Towson at Navy

The decisive matchup should come between Towson’s offensive front and a Navy defense with two proven returning producers. MarcAnthony Parker made 97 total tackles, including two sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss, last season, while Griffen Willis added 48 tackles, three sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. Their ability to create unfavorable down-and-distance situations would make life harder for whichever Towson quarterback takes the first snap. The Tigers’ line and skill groups, which include Cleveland Charlton, Kemarrion Battles, Xavier Pugh and Tristen Kenan, need to keep the pocket and running lanes functional without asking an unsettled quarterback room to rescue possessions.

Navy’s cleanest route to control is to keep the offense on schedule, use its quarterback run element if Woodson is involved, and let Parker, Willis and the rest of the defense force long third downs. Towson’s route is more disruptive: win field position, create negative plays before Navy can dictate the pace, and protect the ball well enough to shorten the game. The Tigers also need to prevent explosive plays and make Navy earn every scoring chance through sustained drives. With both quarterback orders unresolved, early turnovers and third-down execution may matter more than any preseason assumption about how the matchup should unfold.