College Football Preview: Navy

Navy Midshipmen

2015 Results: 11-2 (7-1, T-1st in West)

Defeated Pitt in Military Bowl

Returning Starters: 1 OFF, 7 DEF, 1 SP

Schedule

September

3rd FORDHAM

10th CONNECTICUT

17th at Tulane

October

1st at Air Force

8th HOUSTON

13th at East Carolina

22nd MEMPHIS
28th at South Florida

November

5th NOTRE DAME

12 TULSA

26th at SMU

December

Army (Baltimore)

Navy enjoyed their first year in the AAC. They were tied for their division, but lost head-to-head at Houston and that kept them from competing for the conference championship. The 11 wins were the most in school history. They finished ranked 18th in both polls. It was their highest finish since 1963 when they finished second. 

The Midshipmen's offense is depleted as they only return one starter from a year ago. Senior quarterback Tago Smith has huge shoes to fill as he is replacing Keenan Reynolds. The only starting experience that Smith has was in his sophomore year when he started two games in place of the injured Reynolds. The staff has full confidence in him and they expect him to pick up where Reynolds left off. Running back Dishan Romine will be heavily relied upon. Last year, Romine accounted for 378 yards, but averaged 10.5 per touch. Fullback Shawn White must step up. He will be the key to the offense. Wide receiver Jamir Tillman is the only returning starter on the offensive side. 

Last year, Navy's defense was the best statistically since Paul Johnson brought in the triple option. There are seven returners on that defense. All four linebackers are back. Nose guard Patrick Forrestal will have to prove himself. For this defense to click, it falls on him. Cornerback Brendon Clements is the best defender. He has seven career intercepts and will be a ball hawk. The defense will be more improved, if you can believe it. They are more experienced from a year ago and will be smothering.

Player to Watch: Jamir Tillman

We all know that Navy will run the ball. But Jamir Tillman is the lone returning offensive player. Tillman had 597 yards on 29 catches last year. If you aren't good at math, that is 20.6 yards per reception. Now you might say, "Navy is a running team. If they throw the ball, of course they will catch a defense off guard". False. Tillman runs great routes and has amazing hands. The senior will be the leader for Navy's offense.

If you only watch them play once, watch:

12-10 Army (in Baltimore)

Any true patriot will understand that the Army-Navy game is more than football. It is our country's armed forces going head-to-head on the gridiron in the friendliest rivalry for American pride. There are no losers on the field for this game, only heroes. For the seniors, it is their last game of organized football before they move on to defend our country. Hell, if you only watch one game this year, watch this one. These are the heroes.

What to Expect

Navy won't be surprising anyone this year. They aren't returning anyone on offense, aside from Tillman. It is pretty much an entirely new offensive unit. That being said, don't sleep on the Midshipmen. They should compete for the west's berth in the conference championship

Prediction

9-3 (7-1, in AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th