Navy (3-6) has to win out to be eligible for its own specific bowl tie-in, the Military Bowl, but that's a slate that includes rival Army and the 6-3 SMU Mustangs, who while sitting at 13-3 in their last 16 home games, have lost seven of their last eight meetings to the Midshipmen. Navy's pass defense has been a weak spot this season, and will be tested immediately by SMU's spread passing attack. The Annapolis Capital breaks down the matchup that will make or break Navy:
Navy's pass-defense problems have been largely the result of not having players hustle to the ball, thus allowing short completions to turn into long gains. SMU throws a lot of quick passes with one- and two-step drops and it will be imperative the Midshipmen to make tackles in space. The Mids also must not let the ball get thrown over their heads. McDermott has thrown touchdown passes of 72 yards to Der'rikk Thompson and 71 yards to Terrance Wilkerson. "In the passing game they have hit teams vertical with the deep ball four or five times a ballgame. They've connected on a lot of bombs. They will throw them regularly and are very, very good at completing them," Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green said.
Date, Time: Saturday, November 12, 2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas
TV: FSN
Radio: Mustang Network
Streaming: None
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