September 14, 2012 at 2:08 PM

Quarterbacks

Running completely different offensive schemes, the opposing quarterbacks, Matt McGloin and Trey Miller of Navy, have vastly different roles for their teams. McGloin has been asked to throw over 40 times in each of the first two games this season, whereas Miller’s responsibilities revolve more so around executing the triple option. Miller completed 14 of 19 passes in Navy’s first game against Notre Dame for 192 yards, but this damage was done primarily after the 50-10 loss was out of reach. Due to pure stats and also experience — Miller is in his first year as Navy’s starter — McGloin gets the edge here.

Advantage: Penn State

Running backs

Besides Miller, who will surely hold onto many plays for himself, the Navy rushing attack is comprised of senior running back Gee Gee Greene and sophomore fullback Noah Copeland. Neither player made a big splash against the Irish, but Greene has the capability of breaking out for the Midshipmen this year. With over 1,000 yards in his career, the senior will be a threat to watch for tomorrow. Penn State, on the other hand, will likely be depending on its third-string back in Curtis Dukes, with Belton and Day still recovering from injuries. Look for Dukes to pound the ball into the endzone, but overall, I see the Midshipman backs winning this battle.

Advantage: Navy

Wide receivers

Shawn Lynch and Casey Bolena, Navy’s top two receivers, started off the season on the right foot against the Irish, totaling 148 yards and a touchdown between them. Through two games, Allen Robinson has had 186 yards and developed into Penn State’s No. 1 option in the air. Despite losing Shawney Kersey — who left the team for personal reasons — look for players like Alex Kenney and possibly Brandon Moseby-Felder to step in and make plays for the Lions.

Advantage: Penn State

Tight ends

Kyle Carter caught an 8-yard touchdown pass against Virginia last weekend, meaning a Penn State tight end was in the endzone for the second straight week. Carter is second on the team with 107 yards receiving this season. As for Navy, given its triple option running scheme, there is not a single tight end listed on its roster. With that mind, the Lions take this one by default.

Advantage: Penn State

Offensive line

By sheer size alone, Navy is at a disadvantage in the O-line. Compared to the Lions, who don’t have a lineman starting under 300 pounds, the Navy offensive linemen average just 288 pounds. Look for the Penn State pass protection to improve, along with vaster holes for the Lion rushing attack against the Midshipmen.

Advantage: Penn State