Super Bowl Update

A big thanks to Bill Wagner of the Annapolis Capital for providing this insight on Navy.

1. Not sure many people thought Navy would be 2-6. What’s been the biggest reason for the record slump?

Navy has won a TON of close games during its current run of eight straight winning seasons. This year, Navy is losing those close games and that has resulted in a reversal of the record. Navy has lost four games by a total of eight points. A missed field goal and/or extra point has been decisive in three of those games. Bottom line, in years past, Navy made the plays necessary to put out wins in close games. This season, Navy is not making those plays. In fact, it is often making crucial mistakes.

2. Can you describe the injury situation – as far as getting guys back, including the starting QB, and losing guys – and how it affects the team?

Navy has been dealt some serious blows in terms of injuries. A big loss that has been largely overlooked is senior slotback Aaron Santiago, who has sat out the last six games (all losses) with a broken forearm. Santiago is Navy's best all-around slotback, a team leader and a playmaker. You don't easily replace those types. The defense has also been decimated by injury. Starting nose guard Jared Marks, a slew of linebackers (Mason Graham, Keegan Wetzel, Jarred Shannon, Jordan Drake)have missed games with injury. Starting cornerback David Wright has sat out the last three games.

3. Defensively, it looks like some quarterbacks have had field days against the Navy defense. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this unit?

Navy has NO pass defense right now. The Mids do not get any pressure on the quarterback, have slow linebackers who are exposed in space on short to intermediate routes and have made mistakes on the back end that have resulted in long pass receptions. Simply put, spread offenses such as the type Troy employs have killed Navy. Weaknesses at every level, due to inexperience and lack of speed, have been exposed.

4. For visitors to Annapolis, where are some must-eat places?

It depends what type of experience people are looking for. Downtown Annapolis, the City Dock area near the water, has some great pubs such as McGarvey's and sushi restaurants such as Joss and Tsunami. There are some more upscale restaurants in Eastport such as Lewnes Steakhouse, Ruth Chris, Charthouse and O'Leary's. Then out at the mall areas, both Parole and Annapolis Mall, are the typical chain restaurants such as McCormick and Schmick's, Brio and Gordon Biersch.

5. How do you see this game going?

I think Navy will dig deep and win on Senior Day, 35-28.