Army haven’t beaten Navy since 2001 but Al Dannity likes the Black Knights’ chances of ending that losing streak on Saturday.
Old school game awaits The last game of College Football’s regular season pits its two greatest rivals against one another. Army and Navy may not play with national titles on the line any more but no game elicits more passion and mutual respect from players and fans alike than this annual contest.
Don’t expect to see too many passes thrown when Army play Navy in the Linc on Saturday. In recent years these ancient rivals have switched to a run-based option offense, reaping huge successes for both service academies. The switch has seen the Black Knights end their bowl drought this season by securing a place in the Armed Forces Bowl, while the Midshipmen will play a bowl game for the eighth year running when they play San Diego State in the Poinsettia Bowl.
In the process Navy have developed the #5 rushing game in the nation, averaging 302.5 yards per game, while Army have the #9 rushing offense with an average of 260.3 yards per game. The heavy focus on running the ball has resulted in neither team doing much passing. Army ranked #120 in passing, dead last in the country, while Navy are ranked #118. If there’s one thing College Football betting fans can count on, these teams will look to establish the run.
Recent history will play a role This will be the first time since 1996 that neither group of seniors look ahead to this game as their last ever competitive game of Football. That won’t take away from the emotion of the occasion however as Army look to end a losing streak that dates back to 2001.
Last year’s game was much closer than the 17-3 scoreline suggested and point to a resurgence from West Point. A shutout loss to Navy in 2008 seems to have been the catalyst behind the recent rise of the Black Knights. Victory over Kent State in November ended the bowl-less streak that has plagued Army since 1996. Now they will look to control Ricky Dobbs and Alexander Teich to end Navy’s dominance of this rivalry. While the Midshipmen have been able to run up the score against teams with poor run-defense, when they have faced an opponent familiar with their game they have struggled. I see Army forcing Navy into a close encounter this year. When it comes to the verdict there’s only one way to word it: Go Army, beat Navy. Bet on Army to win with Sports Interaction.