Connecticut at Navy

Navy took the American Athletic Conference by storm in its inaugural season as a member (11-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) and looks formidable again. Navy has posted winning seasons capped by Bowl berths in 12 of the last 13 years. Navy rolled over Fordham (52-16) last week, showcasing its speed with the triple-option offense and a much-improved defense. Senior slotback Dishan Romine had a breakout season in 2015, ranking third on the team with 378 rushing yards, loaded with speed averaging 10.5 yards per carry. They also have a star in the passing game in WR Jamir Tillman (983 yards in 2014 and 2015 combined). The Midshipmen are on a 10-1 ATS run at home, 12-4 ATS after a spread cover. Inside linebackers Daniel Gonzales and Micah Thomas lead a list of six returning starters from Navy’s strongest defense of the current triple-option era. Under coordinator Dale Pehrson, the Midshipmen ranked #26 in scoring defense last year and #40 in total defense, allowing 21.8 points per game. Pehrson implemented a more aggressive philosophy that produced 15 fumble recoveries - tops in the nation. Navy is 17-7 UNDER the total after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. They face a Connecticut squad off a 2-10 campaign that didn't impress in last week's 24-21 win over Maine. Last season the offense finished #124 in the nation in total yards per game. The only plus is the UConn defense, as Coach Bob Diaco came to the team from Notre Dame as a defensive wizard and the Huskies improved dramatically, giving up just 19.5 points per game, good for #15 in the country. They are strong again - especially the linebacking corps. Connecticut is on a money-burning 16-33-2 ATS run, including 6-19-1 ATS on the road. They are also 20-8 UNDER after a spread loss. Navy has not lost at home since September 27, 2014, with an 11-game home winning streak. Last season Navy rolled past UConn, 28-18, with 343 yards of offense, 303 of them on the ground. Connecticut ran for just 3.4 yards per carry. Take Navy and the UNDER.