Super Bowl Update

So I couldn't come all the way up to Maryland and not check the local sporting schedule.

This is pregame of Maryland men's basketball exhibition vs. Northwood, Fla., the No. 1 preseason NAIA team. Comcast Arena is a nice one, not a bad seat in the house, and my stubhub ticket had me way up there. Terrapins pulled off a 5-point win for first-year head coach Mark Turgeon. I also made it up to Baltimore's Inner Harbor for lunch and toured the Sports Legends Museum of Baltimore (didn't make it to the Babe Ruth museum).

But back to the game itself, where Troy plays at Navy at 2:30 p.m. CST. You can read my game preview HERE.

The 2 teams, in a normal year, would probably be around 5 or 6 wins at this point of the year, with bowl eligibility almost certain. Navy is 2-6, and Troy can basically end the Midshipmen's season with a win. Troy is 2-5, and the Trojans must win to take some momentum into a homestand against two very winnable teams.

THIS story from the Associated Press pretty much sums up the troubles for both teams.

Navy's defense is injured/slow and the QB and top slotback has been hurt. The slotback (Aaron Santiago) is going to play. The QB (Kriss Proctor) probably will play, but his dislocated elbow may prevent him from throwing effectively. If Navy is able to run the ball well, it won't matter. Troy's problem is not having receivers who have made explosive plays yet. Troy has some guys who can run a little bit, but they've yet to show it in the games consistently.

I did pick Troy to win this game in the paper. Navy's defense has been porous over the past six games, and teams have been able to pass at will. Corey Robinson hasn't forgotten how to be a good QB, and I'm thinking this is a game where all 5 OL - veterans and new guys - end up playing a good, solid, consistent game. With that will open up some opportunities for receivers. My pick to click and break out is Corey Johnson. He has the ability to make plays, but hasn't shown it yet in games - he's catching balls thrown his way, but not breaking them for long runs. That'll change a couple of times in this game. Also, look for Michael Taylor to bounce back with a solid game.

I'm also thinking Troy will get the breaks and actually take advantage of them in this one. I guess time will tell, but my prediction is Troy 34, Navy 27.