MILITARY BOWL (Annapolis, Md.) -- In the ACC, Virginia showcased an ability to hang in games but could not salt away victories, while Navy lacked the defense to contain certain teams. This should be a matchup dictated by field position and clock management. Look for Navy to control both and pull out a close victory. Grab Navy.

MILITARY BOWL (Annapolis, Md.) -- Navy was a favorite until (pardon the pun) a wave of wagers whooshed Virginia into the role. The Midshipmen and points — or point — in a bowl game are worth taking, especially this one. Both teams are in a prolonged slump, so postseason trends are important. The Middies have covered in four straight bowls and are essentially playing at home. In real home dates, they are on a 16-6-1 ATS run. Though Virginia has faced a triple option offense like Navy’s, it fared poorly, allowing 36 points in a narrow win over Georgia Tech. Two Cavaliers D-linemen, Juwan Moye and Steven Wright, are suspended. After a bitter loss to Army, the Middies broke from tradition and practiced in pads. They will be rarin’ to go.

MILITARY BOWL (Annapolis, Md.) -- I’m a big fan of option football and games that feature a contrast in styles. That’s what we have here. Also, this game will be technically a ‘home’ game for the Mids. However, this isn’t the same type of Navy defense that we’ve seen over the last 4 years and they’ll have issues slowing down the aerial attack of the Cavaliers.