Navy vs. USF Prediction, Game Preview


Navy vs. USF prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the SEC West matchup between the Midshipmen and Bulls.


Navy vs. USF Game Preview

When: Friday, October 28 – 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
TV Broadcast: ESPN2

Navy came off an unscheduled bye week and pounded Memphis in a 42-28 victory to put its record at 5-1. Quarterback Will Worth did it all for the Midshipmen, rushing for 201 yards and three touchdowns while also throwing for two more scores.

South Florida was upset by Temple in a game where the Owls contained Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers. Flowers was held to 277 yards of total offense, but did manage to score three times in the 46-30 loss.

What To Know About Navy

Doubt Navy all you want, but the No. 22 Midshipmen are built to pound the ball right at you until you can’t stand it anymore, and then pound the ball some more. Worth has filled in nicely for starter Tago Smith, and the triple-option attack has been as deadly as usual, averaging 293.17 yards per game on the ground, good for No. 4 in the nation.

The defense will focus on USF quarterback Flowers, who can hurt you with both his arm and legs. Flowers has thrown and run for a combined 23 touchdowns so far this season. When the ball is not in his hands, stopping Marlon Mack will be another key for the Midshipmen.

What to Know About USF

He scored three times in the loss to Temple, but Flowers wasn’t as explosive as usual against the Owls. Mack rushing for only 67 yards didn’t help. Navy does give up yards though (404 per game) and the USF backfield duo should be able to move the ball when they have it.

Prepping for the Navy attack seems like it should be easy, but it might be the most difficult thing to do in college football. The bad news for the Bulls? They haven’t been able to stop any ground games so far this season.

Advantages

Offense: Tie. Both can put up points, but in totally different styles.

Defense: Navy. Giving up only 25 points per game.

Special Teams: Navy. The Midshipmen are disciplined and do not commit many errors on special teams.

Coaching: Navy. Ken Niumatalolo is a winner.

Intangibles: Navy. Win out, and the Midshipmen will be playing the AAC title game.

Matchup To Watch

USF defense vs. Navy offense

The option can frustrate a defense. The Bulls must keep their assignments and stay in their lanes to keep the Navy attack from going off.

Navy vs. USF Betting Odds

Spread: USF -8
Over/Under: No line available as of post

Navy vs. USF Prediction

If the Bulls couldn’t stop Temple from running the ball, how can we expect them to be able to contain Navy? The Midshipmen will get their yards and most likely control the time of possession, so Flowers and company must take advantage of every chance they get with the ball. This should be a great game, and perfect for Friday night viewing. In the end, I think Navy pulls out another big win. Anchors Aweigh!

Navy vs. USF Score Prediction: Navy 38, USF 35

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