Poinsettia Bowl

Dec. 20, 2007

9 p.m. EST, San Diego, Calif., ESPN

Prediction: Navy vs. Utah

Navy/at large vs. Mountain West

Analysis:

With BYU's win against a Pac10 team and Utah's loss against a Pac10 team, BYU leapfrogs Utah to compete in the Armed Forces Bowl against another Pac10 opponent. Utah still gets a bowl game, but they'll have to face Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl.

Navy's handling of Temple shows they should finish with a winning record this season. Should they have lost, a winning season might have been in question. Adam Ballard won't let this team down.

Poinsettia Bowl

Dec. 20, 2007

Prediction: Navy vs. BYU

Navy/at large vs. Mountain West

Analysis:

Navy may be playing the 111th rated schedule in the country in 2007, but it's not like they haven't scheduled themselves some tough games. Navy's slate includes games at Rutgers, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame along with a home date against defending ACC champion Wake Forest. It's possible, though not likely, that Navy could be contenders in all these games. Notre Dame has beaten Navy an NCAA record 43 straight times after all. Their biggest challenge will be overcoming the loss of eight starters on defense, although Adam Ballard, Reggie Campbell and Kaip-Noa Kaheaku-Enhanda will all be integral parts of the Midshipmen's option offense.

BYU is by no means a lock for the post-season. They lost 28 letterman from last season and have only 13 returning starters this year. Their losses include the top passer, rusher and receiver from a season ago. Although a veteran offensive line led by last year's second team All Mountain West selection Sete Aulai should help to make the transition smooth. Getting both TCU and Utah helps the Cougar's chances in becoming bowl eligible.