Army Black Knights vs. Navy Midshipmen
The fans at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium will be treated to a game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen when they take their seats on Saturday.
Oddsmakers currently have the Midshipmen listed as 14-point favorites versus the Black Knights, while the game's total is sitting at 41.
Army rallied from a halftime deficit in Week 12 to pick up a 17-13 win over North Texas.
The Black Knights won that game as a pick'em, while the combined score fell UNDER the day's posted total (53.5).
Navy was defeated 24-17 by Hawaii as a 9.5-point favorite in Week 13. That game's 41 points went UNDER the posted total of 56.
Ricky Dobbs ran for a 55-yard rushing touchdown to lead the Navy in the loss.
Current streak:
Army has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Army: 5-6 SU, 3-8 ATS
Navy: 8-4 SU, 4-6-2 ATS
Army most recently:
When playing in December are 1-9
When playing on turf are 5-5
After being outgained are 4-6
When playing within the conference are 1-9
Navy most recently:
When playing in December are 7-3
When playing on turf are 7-3
After being outgained are 7-3
When playing within the conference are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Army's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Army's last 6 games when playing Navy
Army is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Army is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
Navy is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Army
Navy is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Army
Navy is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Army
Navy is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Army
ARMY (5 - 6) vs. NAVY (8 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
ARMY is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest over the last 3 seasons.
ARMY is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) after a bye week over the last 3 seasons.
NAVY is 109-78 ATS (+23.2 Units) in all games since 1992.
NAVY is 47-23 ATS (+21.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
NAVY is 109-78 ATS (+23.2 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
NAVY is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
NAVY is 102-72 ATS (+22.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1992.
NAVY is 54-25 ATS (+26.5 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field since 1992.
NAVY is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in December games since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
NAVY is 2-0 against the spread versus ARMY over the last 3 seasons
NAVY is 2-0 straight up against ARMY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ARMY vs. NAVY
Army is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Navy
Army is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Navy
Navy is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Navy is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Army, Navy renew rivalry
By Judd Hall
I’m sure we’ve all heard people say that you can throw out the record books when certain teams play one another. We’ve got one of those matchups to officially close out college football’s regular season when the Black Knights take on Navy (8-4 straight up, 5-5-1 against the spread) in one of the best rivalries in sport at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
It is easy to say that this hasn’t been much of a battle for a while because of how bad Army (5-6 SU, 3-7 ATS) has played in recent memory. All you need to do is look at the fact that the Cadets are 20-85 between 2000 and 2008 for proof of how bad things have been at West Point.
That losing culture seemingly has been transformed in one season with Rich Ellerson running the show. Ellerson came in with a pedigree of winning at Cal Poly, going 56-34 in eight seasons as head coach with three Great West championships and two trips to the FCS playoffs.
Ellerson’s goal wasn’t so much to make his offense more efficient with the triple-option attack since they were already using it under Stan Brock. They have done extremely well by averaging 212.1 yards per game on the ground to rank 14th in the nation. Yet the Black Knights can’t find the end zone at a decent clip, scoring just 16.5 points per game in 2009. That is still more than the 14.8 PPG they were getting a year ago with Brock at the helm. Of course, an improvement from 117th to 112th nationally is tantamount to moving up two feet in gridlock traffic while an asteroid is hurtling your way.
Army has entrusted its offense to freshman quarterback Trent Steelman with quality results. Steelman has completed 52 percent of his passes for 560 yards and three scores, while picking up 690 yards and five scores on the ground. Patrick Mealy has proven himself back from an injury shortened sophomore campaign with 625 yards and three scores on 97 rushes. This duo accounted for 167 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Black Knights’ 17-13 win over North Texas as one-point road pups on Nov. 21.
Defensively, the Cadets have employed a “bend, but don’t break” attitude. They are giving up 309.9 YPG to their opponents this season to rank 17th in the country. However, Army is tough to score on when you get in the red zone, as evidenced by giving up only 17 touchdowns within its own 20-yard line.
The Black Knights will have their hands full as they have to deal with Navy’s triple-option attack. Ricky Dobbs has full command of this scheme and it shows with 924 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, which tied him for the most scores on the ground for a QB in NCAA history. Not bad for a fellow playing with a cracked kneecap. Vince Murray has shown up as well, picking up 884 yards and six touchdowns this year.
One thing that we’ve seen this year with the Midshipmen is the ability to throw the ball. Dobbs has connected on 52 percent of his pass attempts for 840 yards and four touchdowns. That’s the most passing yardage for the Middies since Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada posted 952 yards through the air in 2007.
If there is one spot that needs work with the kids from Annapolis, it’s their defense. They may rank 44th in the nation, allowing 345.8 YPG in 2009. But the Middies were burnt for 428 yards, 366 of which came through the air in their 24-17 loss to Hawaii as 10-point road favorites on Nov. 28. Something tells me that they won’t have too much of a problem against the Cadets and their 120th ranked passing attack (71.3 YPG) on Saturday afternoon.
There is a lot riding on this game for the Black Knights as a win ensures they’ll be in the EagleBank Bowl against Temple on Dec. 30. A loss for Army means UCLA will get to go bowling in Washington, D.C. Navy, on the other hand, have already accepted an invitation to the Texas Bowl to face off with Missouri on Dec. 30.
The sportsbooks aren’t expecting much out of the Cadets by installing Navy as a heavy 14-point favorite on a neutral field with a total of 41. You’ll be able to back Army for the upset for a great return of plus-600 (risk $100 to win $600).
Some would argue that the Black Knights shouldn’t be such huge underdogs in a game between hated rivals. Bodog’s sportsbook manager Richard Gardner, however, sees the differences between these teams clearly.
“Army has not really beaten anyone of significance this season. Beating VMI and North Texas in the last two weeks is nothing to rave about. Compare that to Navy, who has been victorious over some pretty good teams - even bringing Ohio State to the brink of defeat in Week 1. The talent level definitely favors the Midshipmen and they have added experience in running the triple option since the 2002 season. These two squads have also both played a common opponent this season in Air Force, where Navy beat them by a field goal and Army got beat by four touchdowns. Army has not beaten Navy since 2001 and has been outscored 72-3 in their last two meetings. Right now Bodog.com bettors seem to agree with these facts as the majority are taking Navy at -14.”
Gardner is correct in the fact that the Midshipmen have gone on a 7-0 SU run, covering the spread in six of those meetings with Army. In the last two games, the Cadets have scored a grand total of three points.
Trends are even going against Army as they’re 1-13 SU and 3-11 ATS when posted as a double-digit underdog on two weeks of rest. The Middies have only been double-digit favorites after a week off once, winning as 19-point home faves against Rutgers 36-7 in 1997.
Navy is 6-1 ATS when playing on a neutral site as a “chalk.” Meanwhile, the Black Knights are 2-5 ATS in neutral site matches as pups.
vegasinsider.com
Army (5-6, 3-7 ATS) vs. Navy (8-4, 6-5 ATS)
(at Philadelphia)
Army and Navy get together for the 110th time, with the Midshipmen gunning for a record eighth straight win in this storied rivalry, while the Black Knights attempt to end that drought and secure a bowl berth in the process.
Army has been idle since Nov. 21 when it beat North Texas 17-13 as a one-point underdog, winning despite getting outgained by 160 yards (447-287). Army has followed up a three-game losing skid by winning two in a row (the other a 22-17 non-lined victory over VMI). The Black Knights haven’t had a three-game winning streak since taking four in a row near the end of the 2005 season – a streak that ended with a season-ending loss to Navy.
The Midshipmen had a two-game winning streak snapped on Nov. 28 at Hawaii, losing 24-17 as a hefty 8½-point favorite. Navy has been outgained in four straight contests, going 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS. Prior to this four-game stretch, the Middies had won five in a row (3-2 ATS). The underdog has covered in each of Navy’s last five lined games.
If Army wins today, it will earn its first bowl berth since 1996 and take on Temple in the Eagle Bank Bowl on Dec. 29. Meanwhile, the Middies are already slated to face Missouri in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 31.
Navy not only has won seven straight in this series, but it has done so by a combined score 274-71. The Midshipmen are 6-1 ATS during this run, including cashing four times as a double-digit favorite. Last year, Navy rolled 34-0 at Lincoln Financial Field as a 10½-point favorite, outgaining Army 430-154 (368-102 in rushing). In fact, the Middies have outgained the Black Knights every year during the seven-game winning streak, including four times by 194 yards or more.
The favorite is on a 7-1 ATS roll in this rivalry.
Navy has won 14 consecutive games against service academies Army and Air Force and will capture its seventh consecutive Commander-in-Chief’s trophy with a victory today.
In addition to their pointspread struggles against Navy, the Black Knights are in ATS slumps of 2-7 overall, 2-5 as an underdog, 2-5 at neutral sites (all as a ‘dog), 4-19 after a bye week, 1-6 in December and 0-5 versus winning teams. Navy has failed to cover in three straight as a favorite and six of nine when laying more than 10 points, but the Midshipmen are on positive ATS stretches of 10-4 at neutral sites, 8-2 in December, 6-1 when favored at neutral fields and 48-23-1 against opponents with a losing record.
For Army, the “under” is on runs of 6-2 overall, 7-1 after a bye, 4-0 at neutral sites (all as an underdog) and 7-3 as a pup. Navy carries “under” runs of 3-1 overall, 4-1 after a bye, 4-1 as a favorite of more than 10 points and 7-3 against losing teams. Finally, the last three clashes in this rivalry have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NAVY and UNDER
NCAA Football News and Notes
Favorite is 8-1-1 vs spread in last ten Army-Navy games, with Middies winning last seven, last two by combined score of 72-3. 12 points is as close as Cadets came during 7-game skid. Army needs win in this rivalry game to go bowling; Navy just came back from an upset loss at Hawai'i; their bowl game is already set (vs Missouri in Texas Bowl January 31), so motivation edge goes to Cadets, who are 5-6, with best win against Vanderbilt. Army is 3-5 as a dog this year. Navy is 2-4-1 vs spread as a favorite, but 0-3 in last three chances.
Game Of The Day: Army vs Navy
Nick Parsons
Army vs Navy
Let's admit it. With no midweek action, we are all suffering from college football withdrawal. Thankfully there's one last regular season game left in the annual rivalry game between Army (5-6, 4-7 against the spread) and Navy (8-4, 7-5 ATS) CBS 2:30 p.m. EST.
The Line and Weather
The line for the game opened at 14 and it has seen little or no movement as of Friday.
This marks the sixth time in the last seven years that Navy has been a double digit favorite in this series. The Midshipmen have also covered the spread seven times in the last 10 versus Army.
It should be noted that the last four games Navy has been favored, it has failed to cover the spread.
Army was just 2-7 ATS during its first nine games, but has covered the spread in its last two. The last time the Knights covered against Navy was in 2006 when they lost 26-14 as 19-point underdogs.
The total sits at 41 at most sportsbooks and it has seen little movement. Both teams have a combined 8-15 record on totals this season.
All signs point to the under with Army averaging 16.5 points and going 3-8 on the over/under. The last three Navy games have also gone under, but bettors should keep in mind the Midshipmen have only dealt with a number this low one other time this year. The game went 10 points over the total in a 27-24 loss to Temple.
The 110th meeting between Army and Navy will be played on turf at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. It will be a sunny day but a low of 29 is expected. Winds will be going west (sideline to sideline) at approximately 13 mph.
Naval Blockade
Respect should be given to both academies and the traditions associated with this contest, but as for the actual game, it’s probably been the most boring rivalry in college football. Navy currently holds a seven-game winning streak and none of those games have been competitive.
In the two most recent games, the Army Black Knights failed to score a single touchdown, with the Midshipmen winning 34-0 last year and 38-3 in 2007.
The two programs have been headed in different directions. Navy about to play in its seventh straight bowl game and while Army has a losing season streak that dates back to 1996.
Army Turnaround
Things look a little differently this time around for Army. For the first time in 13 years, the Black Knights have five wins and they will head into this game with momentum from two dramatic fourth-quarter wins against VMI and North Texas.
The comeback win against North Texas was highlighted by a blocked field goal and a 55-yard run on a broken play by freshman QB Trent Steelman. Those two key plays set up the eventual game winning touchdown. An upset win over Navy would also guarantee a spot in the Eagle Bank Bowl.
Triple Option vs. Triple Option
All year long we've heard about spread offenses and how to stop them so football fans may find some relief in the run heavy focus of both teams. Army ranks 14th in rushing yards averaging 212.1 yards per game, while Navy ranks third and is averaging 279.7. It’s no shocker that these teams rank 119th and 120th in passing yards.
If Army is to keep this game close they'll have to stop junior QB Ricky Dobbs from making big plays. Dobbs has 27 total TDs this year and he's rushed for 100 plus yards five times. A key battle will be the Navy's tackles against Army defensive end Josh McNary, who is fourth in the nation in sacks with 12.
Army vs. Navy on their own stage
By Doug Upstone
This will be the 110th renewal of this historic rivalry on Saturday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field. In Philadelphia, the game is neutral in the truest sense, being roughly equidistant from the two academies. Navy is currently working on a seven-game winning streak in the series, the longest ever in the rich history. Overall, the Midshipmen own a 53-49-7 edge all time.
This battle takes on greater emotional significance with countrys involvement in the world and when the two schools march in to take their place in the stadium, it is one of the coolest moments you will ever see before a game starts.
This contest has more than usual riding on it, especially for Army (5-6, 3-7 ATS). First year coach Rick Ellerson was brought in to change the football aspect of the Black Knights, who had won as many as four games once in the last dozen seasons before this year. With an upset win over Navy, Army would secure first bowl bid since 1996 and take on Temple in the EagleBank Bowl.
Besides attempting to end that drought, the pain of not defeating the Midshipmen since 2001 (1-6 ATS) hangs over West Point like an omnipresent cloud. The biggest problem for Army of late has been scoring points, as theyve produced just 10.1 points per game during the losing skid. Ordinarily, you would think rest and preparation would benefit any football squad, however if you are outmanned, it doesnt matter. The Black Knights of the Hudson are unthinkable 3-24 ATS with rest.
For Navy (8-4, 5-5-1 ATS), it is business as usual. They have already locked up Texas Bowl bid against Missouri and for the third consecutive year and fifth in the last six, are double digit favorites vs. their biggest rival. (BetUS.com has the Middies at -14, with total of 40.5).
The Midshipmen have one very distinct advantage in this matchup, they can score. Navy averages 28.3 points per game, behind the nations third best rushing attack, averaging 279.6 yards per game. Navy is off a 24-17 upset loss at Hawaii as nine-point favorites and is 35-13 ATS in road games after one or more consecutive losses against the spread.
Army on the other hand struggles to score points, totaling just 16.5 per game, ranking 116th in total offense at 283.4 yards per game against opponents that allowed 91 more yards a contest. This means Army will need to force turnovers and win the special teams battle to setup better field position, since they are unlikely to put together many long drives, no matter how fired up they are. They are just 4-13 ATS when the total is 42 or less.
Over the years, this contest has lost significance in the public eye for a variety of reasons and the two institutions worked out a deal with CBS to rekindle the spirit and give it its own special date, the second Saturday in December, away from conference championships and BCS chatter.
No matter the outcome, the effort will not be question. If anyone saw the Navy beat Notre Dame or the Army knock off Vanderbilt from the SEC this season, these players go hard for all 60 minutes. To the winners go the spoils and bragging rights that last an entire year. Should Navy win, the Commander in Chief Trophy stays with them yet again.