Rocky Long's defenses have always had these option teams number. We'll see what happens tonight. If they can hold Navy to less than 5 ypc like they did last time these teams played here, it's going to be hard for Navy to make very many sustained drives. Reynolds COULD be the answer. Just keep in mind that he pulled a hamstring late in the Army game and will probably be somewhat limited. Hammys can be slow healing. It usually takes at least a month to get where they can make their cuts again. I lean the under in this game. The total hasn't gone down for nothing. The sharps know what kind of game this will probably be. But I've been wrong before...
This is what I keyed on too, Recently heard that SanDSt has good record vs military academies. Home team also but Navy will have many fans in San diego area. Navy can't throw the ball though, only as an element of surprise... they depend on wishbone attack to move ball. SDSt can stop AF run they can stop Navy I'm wagering.
SD State limited New Mexico to 4.0 ypc so they have seen the option twice this year and have extra time to prep at home as well. Once upon a time, Rocky Long was an option QB at New Mexico so obviously he has a decent understanding of how this offense works. One thing about Navy though is that historically they have been a great road dog. In the Ken Niumatalolo era they are 16-6 ATS as a road dog, however the average line was a healthy +9 in those games and there's not as much room for error here tonight.
I'm seeing where it is Reynolds ankle that is injured and not his hamstring. So I'm curious to see which it is since I've heard both. Hammys are kind of crazy injures. Players can still run at full speed with a hamstring injury. But when they go to make a cut or plant their foot for a throw they can buckle with pain. Hopefully for Reynolds it's not that serious.
Navy isn't getting shutdown. The problem is mistakes. Fumble and penalties. Without the versatility of a true passing game, those penalties are extremely detrimental when you're asking an option team to convert a 3rd and 10+. Having said that, if SDSU starts pulling away, I don't think Navy can come back. The clock bleeds way to much with these two teams.
