The Pittsburgh Panthers (8-4) and Navy Midshipmen (10-2) will square off for the Military Bowl on Monday. With both teams possessing tremendous talent, it will be intriguing to see who can leave Annapolis, Maryland with a victory.
Here's what you need to know about the Monday's matchup:
Date and Time: December 28, 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Jack Stephens Field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
Fans of Navy Midshipmen are excited to see Keenan Reynolds' final game for the team. He will end one of the most decorated collegiate careers in recent memory. The Navy quarterback broke the all-time Division I record with his 85th career rushing touchdown in a 21-17 win against Army on Dec. 12. This 2015 regular season, he had 1,229 rushing yards, 1,077 passing yards, and 28 total touchdowns.
Furthermore, Reynolds filled the much-needed role as dynamic playmaker and a skilled decision-maker for the Midshipmen's triple-option offense.
For the receiver, Jamil Tillman is the team's go-to-guy for the majority of the season. The wide receiver had 27 catches for 570 yards and five touchdowns, and he proved to be a dependable target in the passing game.
Navy is now seeking their third straight bowl win after defeating Middle Tennessee in the Armed Forces Bowl in 2013 and San Diego State in the Poinsettia Bowl last year.
On another hand, the Panthers are in the postseason for the eighth straight time, after a successful first season under Pat Narduzzi. The team was unable to complete a three-game winning streak to end the regular season as they lost to the Miami Hurricanes.
Nathan Peterman of Panthers emerged as a true passing talent in 2015 regular season, throwing for 2,150 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Pittsburgh Panthers ranked 63rd in the nation regarding yards per play (5.63) and 69th in scoring offense (28.3 points per game), according to Sports Illustrated.
The Monday's game will be the 40th meeting between Navy and Pittsburgh with the Panthers leading the series, 22-14-3. Navy won the last meeting, 24-21, in Annapolis in 2013.
In the same article from S.I, it revealed their game predictions. The article said that the matchup could come down to the turnover battle, an area in which the Midshipmen appear to have a decided advantage. Navy has the second-best turnover margin while Pittsburgh is at 52nd in the same category.
Prediction: Navy 27, Pittsburgh 23
