Navy is ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 for good reason.
The Midshipmen are 5-0 overall and 3-0 in AAC play with their trademark victory thus far being a 56-44 win over Memphis. Navy has the second-best rushing offense in the country with 295.6 yards per game on the ground.
But they’ve got to take on Charlotte next. The 49ers are 3-3 overall, but they’ve won three of their last four games, most recently defeating East Carolina 55-24. They’ve only lost to Power Four teams Indiana and North Carolina as well as against James Madison, which is one of the top Group of Five programs in the country right now.
Navy will need to be ready.
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Charlotte vs. Navy Betting Odds
Charlotte is a +16.5 college football betting odds underdog against Navy, with the Over/Under being 56.5.
The moneyline for Charlotte is +525, while it’s -750 for Navy.
Charlotte vs. Navy On TV
The matchup between Charlotte and Navy will be televised on CBSSN.
The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 19. The contest is taking place at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.
Charlotte vs. Navy Prediction
I predict Navy will win and cover the spread at -16.5. I also project the game will go Under 56.5 total points.
I like how Charlotte is playing right now. The 49ers are clearly showing improvement from last year, and they have a good chance of making a bowl game by the end of the season.
But I don’t think this is a good matchup for them. Charlotte is one of the worst teams in the country in terms of rushing defense, allowing 182 yards per game on the ground.
And Navy, as expected, has a great rushing attack. Led by quarterback Blake Horvath, who’s 29th in the FBS with 565 rushing yards and is top 10 with 10 rushing touchdowns, the Midshipmen have five players who have rushed for at least 150 yards this year. Navy has also been efficient, as all five of those players average at least 5.4 yards per carry.
Navy might end up giving up a few points against Charlotte, as the Midshipmen’s defense has been inconsistent. But I think they’ll control this contest on the ground and will win by three touchdowns.
