Houston Cougars vs. Navy Midshipmen Prediction, Odds, Line, Spread, and Picks – October 22

The College of Houston Cougars (3-3) will journey to stunning Annapolis, Maryland, to tackle the US Naval Academy Midshipmen (2-4). Houston, chock-full of key returns, clinched a giant highway win final Friday in Memphis after a sluggish begin to the 12 months. The Cougars scored 4 touchdowns within the fourth quarter, together with a two-yard passing TD with 18 seconds left to edge out the Tigers, 33-32. In the meantime, the Midshipmen took on the SMU Mustangs final Friday, shedding in a shootout in Dallas 40-34. Navy ran for an absurd 372 yards, however SMU shredded the Midshipmen by way of the air with 336 passing yards. In fact, it did not assist that they misplaced the turnover battle two to zero.

Houston Cougars vs. Navy Midshipmen Betting Odds

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Story of the Tape

By means of the eyes of the followers, the Houston Cougars stay an offensive juggernaut with Dana Holgorsen on the helm. The previous FWAA Coach of the Yr at West Virginia took over the reins in 2019, already reaching 12 wins final season. Sadly, the Cougars are already over their loss whole from final season, as their schedule has been unfavorable. Two of Houston’s losses got here by three factors every, one towards a 6-1 Tulane squad and one on the highway towards Texas Tech. The offense is led by returning QB Clayton Tune and WR Nathanial Dell. Dell leads the AAC in receiving touchdowns (6) and punt return yards on common (11.8). The offense ranks in the course of the pack in all main classes, however they’re starting to warmth up because the season progresses. Tune has thrown for 823 yards and 7 scores towards two interceptions in his final three video games. Dell has performed a large position, being answerable for 288 yards and 4 touchdowns in that very same span.

The protection has struggled mainly for Houston, particularly towards the cross. The Cougars let up practically three passing touchdowns a recreation, simply essentially the most inside the American Athletic Convention. Nonetheless, they have been semi-decent towards the run, permitting solely 3.9 floor yards a pop.

Way back to the Paul Johnson days, the Midshipmen of Navy dominate video games with their working assault. The triple offense, run by head coach Ken Niumatalolo, has been the identification of the Midshipmens’ offense since his first 12 months in 2007. Sadly, after taking part in in a bowl recreation in ten of Niumatalolo’s first 12 seasons, the Midshipmen are in peril of lacking postseason play for a 3rd straight season. The 2022 rendition of Navy contains a ton of newcomers within the backfield, with the exception being QB Tai Lavatai. Unsurprisingly, the Midshipmen are lifeless final within the AAC in passing makes an attempt and passing yards, however a 43% completion share is problematic for a workforce that faces a loaded field as a lot as they do. Navy averages a ridiculous 61 dashing makes an attempt per recreation however solely averages 4.1 per carry, appropriate for 73rd in FBS.

The Navy protection is hard towards opposing working backs, surrendering a measly 3.1 yards a rush. Nonetheless, the secondary stays a problem, permitting a 66% completion share towards opposing quarterbacks.

Houston Cougars vs. Navy Midshipmen Prediction

The Houston Cougars are beginning to discover their stride, highlighted by a giant come-from-behind win towards Memphis. The Cougars’ defensive power, the entrance seven, will match up effectively towards the run-heavy Midshipmen of Navy. In the meantime, the Midshipmen, who’ve struggled towards the cross, will face the dynamic duo of QB Clayton Tune and WR Nathanial Dell.

Prediction: Houston -2.5 (-125)