Only 3 teams remain here, after having 5 members a few years ago. So this isn't much of a review-except for Notre Dame. But this does feature my best rivalry: Army vs Navy which is always a special game for many reasons. Let's roll!
Army-When rival Navy hired Paul Johnson they rose high in the ranks of college football with their triple option offense and found ways to achieve success on the field, leading to bowl berths. Army hopes they have the same formula for success by hiring Cal-Poly HC Rich Ellerson. Army was at their best when they used this type of offense, but the good news is he should have the line to pull it off. The RB's are a bit small (5'8 190 lb average) but Sr FB Bryson Carl (6'0 245) should grind out the short yards quite well. The defense which was an improving unit last year will carry the Black Knights this year. Army will be back to the competitive level this year, since a lot of tools are in place to make a run, but no bowl game this year.
2. Navy-Ken Niumatalolo enters his 2nd year, and looks to continue the success that Paul Johnson brought here. He kept the offense the same, but this year has to break in 7 new starters, but since this is a system offense they should do fine. The defense is the strength of this team, and with 7 men back from last year should be the backbone of the Midshipmen. Circle the game Nov 7 at Notre Dame, as this is the big National stage in midseason. If the Midshipmen keep it close, or pull the upset, it will be a signature win for Niumatalolo and will give Navy 2 wins in the last 3 over the Irish. The big game, possibly for the Commander in Chief trophy will be Dec 12 when they play Army.
1. Notre Dame-This is make or break for Charlie Weiss. He kept his job last season (surprisingly) after losing to Syracuse which was a sorry excuse for a football team last year. But there is good news, Weiss is calling the plays as he did the 1st 3 years at ND, and it seems that Jon Tenuda will handle calling the Defense's signals (but still will share DC duties with Corwin Brown). This isn't the ND of old, when their O-line blasted your DL off the line of scrimmage, but now a finesse offense. The Irish snapped their losing streak in Bowl games last season, but fans and alumni want more results. Jimmy Clausen should be ready to put up Brady Quinn numbers, and RB Armando Allen, Jr should keep defenses honest. On defense, the secondary may be their best asset, as the front 7 has depth, but not a lot of starting experience. The schedule has the usual winnable games (Nevada, Army, Navy) and the game which they will get plastered, USC, but playing them in October may help. The Trojans typically lose a game in October they shouldn't and it could happen in South Bend. I predict a 9-3 record with a New Years Day bowl game for the Irish. But if they struggle this year, look for Weiss to be bought out, and a big name new hire to replace him.
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