Navy knew that 2015 would be the final chapter for record-setting quarterback Keenan Reynolds. However, there were some tenuous moments in December regarding the future of head coach Ken Niumatalolo. Coach Ken stayed, resulting in a sigh of relief throughout the Academy. But after almost copping a crown in their inaugural season in the AAC, and cracking the Top 25 for the first time in 11 years, the Middies face a lot of work ahead to match the 2015 results.
Navy Midshipmen Regular Season Win Total Odds at BookMaker.eu
Midshipmen Over 6.5 Wins -110
Midshipmen Under 6.5 Wins -110
2015 NAVY MIDSHIPMEN SEASON REVIEW
The 2015 campaign was as good as it gets for the Midshipmen. Navy won 11 games and finished in the Top 25, was a major factor in the program's first-ever season in a conference, slammed Pittsburgh in a bowl game, swept the other service academies, including a 14th straight win over Army, and watched Reynolds become college football's all-time rushing leader.
The Middies made an impressive debut in the AAC, compiling a 7-1 record and tying Houston for the West Division crown. A road loss to the Cougars the day after Thanksgiving prevented Navy from hosting the inaugural AAC championship game. Coach Ken called it a blessing in disguise as it gave the team more time to prepare for archrival Army, who they beat 21-17.
Adding a win over Pitt in the Military Bowl, Navy set a single-season record with 11 victories. The formula for success was simple: frustrate opponents with razor-sharp efficiency on offense and perfect red zone execution, eat minutes of clock with the vaunted triple-option attack, and prevent big plays on defense. Really, only three teams were able to throw Navy off its script.
WHAT CHANGED
Reynolds is simply irreplaceable. Navy will turn to Tago Smith, who waited patiently for his chance the past three years. But a kid like Reynolds only comes around once every couple decades at a place like Navy. Reynolds is one of 10 lost offensive starters – including the entire starting offensive line – and Navy's triple-option won't be nearly as effective as last year.
Further, Navy had a big edge in their first trip through the AAC because these teams weren't used to preparing for or facing the option offense. Now, not only have teams like Connecticut, Houston and Memphis seen the option, but also with Tulane switching to the same rush-based attack the defenses in the AAC will be much more familiar with what Navy runs.
2016 NAVY MIDSHIPMEN REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Sep. 3: vs. Fordham
Sep. 10: vs. Connecticut
Sep. 17: at Tulane
Oct. 1: at Air Force
Oct. 8: vs. Houston
Oct. 13: at East Carolina
Oct. 22: vs. Memphis
Oct. 28: at South Florida
Nov. 5: vs. Notre Dame
Nov. 12: vs. Tulsa
Nov. 26: at SMU
Dec. 10: vs. Army
2016 NAVY MIDSHIPMEN SEASON PREVIEW
Reynolds was one of 35 seniors who used up their final season of eligibility, so the 2016 squad is going to be younger and a lot less experienced. Smith has big shoes to fill, but he’s ready to seize his opportunity. He’ll be the centerpiece of an entirely new backfield looking for holes behind an entirely new front wall.
The defense is facing a similar situation, wholesale changes and the need to rebuild in the trenches. While the Midshipmen D enjoyed a bounce back campaign a year ago, maintaining that trend will largely be the responsibility of the newcomers to the lineup.
Now that Niumatalolo has resisted the temptation to take on a new challenge, it’s relatively smooth sailing ahead for a Naval Academy that’s remarkably won at least eight games in 12 of the past 13 seasons. Significant roster turnover brings new challenges, but the Middies have become the epitome of consistency and discipline since the beginning of this century.
After opening with two straight home games, Navy plays five of its next seven away from home. Most of their "easy" games are on the road, and a brutal three-game stretch against Memphis, South Florida, and Notre Dame could define their season. Navy likely takes a step back and will have to scramble just to get to six wins.
College Football Odds: Navy Midshipmen Under 6.5 Wins
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