Navy completed its eight consecutive bowl appearances after a disappointing run in 2011. They finished with a disheartening 5-7 record but had plenty of opportunities to become bowl suitable that they let melt away. Five of their losses came by three points or less, including an one-point OT defeat to service academy rival Air Force. Read all of the rest of our Independents previews here.
Offense
The Midshipmen finished 47th in the Division I in scoring in 2011 with 29.7 points per game. They rated 48th nationally in total offense with 398.0 yards/game. Their dynamic rushing attack was once more their main force on the offensive end.
Navy ranked 4th in the country in running with 312.3 yards/game thanks in large part to the play of QB Kriss Proctor. Proctor had most of his production on the run, but wretchedly he wasn't that good of a thrower. Junior quarterback Trey Miller played in 7 games last year and he took advantage of the opportunities given him as he threw for 126 yards and two touchdowns against East Carolina when he took over for a hurt Proctor.
The Midshipmen may continue to be a rush-heavy, triple-option team, but coach Niumatololo will also use Miller's passing ability more this season.
The school's top returning rusher Gee Gee Green will return after rushing for 501 yards and 3 scores in 2011. He and John Howell will be the two featured slotbacks.
The offensive line should once again be solid with left guard Josh Cabral leading the way. Tackles Andrew Barker and Graham Vickers have starting experience and can provide a giant boost on the team offensively.
Senior wide receiver Brandon Turner has to be worked up about catching one or two more passes this year. He led the Midshipmen with 14 receptions and 300 receiving yards last year.
Defense
The stop unit ranked 78th in the nation in scoring defense in 2011 with 28.9 points allowed per game. It also rated 86th in total defense with 413.8 yards permitted per game. Run defense was their biggest weakness. The Midshipmen finished 92nd nationally with 186.9 rushing yards authorized per game.
The loss of defensive end and captain Jabaree Tuani actually leaves an enormous hole in the lineup. He finished third all-time at Navy in tackles for loss and sacks. Tuani's graduation will definitely put the Midshipmen at a disadvantage, and lineman Wes Anderson will have a hard time attempting to take over the position.
With the help of Byre French and Matt Warrick, the linebacker unit looks to be stronger than the unit it had last year. French is the defensive captain. Warrick meanwhile led the school with 103 tackles last season.
The secondary, which is the most veteran defensive unit, will get a lift with senior Tra'ves Bush moving from outside linebacker to his more natural position of strong safety. Bush finished second on the team with 93 tackles last year.
Starting cornerback David Sperry and starting free safety Chris Ferguson are returning as well. Parrish Gaines also picked up valuable starting experience at corner last season.
Independents Prediction: 3rd Place
Navy will instantly show what it's made of as they are facing tricky tests against Notre Dame and Penn State. These first 2 games could dictate the rest of their season as they could very well find themselves in an 0-2 hole to start the season.
Then they have winnable home games against VMI and San Jose State before taking on Air Force in what should be a tough contest.
Though they might have virtually no opportunity to come out as victors versus East Carolina, they've a real shot against everybody else, so their resilience and mettle will definitely be tested.
A few games could once again go down to the finish line, so a return to the bowl game is definitely a massive likelihood, so long as they can win 1 or 2 more of these close games this year.
Offense
The Midshipmen finished 47th in the Division I in scoring in 2011 with 29.7 points per game. They rated 48th nationally in total offense with 398.0 yards/game. Their dynamic rushing attack was once more their main force on the offensive end.
Navy ranked 4th in the country in running with 312.3 yards/game thanks in large part to the play of QB Kriss Proctor. Proctor had most of his production on the run, but wretchedly he wasn't that good of a thrower. Junior quarterback Trey Miller played in 7 games last year and he took advantage of the opportunities given him as he threw for 126 yards and two touchdowns against East Carolina when he took over for a hurt Proctor.
The Midshipmen may continue to be a rush-heavy, triple-option team, but coach Niumatololo will also use Miller's passing ability more this season.
The school's top returning rusher Gee Gee Green will return after rushing for 501 yards and 3 scores in 2011. He and John Howell will be the two featured slotbacks.
The offensive line should once again be solid with left guard Josh Cabral leading the way. Tackles Andrew Barker and Graham Vickers have starting experience and can provide a giant boost on the team offensively.
Senior wide receiver Brandon Turner has to be worked up about catching one or two more passes this year. He led the Midshipmen with 14 receptions and 300 receiving yards last year.
Defense
The stop unit ranked 78th in the nation in scoring defense in 2011 with 28.9 points allowed per game. It also rated 86th in total defense with 413.8 yards permitted per game. Run defense was their biggest weakness. The Midshipmen finished 92nd nationally with 186.9 rushing yards authorized per game.
The loss of defensive end and captain Jabaree Tuani actually leaves an enormous hole in the lineup. He finished third all-time at Navy in tackles for loss and sacks. Tuani's graduation will definitely put the Midshipmen at a disadvantage, and lineman Wes Anderson will have a hard time attempting to take over the position.
With the help of Byre French and Matt Warrick, the linebacker unit looks to be stronger than the unit it had last year. French is the defensive captain. Warrick meanwhile led the school with 103 tackles last season.
The secondary, which is the most veteran defensive unit, will get a lift with senior Tra'ves Bush moving from outside linebacker to his more natural position of strong safety. Bush finished second on the team with 93 tackles last year.
Starting cornerback David Sperry and starting free safety Chris Ferguson are returning as well. Parrish Gaines also picked up valuable starting experience at corner last season.
Independents Prediction: 3rd Place
Navy will instantly show what it's made of as they are facing tricky tests against Notre Dame and Penn State. These first 2 games could dictate the rest of their season as they could very well find themselves in an 0-2 hole to start the season.
Then they have winnable home games against VMI and San Jose State before taking on Air Force in what should be a tough contest.
Though they might have virtually no opportunity to come out as victors versus East Carolina, they've a real shot against everybody else, so their resilience and mettle will definitely be tested.
A few games could once again go down to the finish line, so a return to the bowl game is definitely a massive likelihood, so long as they can win 1 or 2 more of these close games this year.
About the Author:
Jack Jones has written previews on each college football team and they are available at Betfirms.com.
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