Navy vs. Connecticut Prediction, Game Preview

The Navy Midshipmen look to extend their six-game winning streak when they travel to East Hartford to play the Connecticut Huskies. We break down the matchup below in the Navy vs. Connecticut prediction and game preview.

Navy vs. Connecticut Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 26
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Network: CBS Sports Network

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Why You Need To Care

Navy has won six straight dating back to last season, capped by Saturday’s 45-21 blowout of East Carolina in the academy’s first-ever conference game. The Midshipmen will be looking to remain unbeaten in American play when they travel north to East Hartford. Connecticut is fresh off its best showing under Bob Diaco, losing by just three points to No. 20 Missouri. All three of the Huskies’ games this year have been decided by five points or less.

Why Navy Will Win

The Huskies are having major issues—again—putting points on the board. A Midshipmen team that’ll play keep-away with a ball-control, option-based attack will exacerbate UConn’s offensive shortcomings. Navy just got done battering a pretty good East Carolina D for 415 yards and six touchdowns, holding the ball for over 36 minutes.

Why Connecticut Will Win

UConn is an offensive spark away from being really dangerous in this league. The D has been lights-out, allowing just 13.7 points per game. And Army normed just 3.1 yards per carry two weeks ago, so the Huskies are familiar with defending the option. NT Julian Campenni sets the tone up front, while linebackers Graham Stewart, Junior Joseph and Luke Carrezola clean up whatever reaches the second level.

Player Who Matters

Can someone other than QB Bryant Shirreffs spark the Husky offense? Shirreffs is doing yeoman’s work in his UConn debut, but he’s going to run out of gas if the line doesn’t start blocking better for him and the running backs. Navy is just average defensively, and beatable over the top, which could provide chances for WR Noel Thomas.

What’s Going To Happen?

Close game. Lots of defense and punts. It’ll be a garden variety Saturday in Connecticut. But while the Huskies can put a stick in Navy’s spokes, it lacks the offensive execution to beat a team with Keenan Reynolds at quarterback and Chris Swain at fullback. The Mids will wear out the Huskies to extend the winning streak to seven games.

Navy vs. Connecticut Prediction

Final Score: Navy 24, Connecticut 17, Line: Navy -6.5, o/u: 50.5
Must See Rating: 5: Republican Debate, Second Round – 1: Republican Debate, First Round … 1.5

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