NCAAF: Maryland and Navy in Monday Shootout

The Maryland Terrapins football program has fallen to an all time low. They finished the 2009 season with a 2-10 record that included losses to Duke, Middle Tennessee St and an over-time win against James Madison. Ralph Friedgen has a tall task ahead of him this year as the Terps face a difficult schedule that starts Monday against the Navy Midshipmen.

Navy plays a predictable style of offense that is very unpredictable for opposing defenses. They run the option almost 80 percent of the time, but they run it so well that it’s very difficult to stop. Ricky Dobbs leads this attack from the quarterback position. Now that he’s in his senior year, he will be looking to lead this team to a upper-tiered Bowl game. Dobbs rushed for more yards than he passed for in 2009 as he racked up 1192 yards on the ground and 1031 through the air.

Either method of moving the ball should work against a Terrapins defense that ranked towards the bottom of the entire NCAA last year. Maryland allowed almost 400 yards and over 31 points per game in 2009, and won’t be much better this year. They have lost several starters on defense, and haven’t been able to recruit they way they did years ago because of the appeal of many of the non-BCS conference schools.

Most Vegas sportsbooks have made the Midshipmen 6-6.5 point favorites in this match-up. I think the reason for this line being so low in my opinion is due to Navy’s weak defense. Although Maryland lost 10 of 12 games last year, they did have moments when they were able to put points on the board. Navy’s defense was statistically good, but they generally shorten the amount of time that their opponents have the ball due to their offensive scheme. They don’t play nearly as difficult of a schedule as Maryland, but did allow points to the handful of BCS conference teams that they played.

Most college football handicappers will be leaning towards the side in this match-up, but I feel the total may be the better play. Tune in Monday as these teams show a lack of defense, and 2 totally different styles of offense that are equally as effective.

Related posts:

1. 2009 Army/ Navy Game Preview
2. 111th Meeting of Army vs. Navy
3. Army takes on Navy in their 112th meeting
4. Duke tries to Rebound against Maryland Wednesday
5. Tar Heels vs. Huskies in Third Round Shootout

Comments