posted December 20, 2007 at 19:19 in NCAA F Articles

The Navy Shipmen lock horns with the Utah Utes to kick off bowl season for the BCS. Quarterback Brain Johnson has come under fire for his erratic play, while Kaheauaku-Enhada has been burning defenses down with his nimble footwork. Which quarterback will walk away victorious at the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl?

Navy Offense vs. Utah Defense

Everyone knows that the Navy’s stats are inflated because of their paltry schedule, so there should not be any betting backers getting saucy about the Shipmen. Navy may average 39.9 points per game, but the Utah defense is third in the nation in scoring average against. They suffocate opponents to 15.6 points per game, while holding teams to an average of 319.8 total yards per game.

Navy uses their agile quarterback, Kaipo-Noa Kaheauaku-Enhada-I-Never-Want-To-Write-That-Name-Agin, in a versatile option attack so it’s no surprise that they average a whopping 351.5 rushing yards. However, there pathetic 93.1 passing yards is indicative of how inept Enhada is as a passer. Utah’s stiff pass defense can go solo in man-to-man coverage to bring up their safeties to help counter the swift Navy rushing offense.

Utah Offense vs. Navy Defense

The Utes offense is geared around its running game. They average 163.7 yards on the ground behind an interior offensive line that is mammoth in size and play-making ability. Nate Frazier is the man that should have betting investors getting their palettes wet for some rushing touchdowns by Darrell Mack. Keep an eye on Frazier and you will see why a guy with a limited skill set, like Mack, can bust for 4.2 yards per carry.

The enormous offensive line also does a fine job of protecting quarterback Brian Johnson, who displays smart feet. Problem is that his head can’t keep up with his feet. Johnson makes poor decisions and tries to make plays on every down instead of eating it and throwing the ball away. Utah averages a steady 199.2 passing yards per game, balanced by a sound rushing game. The Navy defense, especially the secondary, is simply outclassed in this matchup.

NCAA College Football Betting Trends

-Navy is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

-Utah is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games

-Navy is 4-7 ATS this season

-Total has UNDER in 5 of Utah’s last 6 games

Final Verdict

The Utah Utes should continue to demolish the spread as they have in their past seven games. Johnson makes me worried because of his inconsistencies, but this is a day where the offensive line and Darrell Mack will take center stage and flourish. Bet on Utah utilizing a smart ground game to keep Navy on its heels while the defense swarms the backfield of Navy’s offense to pin the option-heavy offense to the mat for the three-count.

Navy Shipmen (8-4) vs. Utah Utes (8-4)

Thursday, December 20th --- Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego --- 9:00pm EST

Opening NCAA Betting Line: Utah -10.5 (67.5)

NCAA Football Free Pick: Navy 27 Utah 38

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