Navy Football: Can Midshipmen stay in 2020 AAC title chase?

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 14: The Navy Midshipmen celebrate the win over the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.The Navy Midshipmen defeated the Army Black Knights 31-7. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Navy football had a great 11-2 season a year ago. Can the Midshipmen improve in 2020 even after losing their starting quarterback?

The 2018 season was an unmitigated disaster for the Navy Midshipmen. They went 3-10 which included a seven game losing streak in the middle of the season and their third consecutive loss to chief rival Army. The run game, or rather lack thereof, was the biggest reason for Navy’s plight.

Last season was a huge turnaround for the Midshipmen. They made an eight game improvement, one of the best turnarounds in FBS history, second only to Hawaii in the 1999 season. The vast turnaround was fueled by a running game that found its grove again and a defense that feasted in opposition backfields.

Head coach Ken Niumatalolo is entering his 13th season in Annapolis. Last year was his second 11 win season. It was the third time in five seasons since joining the American Athletic Conference Navy posted a 7-1 conference record.

This year’s challenge will be finding a replacement for outstanding quarterback Malcolm Perry. Navy does have several key pieces returning though.

Let’s dive into the season outlook for the Midshipmen.

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