Navy finished its eight consecutive bowl appearances after a upsetting run in 2011. They completed the year with a disappointing 5-7 W/L but had a lot of chances to become bowl suitable that they let melt away. 5 of its defeats came by three points or fewer, including an one-point overtime loss to service academy rival Air Force. Take a look at the rest of our Independents previewed here.
Offense
The Midshipmen ended the season 47th in the country in scoring last year with 29.7 points per game. They rated 48th nationally in total offense with 398.0 yards/game. Their dynamic running game was once more their main weapon on the offensive end.
Navy rated 4th in the country in rushing with 312.3 yards/game thanks largely to the play of QB Kriss Proctor. Proctor had the majority of his production on the run, but sadly he wasn't that good of a passer. Junior quarterback Trey Miller played in seven games last year and he made use of the possibilities given him as he threw for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns against East Carolina when he took control of for a wounded Proctor.
The Midshipmen will continue to be a run-heavy, triple-option team, but coach Niumatololo will also use Miller's passing capability more this season.
The school's top returning runner Gee Gee Green will return after running for 501 yards and three touchdowns in 2011. He and John Howell will be the 2 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 supply 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 catches and 300 receiving yards last year.
Defense
The stop unit rated 78th in the country in scoring defense in 2011 with 28.9 points allowed per contest. It also ranked 86th in total defense with 413.8 yards permitted per game. Run defense was their largest weakness. The Midshipmen finished 92nd in the country with 186.9 rushing yards authorized per game.
The loss of defensive end and captain Jabaree Tuani certainly leaves a huge hole in the lineup. He came 3rd all-time at Navy in tackles for loss and sacks. Tuani's loss will certainly put the Midshipmen off balance, and lineman Wes Anderson will have a tough time making an attempt to take over the position.
With the help of Byre French and Matt Warrick, the linebacker unit should be stronger than the unit it had last season. French is the defensive captain. Warrick in the meantime led the school with 103 tackles last season.
The secondary, which is the most experienced defensive unit, will get a boost with senior Tra'ves Bush moving from outside linebacker to his more natural spot 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 back as well. Parrish Gaines also gained valuable starting experience at corner last year.
Independents Prediction: 3rd Place
Navy will instantly show what it's made from as they are facing hard tests against Notre Dame and Penn State. These first two contests could dictate the rest of their year as they could very well find themselves in an 0-2 hole to start the season.
Then they have a couple of home games they can win against VMI and San Jose State before playing Air Force in what figures to be a tight contest.
Although they may have virtually no opportunity to come out on top against East Carolina, they've a real shot against everyone else, so their resilience and mettle will definitely be tested.
A handful of games could once more come down to the finish line, so a return to the bowl contest is surely a big likelihood, so long as they can win 1 or 2 more of these close games this year.
Offense
The Midshipmen ended the season 47th in the country in scoring last year with 29.7 points per game. They rated 48th nationally in total offense with 398.0 yards/game. Their dynamic running game was once more their main weapon on the offensive end.
Navy rated 4th in the country in rushing with 312.3 yards/game thanks largely to the play of QB Kriss Proctor. Proctor had the majority of his production on the run, but sadly he wasn't that good of a passer. Junior quarterback Trey Miller played in seven games last year and he made use of the possibilities given him as he threw for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns against East Carolina when he took control of for a wounded Proctor.
The Midshipmen will continue to be a run-heavy, triple-option team, but coach Niumatololo will also use Miller's passing capability more this season.
The school's top returning runner Gee Gee Green will return after running for 501 yards and three touchdowns in 2011. He and John Howell will be the 2 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 supply 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 catches and 300 receiving yards last year.
Defense
The stop unit rated 78th in the country in scoring defense in 2011 with 28.9 points allowed per contest. It also ranked 86th in total defense with 413.8 yards permitted per game. Run defense was their largest weakness. The Midshipmen finished 92nd in the country with 186.9 rushing yards authorized per game.
The loss of defensive end and captain Jabaree Tuani certainly leaves a huge hole in the lineup. He came 3rd all-time at Navy in tackles for loss and sacks. Tuani's loss will certainly put the Midshipmen off balance, and lineman Wes Anderson will have a tough time making an attempt to take over the position.
With the help of Byre French and Matt Warrick, the linebacker unit should be stronger than the unit it had last season. French is the defensive captain. Warrick in the meantime led the school with 103 tackles last season.
The secondary, which is the most experienced defensive unit, will get a boost with senior Tra'ves Bush moving from outside linebacker to his more natural spot 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 back as well. Parrish Gaines also gained valuable starting experience at corner last year.
Independents Prediction: 3rd Place
Navy will instantly show what it's made from as they are facing hard tests against Notre Dame and Penn State. These first two contests could dictate the rest of their year as they could very well find themselves in an 0-2 hole to start the season.
Then they have a couple of home games they can win against VMI and San Jose State before playing Air Force in what figures to be a tight contest.
Although they may have virtually no opportunity to come out on top against East Carolina, they've a real shot against everyone else, so their resilience and mettle will definitely be tested.
A handful of games could once more come down to the finish line, so a return to the bowl contest is surely a big likelihood, so long as they can win 1 or 2 more of these close games this year.
About the Author:
Jack Jones has manufactured previews on every NCAA football team and they will be available at Bet Firms.