The college football season returned a week ago, but the first game that will get fans fired up takes place on Monday, September 7, 2020, when the BYU Cougars visit the Navy Midshipmen. This is going to be a college football season like we’ve never seen before, but fans can rejoice that they finally made it to football season. This game will air live on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. EST.
BYU suffered a disappointing 2019 as the Cougars finished with a 7-6 record with a few bad losses on the board. The Cougars won at Tennessee and against #14 Boise St and #24 USC but suffered disappointing losses at Toledo and at South Florida.
The Navy Midshipmen had an impressive 2019 season that saw them finish the season with an 11-2 record, #20 in the nation, a bowl win over the Big 12’s Kansas State, and a Commander in Chief trophy. Navy had impressive wins over #25 SMU, Houston, and Air Force, but did suffer losses at Memphis and at #16 Notre Dame. The Midshipmen were led by star quarterback Malcolm Perry, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round.
Below is my pick for BYU at Navy. All lines are from the PointsBet Sportsbook.
BYU Cougars (-1.5) at Navy Midshipmen (+105) O/U 50.5 (-115/-105)
On the offensive side of the ball BYU returns QB Zach Wilson, offensive tackle Brady Christensen, center James Empey, and guard Tristen Hoge. The offensive line is stacked for the Cougars and Zach Wilson is expected to have the breakout season many expected in 2019. BYU suffered a major loss when star tight end Matt Bushman suffered a season ending injury in practice. On defense, BYU is led by a future Sunday player in defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga who will anchor the Cougar defensive line. Kavika Fonua and Zayne Anderson are also key returners on the defensive side of the ball.
On the offensive side of the ball Navy will look to replace Malcolm Perry’s production with Jamale Carothers, CJ Williams, and Nelson Smith. Mychal Cooper is the top returning receiver on the team. On defense, linebackers Diego Fagot and Kevin Brennan are two huge pieces returning to one of the better defenses in the nation.
Series History: These two teams have met twice in the past, not since 1989, and the series is tied 1-1. BYU won in 1989 and Navy won in 1978.
College Football Picks: Give me the BYU Cougars -1.5 on Monday night.
2019 CFB Picks Results: 94-73-2