Navy vs. SMU Prediction, Game Preview

Navy vs. SMU prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Midshipmen and Mustangs.

Navy vs. SMU Game Preview

When: Saturday, November 26 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
TV Broadcast: ESPNU

Navy improved to 8-2 on the season and clinched the AAC West division with a 66-31 win over ECU this past weekend. Quarterback Will Worth rushed for 159 yards and four touchdowns while fullback Shawn White went for 150 yards and three touchdowns.

SMU lost a close battle with USF, 35-27, to drop to 5-6 on the season. Quarterback Ben Hicks threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns but also was intercepted twice in the loss.

What To Know About Navy

This Navy team has been special all season, overcoming the loss of starting quarterback Tago Smith in the first game of the season with Worth coming in and doing a heck of a job under center, rushing for 1,074 yards and 22 touchdowns while also throwing for seven touchdowns. You know what you are going to get from Navy’s triple-option attack, so the Mustangs better be prepared.

The Midshipmen are prone to giving up a lot of yards, though, as they allow 441.3 yards of total offense per game. Stopping Hicks from throwing the ball at will to his talented receivers will be crucial for Navy.

What to Know About SMU

Hicks is a talented quarterback, but the Mustangs also have great ability at the running back position in Braeden West. The sophomore has gone for more than 100 yards on the ground in five of the last six games, and eases the pressure on Hicks. Grounding out first downs so the SMU defense can get some breaks off the field will be key.

The SMU defense will be challenged by the Navy rushing attack, and being disciplined with their assignments is a must. The Mustangs give up 184.55 yards per game on the ground.

Advantages

Offense: Tie. Both offenses can put up the points, but with totally different offensive strategies.

Defense: Navy. The Midshipmen offense tends to wear opposing defenses down in the second half.

Special Teams: Tie. Navy kicker Bennett Moehring has only attempted seven field goals this season, making five of them.

Coaching: Tie. With rumors swirling that he’s a candidate for the Baylor job, will this be Chad Morris’ last game in charge of the Mustangs?

Intangibles: SMU. Must win to get a bowl bid.

Matchup To Watch

Chad Morris vs. outside distractions

Some coaches can focus on the task at hand, but with the Baylor job opening, will Morris be able to put 100% thought into Navy?

Navy vs. SMU Betting Odds

Spread: Navy -7
Over/Under: 69.5