One of the best games of the season is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2020, when the Navy Midshipmen (3-6) visit the Army Black Knights (7-2). This will be just the second time, and first since 1943, that this game will be held on the Army campus. Army is one of three strong Independent schools and Navy sits in seventh place in the AAC. This game will air live on CBS at 3:00 p.m. EST.
Through nine games, the Navy offense is averaging 18.4 points per game and 292.6 yards per game, 107.2 through the air and 185.3 on the ground. Nelson Smith leads the team with 622 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, and Mychal Cooper has a team high 12 receptions for 199 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Midshipmen are allowing 32.0 points and 410.3 yards, 197.8 passing and 212.6 rushing.
The Army offense is averaging 30.6 points per game and 346.9 yards per game, 50.2 through the air and 296.7 on the ground. Jakobi Buchanan leads the team with 383 rushing yards and five touchdowns, and Michael Roberts has a team high seven receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Black Knights are allowing just 16.3 points and 289.3 yards, 170.3 passing and 119.0 rushing.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/army” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Below is my pick for the Navy Midshipmen at Army Black Knights.
Navy Midshipmen at Army Black Knights (-7.0): O/U 38.0 (-108/-113)
Last time out, Navy hosted the #24 Tulsa Golden Hurricane and suffered a 19-6 defeat. This game was tied late in the third quarter, but Tulsa scored the final 13 points of the game to get the double-digit win. QB Xavier Arline went 4/8 for 27 yards and added 60 yards on the ground. Navy ran the ball 53 times for 126 yards, just a 2.4 average. Defensively, Navy allowed 296 total yards and recovered one Tulsa fumble.
Army last played on November 21st when they hosted the Georgia Southern Eagles and sneaked by with a 28-27 win. Georgia Southern led 14-0 after the first quarter, and 21-7 at the half, but Army fought back to score21 of the final 27 points to get the win. QB Tyhier Tyler went 1/1 for 25 yards and rushed the ball 35 times for 131 yards. Army rushed the ball 73 times for 243 yards, a 3.3 average, and four touchdowns in the game. Defensively, Army allowed 311 total yards and forced one Eagles interception.
Series History: Navy won last season to extend their all-time series lead to 61-52-7.
CFB Predictions: Give me Army -7.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 52-29