San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
San Diego State (8-4) vs. Navy (8-3)
V
S. 
8 PM, ESPN, Thur. Dec. 23, San Diego, CA
Why Watch: It’s going to be an 11-on-11 mud wrestling match. Qualcomm Stadium’s field was submerged under nearly a foot of water following the week long rain storms in California. Nearly 1.5 million gallons needed to be pumped from the Stadium, which supposedly will be dry for game time. How dry can grass under 1.5 million gallons of water really be a day later, though? Navy’s better suited for muddy conditions, but San Diego State has a nice rush offense of their own.
Who to Watch: San Diego State freshman running back Ronnie Hillman is surely one to keep an eye on, but keep close tabs on linebacker Miles Burris as well. Burris, a junior, finished the year with 74 total tackles including 19 for a loss. He also brought in 9.5 sacks on the season. For Navy, watch fullback Alexander Teich. He’s a powerful runner who brought in 830 yards and five scores on mostly quick dives, including 210 yards against Notre Dame.
How it’s Going Down: The field conditions almost give Navy the advantage here. The option is operable in rain, sleet, snow or muddy fields, and there’s sure to be mud everyone tonight. I’m sticking with my original pick, however. I really think San Diego State has the better overall team, and even in muddy conditions, Aztec quarterback Ryan Lindley should be able to find wideouts Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson, who combined for 2,362 receiving yards and 17 scores. Pick: San Diego State 35 – Navy 28
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