Independents Preview

Predicted Finish

Army | 3-9

Navy | 7-5

Notre Dame | 6-6


Army only won three games last year, and looks to be at the same level this year. Two of the wins were in overtime, and the other was against VMI. Discounting the VMI game, the offense only averaged 15.45 ppg and 246 ypg. Army turned the ball over 37 times last season, on average more than three times per game. The offense returns both QBs and all of the top rushers, so the experience should help them hold on to the ball more. The Black Knights will probably match last year's win total, but no more.


Navy won nine games last year, but only beat one bowl team (East Carolina). Navy was the top rushing team in the NCAA last season, and will probably achieve that honor again. The defense only returns three starters, so that's a major concern. The schedule is also more difficult, with road trips to Rutgers, Pittsburgh, and Notre Dame. If Navy is bowl eligible at the end of the season, the Poinsettia Bowl will give them an invite. While the Midshipmen won't win nine games this season, they will be playing in San Diego in December.


Notre Dame has gone 19-6 over the past two years with two BCS Bowl appearances, but this looks like it will be a down season. The offense loses its QB, top RB, and three of the top four receivers. In fact there are only 10 returning lettermen on offense. The defense doesn't fare much better, with only five starters returning. This is a young team on both sides of the ball, with only six seniors as projected starters. The schedule is going to be killer for a young team. Wins will be hard to come by during the first eight games. I'm predicting them to be 2-6 going into their bye week. Then the last four games are the easiest on the schedule and should all be wins. I wouldn't be surprised is the Irish don't make it to a bowl game this season.