By Steve Jones

After five weeks of the college football season, it’s time to evaluate Maryland and Navy and make a prediction on where they will stand when the campaign ends in early December:

Steve Jones predicts a 7-5 finish for Ricky Dobbs and the Midshipmen. (Mitch Stringer/PressBox)

Maryland (4-1): The Terrapins are winning games the 2009 team would have lost. Maryland gutted out a season-opening win over Navy with a goal-line stand in the final minute, and rallied from an early nine-point deficit to beat Duke Oct. 2. The ACC schedule doesn’t look overwhelming, and the Terps should be able to win at least three more games to clinch a bowl bid. 

Prediction: 7-5 and a trip to the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La. against a Mountain West Conference opponent.

Navy (2-2): The Navy offense was expected to be the team’s strength. Instead, the Midshipmen have scored 14 or fewer points in three of their first four games, including close losses to Maryland and Air Force. Navy still has to play SMU, Notre Dame and an improved Army team.

Prediction: 7-5 and its predetermined trip to the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego against a Mountain West Conference opponent.

Posted Oct. 4, 2010