College Football Betting Odds and Preview: Army vs. Navy

  • In Ross Benjamin
  • Wed, Dec 5th, 2018 1:18:05 pm
  • By Ross Benjamin


Ross Benjamin provides a preview, with odds and betting advice, for Saturday’s college football rivalry game between Army and Navy.

Army/Navy Preview

One of college football’s classic rivalry games will take place on Saturday when the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen collide for a 119th time. The opening kickoff from Century Link Field in Philadelphia is slated for 3:00 PM ET. The current (12/4) college football betting odds at BetOnline are indicating that Army is a 7.0-point favorite and there’s a posted total of 40.0.

Recent Series History
Army has won the last two games in this series by scores of 21-17 and 14-13. On both occasions the Black Knights were underdogs. As a matter of fact, Saturday will be the first time since 2001 that Army will be a favorite against Navy. Prior to Army’s current 2-game win streak in this annual showcase, Navy had beaten the Black Knights 14 straight times. Furthermore, these teams have seen the last 12 games they played against one another go under the total.

Extended Weather Forecast
At this present time, the weather forecast for Philadelphia on Saturday is calling for plenty of sunshine with temperatures hovering between the mid to high 30’s. The winds are predicted to be anywhere from 6 to 9 miles per hour. Considering the time of year, these weather conditions are mild for any northeastern city.

Prolific Rushing Attacks
These are two of the better rushing attacks in the country on an annual basis, and this season is no different. Army is averaging a robust 303.0 yards per game on the ground, and that good for #2 nationally in that category. Navy is right behind Army at #3 nationally while averaging 289.1 rushing yards per game. Both teams run a triple option offense, and neither is a legitimate threat in the passing game. Although, Army is averaging a lofty 10.5 yards per passing attempt while throwing the ball just 8 times a contest.

Defenses
Army’s defense has a decided advantage over Navy’s stop unit. The Black Knights are surrendering only 18.7 points and 301.3 yards per game in 2018. Conversely, Navy is allowing 34.9 points and 438.3 yards per contest.

Strength of Schedule
Nay has unequivocally faced a tougher schedule this season than Army has. After all, Navy plays in the American Athletic Conference, and they also faced #3 Notre Dame as well.

Army’s only 2 losses came on the road. They lost their season opener 34-14 at Duke. The Black Knights did almost pull of a shocking upset as a 28.5-point underdog at #4 Oklahoma before falling 28-21 in overtime. The most notable of Army’s 9 wins was a 42-13 rout of Buffalo (10-3). Even more telling regarding the Black Knights 2018 slate was their last 2 wins which came over FCS opponents Lafayette and Colgate.

These teams faced just one common opponent this season. Navy lost their season opener 59-41 at Hawaii. Just 2 weeks later, Army defeat Hawaii 28-21 in a game played at Michie Stadium.

Get reduced betting odds on Army/Navy at Elite-Rated 5Dimes.eu

Time of Possession
Army was indisputably the most dominant team in the country this season as it pertains to time of possession. The Black Knights enter this week having averaged possessing the ball an astounding 39:15 per game.

Navy has also very good in time of possession, but it’s still pale in comparison to Army's. The Midshipmen averaged holding onto to the football 34:01 per game. Whichever team has the advantage in this statistical category on Saturday will go a long way in determining the winner.

Turnovers
A key to coming out on top in any football game is winning the turnover battle. Army has been flawless in protecting the football while only committing a mere 7 turnovers through its first 11 games. Nonetheless, the Black Knights have only forced 12 turnovers.

Navy has turned the ball over 13 times in their 11 games, which isn’t nearly as good as Army, but is still a very respectable number. Moreover, they were very good at taking the ball away. Navy has forced the opposition to turn it over 21 times.

Final Analysis
The adage that’s been associated most to this rivalry is "you can throw the records out the window". Some may perceive that to be an overused cliché in this modern era and especially when it applies to college football betting. However, when it relates to this rivalry, the ideology correlating with those words can’t be ignored.

Ross Benjamin Free Pick

Ross Benjamin is a top sports analyst and one of the sports industry's most respected handicappers. Follow him on Twitter: @RossBenjamin1 or visit his website at RBWins.com


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