2011 Bowl Projections: Navy Could Make Military Bowl If It Wins Out

The Navy Midshipmen kept their hopes of staying bowl-eligible alive on Saturday with their 42-14 victory against the Troy Trojans. At 3-6, Navy needs to win each of its remaining games to stay bowl-eligible. If it does so, it'll take part in the 2011 Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman, where it would face the No. 8 team from the Atlantic Coast Conference. Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in Washington, D.C. is set to host the event on Dec. 28 at 4:30 Eastern; ESPN will have the national telecast.

At present, the ACC clubs most likely to be in consideration for the Military Bowl are the Miami Hurricanes, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and N.C. State Wolfpack; each team stands at 5-4.

Miami has lost each of its last three bowl games. Wake Forest has not played in a bowl since 2008, when it defeated the Midshipmen, 29-19, in the EagleBank Bowl. Coincidentally, enough, the EagleBank Bowl has since become the Military Bowl, meaning the 2011 game could be a rematch of the inaugural affair. In 2010, the Wolfpack topped the West Virginia Mountaineers, 23-7, in the Champs Sports Bowl.

If Navy does not win out, a representative from Conference U.S.A. would replace it in the Military Bowl.

Check out the 2011 College Football Bowl Schedule at the SB Nation NCAA football hub.

2011 Bowl Projections: Navy Currently Slotted For Military Bowl, Will Need To Win Out

The Navy Midshipmen snapped a six game losing streak Saturday, defeating the Troy Trojans 42-14, and kept their slim hopes of making a bowl game alive. Despite already having six losses on the season, the Midshipmen could win out and finish 6-6, making them bowl eligible. Navy will have to win two road games, against SMU and San Jose State, before finishing against Army. Win all three games, and Navy will play bonus ball.

The Maryland Terrapins, however, will not be making a bowl game. The Terps lost their fifth straight game Saturday, 31-13 to the Virginia Cavaliers, and fell to 2-7 on the season. Maryland finishes with games against Notre Dame, Wake Forest and North Carolina State, and stands in serious danger of finishing the year on an eight game losing streak.

Here is the current bowl projection for Navy. As noted above, 2-7 Maryland has no chance to make a bowl game this season:

Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman

Miami vs. Navy, Dec. 28, 2011

For more 2011 bowl projections, check out SB Nation's college football hub. For a complete bowl schedule, click here. For more on Maryland, visit SB Nation's Maryland Terrapins blog Testudo Times.

Troy Vs. Navy 2011 Odds: Midshipmen Favored Despite Six-Game Skid

The Navy Midshipmen (2-6) haven't won a game since Sept. 10, so perhaps it's a relief to their fans that the oddsmakers predict they'll end their six-game losing streak this Saturday, Nov. 5, when they host the Troy Trojans (2-5). According to SB Nation partner OddsShark, the line had Navy as 4.5-point favorites when betting opened. The spread has widened to 6.5 points at all outlets, so clearly the Midshipmen have a great chance of topping Troy.

Perhaps one reason for their optimism is the strength of Navy's triple-option offense. The Midshipmen average 309 yards rushing per game, while the Trojans yield 182.3 yards on the ground per contest. If Troy can't contain quarterback Kriss Proctor (4.5 yards per carry, eight touchdowns) or lead running back Alexander Teich (4.7 yards per carry, two touchdowns), then it'll be in a world of hurt.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 Eastern on Nov. 5.