Pittsburgh Panthers vs Navy Midshipmen
It’s going to be a physical affair in Annapolis on Monday. The Pittsburgh Panthers and the Navy Midshipmen will do battle for the 2015 Military Bowl. Both teams come into the game with strong records, as they look to cap off a successful season with another win added to the record books.
It’s also going to be the last game for Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds, who is walking away from college football with an exceptional carer to show for it. Reynolds is leaving with the Division 1 record for rushing touchdowns in a career and his mark on the game has been felt.
Details for Monday’s game are below.
Date: Monday, December 28
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Annapolis, MD
Stadium: Jack Stephens Field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN App
Keys to Victory
Both Navy and Pittsburgh come into the game liking to put the football on the ground and pounding it to success. With Keenan Reynold at quarterback for Navy, the team runs a highly successful triple option, which is the reason Reynolds is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the nation.
Pittsburgh meanwhile, has put their trust in the talented Qadree Ollison, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards on the season and 10 touchdowns as a freshman. The game is going to come down to a battle in the trenches between both sides.
The team that can successfully shut down the other team’s running game is going to leave this one a winner. While Pittsburgh’s defense has had pretty good success against option teams, they haven’t faced one yet quite like the Midshipmen.
Containing Reynolds is going to be a must, but that’s easier said than done. The quarterback has the all-time Division I rushing touchdowns record and can burn Pittsburgh with his arm as well as he can with his legs. He’s going to be the difference between Navy winning and losing on Monday.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Navy -3
Moneyline: Navy -115
O/U: 52
Prediction
This is the last game for one of the greatest to ever play college football. Reynolds is going to be looking to stamp a legendary career with a big game on the ground and through the air. He’s going to come out running and the Panthers are going to have to step up on defense to stop him. It’s going to be a close game and a very good one at that, but the Midshipmen will pick up their 11th win of the season.
Pick: Navy 24, Pittsburgh 21