Preview - UD Football at Navy

It all boils down to one play:  the triple-option.

Last year in the playoffs, Delaware faced Georgia Southern and their triple-option offense.  Behind 12 tackles from Paul Worrilow, the Hens were able to hold GSU in check and grab the victory.  Some of the previews for this game use this in their explanation of a defensive struggle. There's one major flaw with that logic: GSU is not Navy. The Mids have some of the fastest (and most physically fit & conditioned) players behind their line of scrimmage and it will be much more difficult to keep in check.  If I am the OC of Navy, I would come out throwing and test the new secondary right away.  It would stretch out the defense and draw one less rusher to the option side of the field. The second Navy starts completing passes for first downs is when you know the Hens are in big trouble. Navy's QB, Kriss Proctor, will start looking like Mike Vick in his Falcons days if he earns that space.

For Delaware to have a chance, they need to hold the run in check just enough times for the offense to match Navy's scoring.  With a new quarterback at the helm (it will be Sasek most likely), the offense is going to struggle in the first quarter. Being within 10 points at the start of the 2nd quarter would be a good sign.  The upside that the offense does have is the O-line and Andrew Pierce.  They need to play mistake-free when it comes to the run game in order to give the passing game a chance to develop.

My Over/Under for UD @ USNA

• Total Points: 67.5 pts
• Delaware Turnovers: 1.5 TOs
• Navy Rushing Yards: 214.5 yds

Bold Prediction: Andrew Pierce will score a TD of over 30 yards.

Projected Score: Navy 38, Delaware 30
Watch live on CBSSportsNetwork.com or through NavySports.com

(You'll come to realize that as die-hard a Blue Hen as I am, I am also very realistic. Hate me for picking against the Hens now, but this is honestly what I see happening come Saturday. That score to me is Delaware closing the gap to just 8, not unable to pull off a game-winning drive.  Here's to hoping they prove me wrong and pull off the upset!