The running/slot back group
The Midshipman, use a variety of players with that triple option offense as they use Chance Warren, James Harris II and Carlinos Acie, These three guys are a key part to the offense for the Midshipmen, as they all bring different options for the table, with a triple option style offense they utilize running the ball and with three different players who are very active in the offense the Bearcats will have to always have eyes on this group as they can affect the game in many ways, just due to the style of play.
Issac Ruoss– Ruoss seems to be getting the bigger of the workload in the triple option offense for Navy. Ruoss has 79 carries for 308 yards and two touchdowns on the season.
Mychal Cooper– Cooper is the leading receiver for the Midshipmen, although for an offense that doesn’t really pass the ball often, with how good this Bearcats defense is, Cooper will look to play a big role as the run game may get shut down and the Midshipmen will have to adjust and pass the ball. However, Cooper does have seven catches for 149 yards and a touchdown on the season, averaging 21.3 yards a catch when he has been targeted.
Johnny Hodges– Hodges is a linebacker that has been a key factor whether it’s at middle linebacker or, strong side linebacker, you’ll see him at both positions, Hodges is 2nd on the team in tackles with 33, he also a tackle for loss, interception and four pass breakups.
Overall, the Bearcats will have to stop the triple option and keep the Midshipmen offense off the field as they know they love to use the clock averaging almost 35 minutes a game on offense, the Bearcats know they have to make the most of every opportunity when the ball is in their hands. This Navy team hung with SMU so they can’t be expecting to go out and have a slow start just because of their record, this Navy team will make teams work.
The Bearcats are looking to remain undefeated and keep the ball moving as they are now almost halfway through the 2021 and are on the verge of potentially becoming the first “Group of 5” team to make the College Football Playoff. The Bearcats will look to have a big game from Desmond Ridder after the Bearcats quarterback went 13-of-23 passing for 140 yards and a touchdown in the dominating 56-21 win over UCF behind Jerome Ford’s big four touchdown day where he lead the Bearcats with 213 yards from scrimmage.
I believe the Bearcats will win this game 49-10 as the Bearcats offense has been clicking lately, but they have to get off to a hot start and put some points on the board early. The Bearcats will kickoff this Saturday at 12 pm on ESPN2.
