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2009 Navy NCAA Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

navy 8409 Ken Niumatalolo proved to be the right guy for the job as he led Navy to an 8-5 mark in his first season at the helm. In fact, his eight victories were the most by a first-year Navy head man in over 80 years. Find out how he will fare in year number two in this 2009 college football predictions preview. Bet your college football picks at BetUS where our readers are eligible for a special $500 match bonus!

Offense – There’s no hiding from the fact that Navy lost seven offensive starters, including their top QB, best wideout, and two most productive tailbacks. Still, Navy’s execution and scheme has made it a dangerous offensive team for years no matter who is getting the football. The Midshipmen ranked no. 1 in the nation in rushing yards per game with 292.4 and I expect them to rule the roost in that category in 2009 as well. I don’t expect the quarterback position to miss a beat with junior Ricky Dobbs stepping in full-time. Dobbs threw for 212 yards and one score and ran for 495 yards and eight more scores last season. The coaching staff has expressed their confidence in his passing ability also. While I don’t expect the Midshipmen to have a balanced attack by any means, I do expect them to pass more frequently, looking for those homerun opportunities. Junior Mario Washington is expected to be Dobbs’ no. 1 target. A stable of capable running backs remain. Look for Alex Teich to play the fullback position and for Cory Finnerty and Marcus Curry to start at the slotback spots. The line should not go unnoticed as it has consistently been good during Navy’s run of six straight bowl appearances. Tackles Jeff Battipaglia and Matt Molloy anchor the unit.

Defense – The defense made major strides in Niumatalolo’s first season, allowing over 14 points per game less than it did in 2007, to give up just 22.0 points per contest (40th nationally). With seven starters back, more improvement is expected. The defensive line is experienced with all three starters back. Big things are expected from junior defensive end Jabaree Tuani. He led the Midshipmen with nine tackles for loss despite not starting until the fifth game. The linebacker unit is experienced as well with senior starters Ross Pospisil and Clint Sovie back. Pospisil can do it all. He finished with 106 stops, picked off two passes, and forced three fumbles. There is a bit of a drop off in the secondary after losing three starters, but rover Wyatt Middleton will do his best to lead the group.

Prediction: The Midshipmen must replace some of their top playmakers from a year ago, but I don’t expect any major offensive setbacks. Niumatalolo’s system is good enough to get Navy in a bowl game for the seventh straight season.

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Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks will keep your in the black all season long!

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