Navy Midshipmen
Head Coach:  Ken Niumatalolo
2013-14 Record:  9-4, N/A Independent
2013-14 Bowl Result:  24-6 win over Middle Tennessee State in Armed Forces Bowl
Odds to Win National Championship:  Field +2142

Returning Starters

Offense:  8, Defense:  7

Offense

The Midshipmen will be led by junior quarterback Keenan Reynolds, who has compiled a 15-6 SU record during his time on campus as a starter, including a 9-4 mark during the 2013 campaign.

Reynolds is just the fourth player in NCAA history to rush for 30 or more touchdowns in a single-season, while his 41 career touchdowns are the third most in school history, which can’t be ignored when making your college football predictions throughout the year.

Offensively, the team scored a touchdown on 45 percent of its drives last year, while it managed to put points on the scoreboard on 57 percent of its drives overall.

Defense

Navy isn’t known for its line play on this side of the ball, but it does have two returning starters from a season ago, which is more than it normally has entering a new year.

Despite the loss of two of its biggest playmakers at the linebacker position—many college football experts expect that group to be just as strong as 2013, especially with leading returning tackler Chris Johnson on the outside.

All eyes will be on a secondary group that suffered two minor losses, but it has some playmakers onboard—led by sophomore Brendon Clements.

Schedule

College football handicappers need to be aware that the Midshipmen will play seven teams that were bowl eligible in 2013, including the likes of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The program opens the slate with a bang, as it takes on the Buckeyes at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore—before it travels to future American Athletic Conference foe Temple the following week.  Keep in mind for that contest that the team is 10-0 SU all-time at Lincoln Financial Field.

With six wins in 2014, the squad would appear in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.

Outlook

There’s definitely high expectations surrounding this group in Annapolis, as many believe it could be Niumatalolo’s most talented bunch since he arrived on campus seven years ago.

Reynolds has the chance to accumulate 3,000-plus yards of total offense if he stays healthy, which could lead directly to a double-digit win season.

Make sure to become a long term subscriber for the best college football picks anywhere for the upcoming 2014-15 NCAA football season.