2008 Navy Midshipmen Football Betting Preview

[Qbins Missile Crisis]

NCAA Football Wagering Preview – Navy Midshipmen

Fans of Navy experienced a lot of sports wagering success under former head coach Paul Johnson and a lot of football betting fans are wondering how the team will fare without him. The direction and strategy won’t change as the Midshipmen have been grooming their next head coach for a while. Ken Niumatalo takes over and will keep the status quo.



The team should look similar to last year’s version – poor defense, poor passing game – but still might have enough to reach another bowl game.

Offense

When you can lead the country in rushing for three consecutive years, obviously you are doing something right. Navy did lose some key players on both sides of the ball but no one significant who is part of this rushing attack.

Quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada averaged 6.4 yards per play last year, which is impressive. He’s tough to stop on every down. He’s not a prolific passer by any stretch of the imagination but he completes enough passes (61%) to keep defenses on their heels enough.

The Middies offense is a perfect example of how much you can accomplish with discipline and a running game. They were the least penalized team in the nation and that combined with a potent rushing attacked got them to eight wins.

The passing game hasn’t changed much so the offense will look very similar to last year’s unit.

Defense

The Middies defense is one of the worst around, which is what will likely hold them back again this year.

They had the worst pass efficiency defense and finished 109th in scoring defense a season ago, which is pretty ugly.

Part of the problem was injuries and having to force youngsters into the lineup. Eight starters return on defense so you have to figure that between young players mature and veterans coming back healthy, the defense should be – at least a little bit – improved.

On the defensive line, Michael Walsh is one of the better players on this defense. He had 10.5 tackles for a loss last year with a couple of big games against rivals.

Some new leadership will need to emerge from the second level where the Midshipmen lost two linebackers, including their leading tackler from last year.

Similar to the offense, the stats from this year’s unit will probably look the same.

Outlook

Navy is going to have a chance at a bowl game but don’t underestimate the loss of head coach Paul Johnson. Everyone is assuming that they don’t skip a beat because incoming head coach Ken Niumatolo has been with the team for a while. Johnson was the winningest coach is school history and he has much more in-game experience than Niumatolo.

Look for the Middies to be competing for another bowl appearance this year.

BetUS sportsbook already has tons of college football Futures betting available for those of us who can't wait. Bet on the Heisman winner, Conference and Divisional winners and, of course, the 2009 BCS National Championship winner.