| 2008 overall record: 8-5 Returning starters
Offense: 4, defense: 7, punter/kicker 1
Top returners
LB Ross Pospisil, DL Jabaree Tuani, OLB Clint Sovie, NG Nate Frazier, RB Bobby Doyle, LT Jeff Battipaglia, LB Tony Haberer, OG Curtis Bass, S Wyatt Middleton, DE Matt Nechak, OT Matt Molloy, P Kyle Delahooke
Key losses
QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, RB Shun White, FB Eric Kettani, WR Tyree Barnes, OG Anthony Gaskins, CB Rashawn King, S Emmett Merchant, OLB/S Jeff Deliz, K Matt Harmon
2008 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Shun White (1,092 yards)
Passing: Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada (305 yards)
Receiving: Tyree Barnes (400 yards)
Tackles: Ross Pospisil* (106)
Sacks: Matt Nechak* (4.0)
Interceptions: Rashawn King, Ketric Buffin (4)
2009 schedule W/L
Projection GoNavy82
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Sept. 5 at Ohio State W 30-27
Sept. 12 Louisiana Tech W 33-17
Sept. 19 at Pittsburgh L 24-21
Sept. 26 Western Kentucky W 33-21
Oct. 3 Air Force W 28-20
Oct. 10 at Rice L 28-25
Oct. 17 at SMU W 28-21
Oct. 24 Wake Forest L 27-24
Oct. 31 Temple W 32-10
Nov. 7 at Notre Dame L 33-30
Nov. 14 Delaware W 33-17
Nov. 28 at Hawai'i W 40-38
Dec. 12 vs. Army @Philadelphia W 38-20
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Navy: 9-4
Navy Pts: 400 / PPG: 30.77
Opp Pts: 303 / PPG: 23.31
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Spring answers
1. A quarterback has emerged: After coming in at key times last season, Ricky Dobbs earned the respect of his teammates and coaches to win the starting quarterback spot this year. He spent the spring perfecting the option, but he also adds a passing element that Navy hasn't had the past couple of seasons.
2. Defense will be strong: After the defense was a major question mark a year ago, the Mids return seven players from last year's unit, including linebacker Ross Pospisil and rover Wyatt Middleton. Also, Jabaree Tuani came on last year and was a surprise addition to the defensive line.
3. No slip under Niumatalolo: After coach Paul Johnson left for Georgia Tech, there was concern that Navy's winning tradition would go with him. Not so. The Midshipmen started shaky, but rallied to win their sixth straight Commander-In-Chief's Trophy. They'll be the favorite again this season.
Fall questions
1. The new backfield: Navy's backfield was arguably one of the best in the country, but with all new players starting there this season, there are bound to be growing pains. The biggest losses will be running back Shun White and Eric Kettani, who accounted for 2,774 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
2. Secondary depth: The loss of junior safety Emmett Merchant, who left the team for personal reasons this spring, was a tough blow to the secondary, especially since Merchant was expected to create a dynamic safety duo with Middleton. Now the Mids go into the fall searching for some key contributors in the secondary.
3. Switching up the offense: Dobbs hinted that there might be some new wrinkles in the Navy offense this season, especially since he was an established passer in high school. But how the receivers will react to that is still up in the air. Navy isn't known for high-caliber receiver play and the summer will be spent establishing a solid rapport between Dobbs and his wideouts.
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