Here’s everything you need to know about the season opener between the BYU Cougars and the Navy Midshipmen that takes place on Labor Day.
The BYU Cougars and the Navy Midshipmen are coming off two totally different seasons. Navy finished 2019 with an 11-2 record, a bowl win over Kansas State, and finished 20th in the final AP Poll. Navy, a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), also finished just a half-game away from making the conference championship game. But 2020 may not see as much success as their star player from 2019, and one of the best players they’ve had in program history, quarterback Malcolm Perry is now a member of the Miami Dolphins.
The Midshipmen are known for their run-heavy offense and will have several experienced running backs to help ease the new QB1 into the role. On defense, Navy is returning six starters on a defense that allowed just over 22 points per game in a conference that is known to keep the scoreboard operator on their toes. Their biggest concern this season on the defensive side of the ball will be their secondary, so expect a short leash as they try to swap players in and out to find the right fit.
The BYU Cougars posted their second straight 7-6 season in 2019, ending the season with a loss in the Hawaii Bowl. The Cougars 2020 season does not look to be any different. Zach Wilson returns under center but will be without his star tight end, Matt Bushman, who is out with a season-ending injury, and Wilson will be without his top three receivers from a year ago as well. Luckily, Wilson’s offensive line is experienced and should provide the time needed to allow Wilson to go through his progressions.
On defense, BYU has one of the best linebacker corps in the country. This group of linebackers will be the key for the Cougar defense to stop the rushing attack of the Midshipmen. But BYU will need their defensive line to step up, as it was one of the worst in the country in 2019. As for the secondary, it resembles that of the Midshipmen. The Cougars lost over half their secondary last from 2019, including both safeties. Luckily, Navy does not pass all that much and BYU’s secondary will be more of a third-level support group in defending the run.
This is only the third-ever meeting between the two teams, with the two teams splitting the previous two meetings. BYU wants to get over the hump and avoid finishing just barely over .500 for a third straight season, while the Midshipmen want to avoid in setbacks following a historical year in 2019.
How to watch and how to bet on BYU vs. Navy
- Date: Monday, Sept. 7
- Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Annapolis, Maryland
- Stadium: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
- TV Info: ESPN
- Odds: BYU -1.5, O/U 49.5
- Live Stream: WatchESPN
Prediction: On paper, this is the best game of the holiday weekend. Both BYU and Navy have their strengths and concerns that they look to iron out in Week One. Navy will have their way on the ground and will dominate the of possession. BYU struggles to get out of the gate, but quarterback, Zach Wilson, settles in and spreads the wealth among his new receivers and keeps the Cougars in this back-and-forth battle. But Navy’s run game is too much for BYU, as the Midshipmen open up the season with a win.
Score: Navy 31, BYU 27
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