Official CFN Prediction SMU 35 Navy 24

[Harry0569]

Navy (3-6) at SMU (6-3) Nov. 12, 3:30, FSN

Here’s The Deal … Now that SMU has stopped the bleeding, it can spend the next three weekends improving its position for when bowl invitations are dispensed early next month. The Mustangs rebounded from nasty back-to-back losses versus Southern Miss and Tulsa with a much-needed rout of Tulane. The victory improved the program’s record in Dallas to 4-0, with a pair of games still remaining at Ford Stadium. With the West Division likely out of reach, the school will focus on achieving its first 10-win season in over a quarter-century.

Navy is coming off of a huge win of its own, handling Troy, 42-14, to snap a six-game losing skid that began on Sept. 17. The Midshipmen have been uncharacteristically ineffective this year under Ken Niumatalolo, falling four times by no more than a field goal. If the Academy is going to extend its program-record string of eight straight bowl games, it’ll have to sweep the remaining three games with SMU, San Jose State and Army.

Why Navy Might Win: When the Midshipmen got back to winning last week, they did so with a familiar script-running the ball out of the triple-option until the final gun sounds. The nation’s No. 3 ground game hammered the Trojans for five scores and 390 yards, getting at least 50 yards rushing out of five players. When QB Kriss Proctor, FB Alexander Teich and RB Gee Gee Greene get in on the act, tired legs are rarely a second-half problem. Although SMU has played very well against the run this season, allowing 106 yards a game, it’s not a stout bunch in the trenches that’s capable of standing up Navy, and consistently filling running lanes.

Why SMU Might Win: Navy’s single biggest problem this year has been the play of a defense, which is generating no pressure, and has struggled to stop the run. The Mustangs are going to counter with RB Zach Line, who runs with a similar north-south style as Teich. The nation’s eighth-ranked rusher will once again be the best player in the stadium, cranking out his eighth 100-yard game and a couple more touchdowns. Oh, and since this is still a June Jones production, SMU can still balance out the attack with the passing of J.J. McDermott to one of his preferred targets, Darius Johnson or Cole Beasley.

What To Watch Out For: The Mustangs need McDermott to build on last week’s three-touchdown, no-pick game in order to achieve the strong finish that they covet. The quarterback had been erratic prior to Tulane arriving in town, throwing 11 interceptions since replacing Kyle Padron in the lineup early in September. Injuries have robbed SMU of a safety net, leaving Jones with few other options outside of his former New Mexico State transfer. The circumstances are conducive to a positive game through the air, especially since Navy has only three picks and five sacks over the past six weeks.

What Will Happen: Navy looked like the Navy of old last Saturday. It’ll be fleeting, a product of playing a Troy team that’s in even worse shape these days. SMU will wear out the Midshipmen defense with a neatly crafted blend of Line’s running and the passing of McDermott. Line will be the game MVP, lowering his shoulder to extend drives, and bouncing off would-be tacklers for more yards. Not built to thrive in comeback, Navy will sputter in the second half, officially being eliminated from postseason contention for the first time since 2002.

CFN Prediction: SMU 35 … Navy 24

[smupony94]

Go Ponies. Hi Harry

[The PonyGrad]

Well, they have been pretty good making comebacks against us. We can't let that happen this time.

[ponyte]

If the wind is an issue, then Line really need a super day. And our D will also need a super day.