The Edge

TCU PASSING GAME
Tye Gunn answered all questions about his knee by not playing tentatively against Tulane last week. Gunn was accurate both in the pocket and on the run and showed that he still has the ability to make plays with his legs if he needs to. The big question mark is his receivers. Despite Gunn’s accurate passing, the receivers had several drops and rarely looked comfortable on the passes they did catch. Gunn still managed to pass for more than 240 yards and should continue his success against the Midshipmen who are still adjusting to a 3-4 defense.

NAVY PASS DEFENSE
Although the Midshipmen have an experienced secondary, they are more prone to stopping the run rather than the pass. They are lead by senior free safety Josh Smith, who is the team’s returning tackler, and senior cornerback Shalimar Brazier, who is one of the team’s best athletes. However the inexperienced defensive line will have a tough time getting by the Frogs powerful offensive line and pressuring Gunn. If the receivers are catching the passes, Gunn should rack up big numbers against the secondary.

TCU RUN DEFENSE
Navy is the kind of offense that a defensive line like TCU loves to face. The line will need to have a big game to keep the Midshipmen from running wild. Defensive ends Bo Schobel and Robert Pollard will have to get in the backfield to disrupt the option. With their size and speed, the two ends should cause a headache for quarterback Craig Candeto and the rest of the Navy offense. If the line can do its job, it will make life easier on the linebackers and the secondary. Linebackers Josh Goolsby and Martin Patterson could rack up a ton of tackles.

NAVY RUNNING GAME
The strength of the Navy offense is its ability to run the triple-option. It is known for piling up gaudy rushing numbers, but a game against TCU matches strength against strength, and Navy just doesn’t matchup. The Midshipmen don’t have a great passing game to fall back on if the triple-option doesn’t work and that could be their biggest downfall against TCU. They are great with misdirection and Candeto is a smart runner, but finding open room against the Frogs defense will be tough.

TCU RUNNING GAME
Both Lonta Hobbs and Ricky Madison had great first weeks. Madison’s week was so impressive that he earned Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week honors. The two backs combined to rush for 192 yards and 3 TDs against a young Tulane defense. Look for Hobbs and Madison to continue sharing the rushing attempts for the second straight week. They should both have pretty solid statistical days, going up against an unproven Navy defense. Don’t be surprised if the Frogs have two or three players with over 100 rushing yards.

NAVY RUN DEFENSE
The Midshipmen are still adjusting to the switch to the 3-4 defense, and with the three down linemen being inexperienced, it will be difficult for Navy to stop the talented TCU running backs. Unlike the TCU linebackers, the Navy linebackers will not be able to roam free against the Frogs. The offensive line will be able to get to the linebackers often, due to the inexperience of the defensive line.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Nick Browne started the season strong last week, hitting his only field goal attempt and all PAT’s. He will continue to show why he was the preseason favorite for C-USA Special Teams Player of the Year, and a Lou Groza candidate. Navy’s kicker Geoff Blumenfeld has a strong leg but lacks accuracy and consistency. The TCU cover teams look to avoid allowing big return yards, which can quickly lead to a change in momentum.

OVERALL:
This will be a totally different type of game for the Frogs, but they should win big. Navy has neither the experience or the talent to compete with the Frogs, but like all military teams, they are extremely poised and make very few mistakes. The Frogs will also have the added momentum of playing in their home opener.