Delaware @ Navy

Series:  Navy 8-7

Last Meeting: Nov 14, 2009 Navy 35-18

With uncertainty at the QB position, Delaware will lean on sophomore RB Andrew Pierce to control the game and keep the ball away from Navy's explosive offense.

What to look for:  Navy returns four of five starting offensive lineman and eight offensive starters overall.  Senior QB Kriss Procter will lead the Midshipmen’s option attack fueled by slot-backs Aaron Santiago and Gee Gee Greene. 

With the loss of OLB Kyle Hunte to a season ending knee injury, Delaware will be undermanned against Navy’s triple-option offense. 

The Hens and coach K.C. Keeler received an early present entering 2011 when sophomore transfer Travis Hawkins (from Maryland) arrived on campus.  He will provide experience to a young but talented Hen’s defense that will start only two seniors (RE Michael Atunrase and RLB Andrew Harrison).

Hawkins made his presence felt soon after transfering to Delaware during the Spring Game.  He scored on an interception return and a special teams return.

Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan is now in the “starting trends” business as he refuses to provide the New York Giants adaquate preparation time for either John Beck or Rex Grossman.

By delaying the announcement of a starting QB, Shanahan enters his team’s week 1 match-up against the Giants with a clear advantage.

Coach Keeler must be a Redskins fan, or at least a Shanahan fan.  He has yet to name a starting QB for the Hens heading into the Navy game.

“We won’t have a quarterback in place until 3:30 Saturday afternoon.”  A clear advantage for the Hens as Keeler gives Navy very little to prepare for.  

Whether it’s sophomore Trevor Sasek or junior Tim Donnelly under center, Keeler will not play his hand early.

Who knows, maybe Keeler has an ace up his sleeve and will shock everyone by starting talented redshirt freshman Justin Burns? 

The key for Delaware won’t be on the offensive side of the ball, it will squarely rest on the defensive side.  The Hens will have to limit Navy’s rushing attack and their time of possession.  

Sophomore RB Andrew Pierce will get his yards behind a strong Hens OL led by pre-season All American senior Gino Gradkowski.  

The best way to defend an explosive running team like Navy is to keep the ball out thier hands.  Pierce may have his number called 30-plus times in an effort to methodically control the ball, the clock, and the game.

Pregame Quote of Note:  Delaware coach K.C Keeler – “I don’t like playing 1A teams.  It’s doesn’t help us achieve our goal.  Our goal is not to win a 1A game, it’s to win a National Championship.”  

CAAZone.com Editor Ed Sheahin will be on the sidelines tweeting throughout the game.  Please give Ed a follow on twitter @NFLSkins

Look for a complete wrap of the Game of the Week between Delaware and Navy early next week right here at CAAZone.com!