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Armed Forces Bowl, Louisiana Tech vs Navy: Preview and predictions

By Brad Weiss

Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs quarterback Ryan Higgins (14) passes against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the second half the CUSA championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 58-44. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs quarterback Ryan Higgins (14) passes against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the second half the CUSA championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 58-44. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Navy Midshipmen and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will battle it out in the Armed Forces Bowl this Friday in a matchup of conference runner-ups.

The Navy Midshipmen will take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the Armed Forced Bowl on Friday, in a matchup of two teams looking to snap two-game losing streaks. The Bulldogs come into the game boasting one of the more potent passing games in college football, and will be looking to exploit a very weak Navy secondary. The Midshipmen have had to deal with a plethora of injuries as of late, and will need to rely on a backup quarterback if they want to get the job done.

Ryan Higgins has done an incredible job under center for Louisiana Tech this season, throwing for 4,200 yards and 37 touchdowns. He has one of the better wide receiver tandems in all of college football, as Trent Taylor and Carlos Henderson each went over 1,000 yards receiving this season. They should be in for a big game on Friday, as Navy has struggled to stop the pass as of late.

Injuries to quarterback Will Worth and running back Toneo Gulley have decimated the Navy offense, and the team has turned to Zach Abey to get the job done as of late. Abey was the signal-caller for Navy’s last two losses, and will need to do a better job with the triple option if he hopes to come away with the upset on Friday. If Navy can get the running game on track against the Bulldogs, they should be able to keep this one competitive.

Winning nine games after losing star quarterback Keenan Reynolds was impressive, but Navy saw their Cinderella season cut down by the injury bug. Both teams are coming off loses in their conference championship games, and will be looking to finish their season on a high note. This one has shootout written all over it, and it should make for some exciting football on Friday.

Here is how to watch all of the action online.

Next: All live stream info in one place

Date: Friday, Dec. 23
Start Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Venue: Amon G. Carter Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Louisiana Tech: Throw the ball. The Bulldogs are one of the more dynamic passing offenses in college football, and Higgins can pick a part a defense as good as anybody. Taylor and Henderson should find plenty of room to make plays against Navy, and if their defense can keep the run game at bay, they should be able to cover the spread. Look for Higgins to throw for at least 300 yards in this one.

Navy: Run the ball. If Abey can get it going with the triple option, then Navy should be able to keep the Bulldogs off of the field. That is their only chance in this one, as they do not have the firepower to hang with Louisiana Tech for four quarters. This is a proud Navy group, and the seniors will be looking to go out on top.

Odds

Line: Louisiana Tech (-6)

Over/Under: 67.5

Prediction

Louisiana Tech is going to roll in this one, and may win the game by ten points. Higgins is going to hook up with Taylor and Henderson early and often, and the Navy offense just does not have the talent to keep up. If Navy can run the ball, this one could be close early, but the Bulldogs are eventually going to explode. Navy has played very well this season, but their main offensive weapons will be on the sideline, and they just do not have the depth to overcome that.

Prediction: Louisiana Tech 45 Navy 30

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