Paul Johnson's Midshipmen accomplished one of the greatest seasons in school history in 2004, finishing the year ranked No. 24 in the country, and winning 10 games for the first time in 99 years. After opening the season 5-0, and losing their first game of the season, a heartbreaker to Notre Dame, the Midshipmen went on to finish the season a stellar 10-2. After handling Army in their annual matchup, Navy continued to roll, beating New Mexico by a 34-19 count in the Emerald Bowl. Their appearance in that postseason gathering marked the second time in school history the Middies have made back-to-back bowl appearances. 2005 ANALYSIS: OFFENSE: The Navy offense will have to fill some pretty big shoes this season with the loss of quarterback Aaron Polanco and fullback Kyle Eckle. However, the unit will not be forced to rebuild, but instead reload. Senior quarterback Lamar Owens will finally get his shot to lead the Navy option offense after serving as back-up the past two seasons. Owens did receive some playing time last season, carrying the ball 24 times for 115 yards. The hole left by Eckle will be filled by a two youngsters. Junior Matt Hall and sophomore Adam Ballard will both see time and each brings a different facet to the offense. Hall is a tough blocker, with good vision, while Ballard is a physical runner, with speed. The slot position also will have a new face this season as senior Marco Nelson and junior Trey Hines battle for the position. Both saw playing time in '04 and should have no problem making the transition to a starting role. While the Navy offense is not known for its passing attack, wide receiver will be its most experienced position with the return of Jason Tomlinson and Mike Yokitis. The two combined for 18 catches for 273 yards last season, but their ability to block is what makes them so valuable. While the Mids have lost a lot of talent at the skill positions, perhaps the biggest loss came along the offensive line. Center James Rossi is the only returning starter from last year's group, and he will be key in the development of this young offense. DEFENSE: The Navy defense is in the same position as the offense, as they only have three starters back in the fold. However, the return of defensive end Jeremy Chase gives the Midshipmen a dominant presence in the trenches. Chase returns after a breakout junior season as he registered 46 tackles, 11 for loss, and played a prominent role on a defense that allowed less than 20 points a game. The biggest hole to fill will be the inside linebacker position. With no returning starters, the Mids will turn to senior Jake Biles and junior Rob Caldwell to fill the position despite their lack of experience. The cornerstone of the Navy defense will be outside linebacker David Mahoney. Mahoney was outstanding in '04 recording 85 tackles, and a team-high five sacks. He will need to make plays all over the field for the defense to be successful this season. The secondary is led by returning starter Jeremy McGown, who makes the transition from safety to corner. Navy will rely on its young talent at the safety position to eliminate the big play down field. SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior Eric Shuey will handle the punting duties this season as he tries to improve upon his 36.8 yards per punt average. The kicking job is pretty much up for grabs entering the season, although sophomore Joey Bullen has a slight edge. Jeremy McGown and Reggie Campbell take over the kick return duties for Navy this season. This will be McGown's second season as the kick returner after averaging better than 20 yards per return last fall. OUTLOOK: The Midshipmen are replacing sixteen starters from a team that won 10 games last season, and while they have talent on both sides of the ball, inexperience could be Navy's biggest obstacle. The schedule includes tough road games against Maryland, Rutgers, Notre Dame, Rice and Duke. The home slate includes bouts with Stanford, Air Force, Kent State, Tulane and Temple, with the season ending against rival Army in Philadelphia. Navy will be fighting an uphill battle this season with a young team. While coach Johnson will have some talent at the skill positions, the loss of Eckle and Polanco, and an offensive line that was responsible for one of the best running attacks in the country last year, could prove to be too much for the Mids to overcome. Navy should get better as the season goes on, but don't expect more than six wins.