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

How will the Midshipmen fare in 2020?

Navy is coming off one of their best seasons in school history. Can they top last year’s 11 wins? It will be tough. Here is the breakdown of the Midshipmen’s 2020 season.

• Game 1: vs. Notre Dame (L) — The game against the Irish was originally set for Dublin, Ireland but the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 had other plans. The Irish are hands down the toughest opponent on the schedule.
• Game 2: vs. TBD (W) — The Lafayette Leopards cancelled their game against Navy. Most likely to be replaced with another FCS opponent.
• Game 3: at Tulane (W)   — The Green Wave are improving but Navy will pickup their first conference win of the season.
• Game 4: vs. Temple (W)  — Navy has not defeated Temple since 2014, with the Owls winning the last three matchups including the American Athletic title game in 2016.
• Game 5: at Air Force (W)  — The Midshipmen will look to defeat the Falcons in Colorado for the first time since the 2012 season.
• Game 6: at East Carolina (W)  — Another improving opponent in ECU. Navy’s rushing attack will be too much for the Pirates though.
• Game 7: vs. Houston (W)  — The Cougars only won four games a year ago but should be better in year 2 under head coach Dana Holgorsen. Still a home win for the Midshipmen.
• Game 8: at SMU (L)  — In 2019 the Mustangs enjoyed their best season since 1982. They should be good again and a road block for Navy.
• Game 9: vs. Tulsa (W)  — Navy should get back on the winning track after a setback the previous game. The Golden Hurricane are not a very good team.
• Game 10: vs. Memphis (L)  — A loss to the Tigers would likely end Navy’s chances at a division title.
• Game 11: at USF (W)  — The Midshipmen were on the wrong end of a 52-45 shootout last time they visited Tampa in 2016. The 2020 Bulls are not as good as the 2016 team.
• Game 12: vs. Army (W)  — The annual Army-Navy game is one of the best traditions in college football. After Army won three straight from 2016 to 2018, the Midshipmen won in dominating fashion last season.

Prediction: 9-3, 6-2 AAC

Without Malcolm Perry, it is difficult to see Navy picking up double-digit wins again. They do return a ton of experience in their running back rotation though to go along with star fullback Jamale Carothers. With the triple option, consistency is key so establishing cohesiveness early in the season will go a long way into determining what kind of season it will be for the Midshipmen.

The defense also lost some key players but returns enough to keep up the aggressiveness from a season ago. Building the consistency on offense and winning the time of possession battle will help the defense stay on the sidelines and stay fresh.

While 10 regular season wins is probably a stretch, the schedule is favorable. The Midshipmen get some of their toughest opponents at home with Notre Dame, Houston and Memphis all traveling to Annapolis. Navy also avoids Cincinnati and UCF.

If Navy can develop consistency on offense early with a new quarterback, they could keep in the race for the division title for the better part of the season. If the Midshipmen could pull an upset against SMU or Memphis, this could be another special season.