2010 Independents Preview

Army: I thought Army hired a good coach, but I didn't expect him to have the Black Knights so close to a bowl game in his first year. A one point loss to Tulane was all that kept them out of the postseason. I think that Army has a favorable schedule and can make it to the Armed Forces bowl this year. It would be their first bowl appearance since 1996.

Navy: I thought Navy would take a step back after Paul Johnson left, but that hasn't been the case. Head coach Ken Niumatalolo has won 18 games in two years, including wins against Notre Dame, Missouri, Rutgers and Wake Forest. They've also won both Commander-in-Chief trophies under his watch. Navy opens the season against Maryland in Baltimore on Monday night in a great in-state battle.

Notre Dame: A ton of questions surround this team. Obviously, it starts with the new head coach Brian Kelly. Notre Dame has brought in many highly rated recruits, but they have to replace a great quarterback in Jimmy Clausen and a Biletnikoff winner in Golden Tate. They were 4-6 in close games, which means they played a ton of close games. There are only three true road games on the schedule, but the Irish also play neutral site games at the new Meadowlands Stadium and the New Yankee Stadium.

Conference Player of the Year: WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame) should be able to put up Golden Tate-like numbers this year as the primary option.

Projected Standings:

Notre Dame | 8-4







Navy | 9-3







Army | 6-6