ATS Sports Blog

This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

Navy Midshipmen

2008 Record: (8-5)
Coach: Ken Niumatalolo, 2nd year, (8-6 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Irvin Jasper (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Buddy Green (8th year)
Returning Starters: 12 (4 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: It’s usually tough when an option offense has to replace a quarterback, but fortunately for Navy, junior Ricky Dobbs (6-1, 194) has a good amount of experience. The junior was third string last season, but came in several games to injuries, including a spectacular performance against SMU, when he rushed for 224 yards with four touchdowns. He’s a bigger athlete than most Navy option qbs with a strong arm and good elusiveness. He threw for 212 yards in limited action, which means they may actually throw the ball more than five times per game. They do lose FB Eric Kettani and slot back Shun White, both outstanding runners in the triple option. Sophomore FB Alexander Teich (6-0, 200) is undersized, while sophomore slotback Marcus Curry (5-11, 207), though fast with good hands, is unproven. He’ll be the key to the offense along with Dobbs. The receivers have to block in this offense, but may see more time catching the ball. Up fron, they return three starters including junior LT Jeff Battipaglia (6-4, 260).

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 22ppg (40th in the nation) and 346.7 yards per game. They made huge strides from the previous season when they were awful, especially against the pass. Senior NG Nate Frazier (6-3, 287) anchors a three-man line, with all three starters returning. He tied for the team lead with nine tackles for loss. At linebacker, they loss two of four starters, but do return seniors Ross Pospisil (6-0, 223), who had 106 tackles last year and senior Clint Sovie (5-11, 210), who moves from the inside to the outside to utilize his speed. The secondary returns junior safety Wyatt Middleton (6-0, 192), one of their best players, but they need help at the cornerback spot.

Outlook: Navy mixes up their schedule with top teams as well as winnable games so they can win enough to make a bowl game. They open with Ohio State on the road and also have brutal road games at Pitt and Notre Dame. Aside from facing rivals Army in Philadelphia and Air Force at home, they have winnable games against Delaware, Western Kentucky, Temple and Louisiana Tech at home, with Rice and SMU on the road.

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