It’s that time of year again, folks, America’s Game, Army vs. Navy, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Let’s get it. For the 120th time, the two teams will square off for the Commander In Chief trophy, with the Commander in Chief himself in attendance. After going on a 14-game losing streak from 2002-2015, Army has won the last three straight. Navy aims to take the title back, as it enters the game ranked No. 21 in the nation and on its way to the Liberty Bowl against Kansas State on New Year’s Eve.
Navy is 60-52-7 all-time in this series. It’s the 15th time in the last 17 years that Navy has been bowl-eligible. Army has only been bowl-eligible three times in that span and eight times all-time. Army has won this game the last three seasons, though, and it looks to make it four straight this year.
Navy is favored in this game by 10.5 points, with an over/under of 40.5.
For America
For many of us, this game is so much more than just the football being played. It’s the reason it’s known as America’s game. For the players, bettors, and hardcore fans alike, it does have a lot to do with the game being played on the field, and Army looks to win its fourth straight. Per the usual, Army will rely on its strong rushing game to get the win, as it doesn’t have much of a passing game.
Kelvin Hopkins Jr. comes into the game a little banged up but is probable to play. He beat Navy a year ago in the game but has had a rough season. Averaging just over 50 passing yards per game, Hopkins leads the team in rushing yards with 706. Connor Slomka and Sandon McCoy have combined for nearly 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns. Defensively, watch for ballhawk Elijah Riley, who has three picks and six pass deflections on the season.
So Close, So Far
If Navy had been able to beat Memphis earlier this season, it would’ve found itself in the American Athletic Conference championship game, squaring off against Cincinnati. Unfortunately, that’s not the way things worked out. Navy comes into the game ranked No. 21 in the latest AP poll and No. 23 in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Midshipmen are 9-2 and finished second in the AAC West.
Navy ranks 10th in the nation in scoring, averaging 38.7 points per game. All of the armed forces lead the nation in rushing yards per game, as Navy ranks first, averaging an astounding 354.4 yards per game, followed by Air Force (281.5), and then Army (274.3) third. Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry leads the team in rushing with 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns on the season.
America’s Pick
Navy is 8-3 against the spread on the season, while Army is only 5-7. Perhaps a little history may come into play here for Army, though. It has won three straight coming into the game, as well as three straight versus Navy in this game. I don’t think I’d go that far though, as Army is simply overmatched in this one.
Navy will put up its rushing average and then some. Navy blows out Army and covers the spread in this one, reclaiming the Commander in Chief trophy.
