prevent linebackers from flying to the perimeter in an effort to take away the outside to be truly effective. With that in mind, losing Adam Ballard to a broken leg in the regular-season finale could be significant. The tough runner rarely went down with the first hit and led the team in rushing.
Navy vs. Boston College
When: Dec. 30, 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Where: Charlotte, N.C.
Fortunately for the Midshipmen there is reason to be optimistic about their ability to overcome the injury. Eric Kettani and Matt Hall provide excellent depth. Kettani is a big back who has made the most of his limited touches and Hall is a former starter.
However, their ability to rise to the occasion should play a big role in the outcome of the game -- and it shouldn't be easy. Boston College DTs Ron Brace and B.J. Raji possess excellent size and are capable of clogging up the middle working against an undersized Midshipmen offensive line. Kettani and Hall need to focus on staying north-south and falling forward. If they can consistently pick up three yards per carry, they should be able to keep BC's linebackers honest and help open up the outside. That's important because QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada and slot back Reggie Campbell are dangerous in space. They can make the first defender miss and have the speed to exploit seams. Though LBs Jolonn Dunbar, Brian Toal and Tyronne Pruitt are sound open-field tacklers who generally wrap up well, but they must stay disciplined and not try to do too much. If they don't, they won't be in position to make the play.
Kaheaku-Enhada has completed less than half of his passes and it's unlikely his completion percentage will be much higher than that against the Eagles. DeJuan Tribble is a shutdown cover corner who has the quickness and athletic ability to blanket Navy's leading receiver Jason Tomlinson. Free safety Jamie Silva is a playmaker who can cover a lot of ground. Toal and Pruitt can hold their own in coverage and limit the production. Reserve OLB Kevin Atkins provides a consistent rush and should have some success getting to Kaheaku-Enhada. However, Kaheaku-Enhada has thrown just one interception and is always a threat to scramble when nothing is available downfield. If he can continue to take what the defense gives him and help move the chains with his feet, he greatly increases the Midshipmen's chances of winning this game.
Boston College Offense vs. Navy Defense
Boston College has thrown far more than it has run this year -- and for good reason. The offensive line hasn't driven defenders off the ball and the Eagles don't have backs that can create when they don't get a quality seam. However, the Eagles should show a stronger commitment to the ground game against Navy. First and foremost, Boston College's offensive line is substantially bigger than the Midshipmen front three. As a result, it should have some success controlling the line of scrimmage and wearing the defensive front down over the course of the game. Secondly, there is good depth in the backfield. RBs L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender don't have great explosiveness, but they read their blocks fairly well and run hard. Thirdly, QB Matt Ryan has shown that he can make teams pay when they load up against the run. Navy's pass defense has been porous at times so Whitworth and Callender shouldn't see many eight-man fronts. It's also worth noting that the Eagles should attack the heart of the Midshipmen run defense. Running between the tackles cuts down on the interior offensive linemen's blocking angles, making it easier for them to reach the inside linebackers of Navy's 3-4 scheme. In other words, it exploits Navy's inability to anchor and allows Boston College to maximize its edge in power.
Ryan is a field general who shows good command of the offense and is accurate when he sets his feet. He also has excellent chemistry with WRs Tony Gonzalez and Kevin Challenger who complement each other well. Gonzalez has the speed to stretch the field and Challenger has the burst to quickly separate from coverage. Both should have some success getting open against CBs Keenan Little and Rashawn King. Though Little and King have adequate cover skills, they lack the natural ability to consistently stay with Gonzalez and Challenger. However, Ryan isn't mobile enough to consistently buy time in the pocket or pick up yards with his feet. He also doesn't always make sound decisions in the face of pressure. Keeping that in mind, Navy should try to rattle Ryan to slow down the Eagles' passing attack. That is easier said than done. Though LOT James Marten doesn't have great quickness, he has the long arms to ride DE John Chan, who has seven sacks, past the pocket. Boston College should have success picking up rushing linebackers as well. The Eagles' offensive line is experienced and it should account for OLB David Mahoney, who has six sacks, on every snap. In addition, Ryan can neutralize the pass rush by getting rid of the ball quickly and utilizing his backs.
Special Teams
Navy's Matt Harmon has connected on seven of his 10 field goal attempts and has done an excellent job of filling in for Joey Bullen, who has missed several games with a groin injury. However, he doesn't have great range and Bullen should be available. Bullen, who has connected on two of his three field-goal attempts this year, is more experienced and has shown he can come through in pressure situations in the past. Keeping that in mind, coach Paul Johnson could use one or both kickers. It's also worth noting that 13 of Harmon's 58 kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks. Greg Veteto gets adequate distance on his punts and has flashed the ability to place the ball inside the opponent's 20-yard line, but he isn't great in any one area and two of his punts have been blocked. Reggie Campbell is a dangerous open field runner who can break long kickoff returns and Jason Tomlinson shows good speed when returning punts. As a result, Boston College's cover units must continue to play well.
Eagles PK Steve Aponavicius walked onto the team in 2005 and attracted national attention when he replaced Ryan Ohliger, who served a one-game suspension. Since then he hasn't missed a field goal attempt inside 40 yards, but he hasn't shown great range. On the year, Ohliger has connected on seven of his 11 field goal attempts and shown the ability to connect from longer distances. As a result, interim coach Frank Spaziani also could use two kickers. Neither kicker has gotten great distance on his kickoffs. Johnny Ayers gets good distance on his punts and can place the ball inside the opponent's 20-yard line. DeJuan Tribble can make defenders miss and shows a second gear when retuning punts and kickoffs. In addition, Jeff Smith is fast. He returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown earlier this year. However, the Midshipmen have done a great job of covering punts and the kickoff cover unit has been strong as well.
Matchups
? Boston College WR Tony Gonzalez vs. Navy DC Rashawn King
? Navy QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada vs. Boston College MLB Jolonn Dunbar
? Boston College LOT James Marten vs. Navy DE John Chan
Scouts' Edge
Navy needs to run the ball well and sustain long scoring drives that eat up the clock and limit Ryan's opportunities to put points on the board. Unfortunately for the Midshipmen, Boston College's front seven should be able to slow the option attack and force Navy to put the ball in the air. Though Kaheaku-Enhada and Campbell could break some long runs and should help keep the score close, the loss of Ballard will dilute the effectiveness of the inside run. Kaheaku-Enhada simply doesn't have the weapons or experience throwing downfield to regularly keep drives alive with his arm when the Midshipmen get into third-and-long situations. The Boston College running game shouldn't be as explosive as Navy's but it should be more consistent and effectively take pressure off Ryan. The junior QB will take advantage by staying patient, making accurate reads and getting the ball into the hands of his playmakers. Of course, former head coach Tom O'Brien's decision to take the North Carolina State and the distraction his departure presents for Boston College's players can't be overlooked. However, interim head coach Frank Spaziani has been at the school for 10 years and is an excellent defensive coordinator. The Eagles should be ready to play and in position to slow the option attack.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Midshipmen 21
