Navy probably had higher aspirations for their 2010 season than this, considering they had an easy schedule and all-world quarterback Ricky Dobbs returning to the roster. Instead, however, the Midshipmen will play in the Poinsettia Bowl on Thursday night against San Diego State in San Diego.
Navy finished the season 9-3, with three disappointing losses to Maryland, Air Force and Duke. Those three losses were by a combined 14 points, and they were all winnable games. That's how close Navy was to even possibly competing for a BCS bowl game. Okay, so maybe they wouldn't have made it anyway, but you never know.
Their opponent, San Diego State, is coming off one of their best seasons in years. The Aztecs are 8-4 on the year, with their only losses coming to TCU (by five), BYU (by three), Missouri (by four) and Utah (by four). Three of those teams were ranked in the Top 25 at the time of the game. It's the Aztecs' first winning season in 12 years, and as a reward, they will be playing close to home.
The game will take place at 8 p.m., and will be broadcasted on ESPN.