SMU vs Navy College Football Week 11 Preview, TV Schedule, Prediction

TV Schedule: Saturday, November 14, 3:30 PM ET, CBSSN

Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD

Line: Navy (-21.5)

They No. 22 Navy Midshipmen (7-1, 5-0 AAC) cracked the top 25 this week, marking the fourth team from the conference to make it onto the rankings this season. They will look to follow up their monumental win last week over the Memphis Tigers with another strong performance against what should be an over-matched SMU Mustangs (1-8, 0-5).

While the record may not reflect it, the Mustangs have made positive strides offensively, particularly on offense. SMU is averaging 30 points and over 412 yards per game this season, led by the play of quarterback Matt Davis. On the season, the junior quarterback has completed 56.6 percent of his passes while throwing for 1,946 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while also rushing for 552 yards and eight rushing touchdowns as well. His dual-threat ability makes the Mustangs dangerous offensively, but their defense has let them down week after week. Opposing offenses have had their way with the Mustangs this season averaging 45.4 points and over 525 yards per game, leading to SMU’s dismal record.

Navy, on the other hand, has been playing complete football in their first season as a member of a conference. Their offense, as always, is predicated on the triple-option with trigger man Keenan Reynolds at the point under center. Reynolds leads the team with 791 yards rushing on the season and 13 rushing touchdowns and is on the verge of setting the NCAA record for career rushing touchdowns, currently sitting at 77, but is intelligent and unselfish in running this option offense, never hesitating to rely on one of the other members of his backfield. Running back Chris Swain has enjoyed great success alongside Reynolds this season, rushing for 690 yards on 136 carries with eight rushing touchdowns, including three just last week in Navy’s win over Memphis.

SMU is a dangerous opponent if you overlook them because they have the capability to put points on the board. However, Navy is playing great football right now and their rushing attack will help them control this game from start to finish with SMU’s porous defense surrendering Reynold’s record-breaking rushing touchdown.

Prediction: Navy 49, SMU 17

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