Unlike with my Army over MTSU pick, BYU is not getting Navy on short notice. The Cougars had ample time to prepare for the Midshipmen, and they're doing it with plenty of returning starters from a season ago. BYU was actually a bit underrated in 2019 as its 7-6 record came with the team facing an incredibly difficult travel schedule. Dalen Morris is nowhere near the triple option master that Navy had in Malcolm Perry, and while this may be close, expect BYU to squeak by in the end with its defense getting a key stop late in the game.

BYU lost its top three receivers from last year and then lost tight end Matt Bushman -- its leading receiver regardless of position -- last week to a ruptured Achilles. Dalen Morris will have the unenviable task of replacing legendary Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry. This one lines up to be an old-school, sloppy, defensive slugfest. Go Under.

It’s so tough to stop the triple option offense, but BYU can do it. The Cougars return all four linebackers, all of whom have experience slowing it down. The absence of Malcolm Perry will be felt, and the Midshipmen will struggle to move the football.

No offense needs the practice and repetitions to be run well like a triple-option attack. Thanks to a truncated offseason, Navy hasn't had the time it normally would to prepare its offense for 2020. That along would be problematic, but what makes it more difficult is that Navy also has to replace the best player its ever had. I do not like BYU laying the points, but there is value on BYU on the money line.

BYU’s defense, anchored by top-flight LBs, is equipped to halt Navy's ground game. Preparing for an option offense is least challenging when it’s an opening game. This matchup was scheduled a month ago, which afforded the Cougars plenty of time to gear up. No fans will be admitted, which mitigates the disadvantage for the traveling team.