I considered the Blazers outright, but taking the full touchdown is the academic move. Let's start with Navy. The Midshipmen last time out were buried 38-30 by Florida Atlantic, trailing 38-7 before a furious comeback made the final look more respectable than the result actually was. More importantly, starting quarterback Braxton Woodson is out with an ankle injury, leaving backup Jackson Gutierrez to run this distinctive offense. With that being said, this is the option offense so quarterbacks are more plug-and-play, but that's still a notable concern. UAB is a team that has a habit of menacing at home. This Blazers team also knows how to hang around.
UAB trailed Louisiana-Monroe by 10 before scoring the final 16 points to win 26-20, they lost by a touchdown against Louisiana-Lafayette, and even compiled 23 points in a loss at Illinois who is a B1G squad known for defense. There is no reason to suspect as to why the Blazers can't hang around here. There is also a matchup avenue for UAB. Navy has allowed 271 passing yards per game while opponents have completed nearly 79% of their attempts. For a team that relies heavily on the run to create separation, this is actually the antidote. The Mids can grind and the Blazers can march down the field thereafter. With that being said, I believe UAB can win outright. I'll make the smarter wager and take seven.
Navy vs UAB prediction: UAB +7 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to the number.
