San Diego has long been a Navy town and having Navy play in the first Poinsettia bowl gives them a decided hometown advantage. There is something very nostalgic about watching a military institution play football, whether it is Army, Navy, or the Air Force Academy. You know that no player on the field works harder during the week. The players go through military training, classes, and then have their athletic workouts to perform. How many other players in NCAA athletics get up at 5 AM other than those at the military academies? As far as I know, only Temple's basketball team has that dedication. The teams all have a very throwback quality to them. The players are leaner, the offenses a little older in design. They are a joy to watch because these men not only represent their schools but represent their country.

The Midshipmen run the classic option style offense behind the quarterback play of Lamar Owens. His numbers aren't flashy. He barely topped 1000 passing on the season and he didn't even break that mark on the ground. However, between him and the rest of the Navy rushing game, they put up some sick numbers. There were only three teams which totalled over 3000 yards on the ground this season and Navy was one of them. They had three players rush for over 400 yards in a season which saw them capture the Commander in Chiefs trophy for the third straight year.

And that is pretty much the story with Navy. As far as they can run the ball, that is how far they can take the game. The passing game won't impress anybody so look for them to mix up the running looks as much as possible. However, just because they aren't flashy on offense, don't count them out yet. There is a reason that Navy is here. They have won 25 games over the last three seasons with the same offensive scheme. Now, someone tell them that they can't win.

The Midshipmen could be called Linebacker University given the play of their middle defenders this year. 4 of their top 6 defenders were linebackers this year including their top two tacklers for loss, Tyler Tidwell and David Mahoney. The pair also combined for 15 sacks on the season, over half of the team's total. If the linebackers can be flexible enough to stop up the almost nonexistent running game of the Rams and also drop back to help in coverage, the night will belong to the Middies.

For Colorado State, much of their season has relied on the arm of senior Justin Holland. He has thrown for over 2800 yards this season and 20 touchdowns, but has also been intercepted 15 times. Over the past two season, he has only had one more touchdown than interception so his accuracy remains a concern and Navy is not a team you want to make mistakes against. Holland has not played very well in the last three games, throwing 7 interceptions and no scores during that span.

Holland will rely on the sure hands of senior David Anderson. Anderson caught 77 passes for over 1000 yards for the second time in his career with the Rams. In his four years, he has over 3000 yards receiving and 200 receptions. That is enough to be the school's all time leader in both receptions and yardage, not to mention that his 77 catches this season broke his own school record for a single campaign. His only weakness comes from the arm of Holland as Anderson is unable to contribute when there is no one throwing to him. Holland's speed is something that should be difficult for Navy to contend with so it will depend on how much pressure the Navy linebackers and line can place on the Ram quarterback.

At running back, the Rams have sophomore Kyle Bell who should become a name to know over the next two years should he stay in school. Bell totalled 1166 yards this season and nine touchdowns. He topped 100 yards five time and came close to 200 in a game 3 times this season. His weakness may be his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield which will need to improve over the next two years for him to draw attention at the next level.

On defense, the Rams counter with their own very tough squad. Almost 10% of their tackles went for a loss on the season. However, you should worry a little bit when your leading tackler is a former walk-on and plays in the defensive backfield. That means that way too many offensive players from the other team are penetrating too far into your defense. The Rams certainly have issues stopping the run which should pose a problem for them against Navy and the option. They will need to get outside and contain early, forcing Navy to make a decision to throw the ball more than they are used to.

Where does that leave us for the inaugural Poinsettia Bowl? On paper, it looks like it should run the Navy way. However, the Colorado State Rams shouldn't be counted out that easy. Unlike the Navy boys which are off to fulfill their service requirements, the Rams have two very high profile players who can use this game as a springboard to the NFL and a long look from scouts.

On the other hand, playing a football game at any military academy is the most fun that these guys have all week and getting to do it in a bowl game makes it even more sweet. A second straight win for their seniors in a bowl after the run they have had would just be icing on the cake, especially in front of the partisan crowd in San Diego.

Poinsettia Bowl: Navy(46) vs. Colorado State(64)
MRI Predicts: Navy Confidence factor: 77.67%, 21 out of 28