ARMY BLACK KNIGHTS

First eight games of Army’s season were less than stellar. It’s one thing when losing to teams like UL Monroe and UMass was inexcusable but starting 2-6 overall was definitely a bad sign for Army. However, they made a massive turnaround after steamrolling formerly undefeated and ranked Air Force in neutral site. That led to three straight wins in November with only Navy to play. In the past four seasons, Army didn’t have an answer at quarterback for the triple option and played with four during that span. 2023 was a wholly new quarterback room, but Bryson Daily was the immediate answer despite the awful start. After running between him and Champ Harris, Daily was the guy. He’s thrown for six touchdowns and leads the team with seven rushing touchdowns. Army’s in line for the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy and bowl eligibility with a win.

NAVY MIDSHIPMEN

The Midshipmen showed potential after facing Notre Dame in Ireland. Unfortunately, turnovers reared its ugly head and that was the story of their season. When they play turnover free, they have leverage. It didn’t start off well in the first four weeks and don’t have a legit starting quarterback. Of all Navy quarterbacks, Tai Lavatai and Xavier Arline are the most reliable when healthy. However, Tai Lavatai’s THE starter when he’s healthy while Xavier Arline’s a serviceable backup. Blake Horvath has starting experience after last season and Braxton Woodson gained reps as a freshman. Navy’s also capable of passing between the four, and the players they target are running backs Eli Heidenreich (326, 4 TDs) and Brandon Chatman (230 yards). Other backs Alex Tecza leads all backs by more than a mile while Fofana, Eli, and Arline, lead up the rear. It’s difficult to say if Navy can become bowl-eligible, but that’ll be up to the committee on what happens if they can prevent Army from bowl-eligibility and the CIC trophy.

THE MATCHUP

In the REAL America’s Game, the weather should be fine in Foxborough. Why is that important? Turnovers will play a major part in who wins the game so consider that a possibility for those wanting to bet. Last year, it was a low-scoring chess match that led to overtime. It was a turnover-free game until Navy fumbled within the 3-yard line in second overtime, which led to Army’s victory to finish 6-6. In the last seven meetings, Army won five of them and has the advantage on defense and a viable quarterback who played throughout the majority of the season. Navy has a strong advantage in turnover margin (13) compared to Army (-5) and has slightly more depth on offense. Both defenses likely matchup well, but the slight edge goes to Navy with linebacker Will Harbour being the catalyst of the group. Army will have everything put on their quarterback to carry the team, but it feels like that turnovers will ultimately cost them the trophy and bowl-eligibility.

MY PICK: NAVY

CONFERENCE TITLE RESULTS: 5-5

TOTAL RESULTS: 78-45

The Group of Five picks didn’t work in my favor (1-4), but the Power 5 picks were pretty simple (4-1). What a regular season of football!