Navy vs Army betting - the greatest rivalry of them all
Posted on 12/1/2008 3:27:19 PM
By Blake Frazier
Navy vs Army odds: Can Army sink the Navy ship?
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WHO: Navy Midshipmen vs. Army Black Knights
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WHAT: NCAA football betting
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WHEN: Saturday, December 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET
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WHERE: Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA
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KEY STATS: Navy leads all-time series 52-49-7
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PICK: Navy
Navy vs Army betting is one of those events that reaches beyond the world of sports and into the households of all who appreciate what our armed forces do for us on a daily basis. Regardless of Navy vs Army odds, the battle for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy is annually one of the most watched sporting events in the world, as bettors and viewers turn out to honor the troops, and the time-tested rivalry that exists between the Midshipmen and the Black Knights.
This year, the Navy vs Army line favors the “visiting” Midshipmen by 11 points, as the game is played at a neutral location. However, the bigger reason is that Army has struggled mightily to put points on the board this season, even against a largely hand-picked schedule of opponents. The Black Knights rank 110th in total yardage and 117th in points scored in the NCAA.
The Navy vs Army spread also may not be kind to Army this year because it has scored just one touchdown on defense and special teams combined. Unfortunately, it will be up against the best rushing offense in the NCAA, the Navy Midshipmen. Led by running back and darkhorse Heisman candidate Shun White, Navy has run the ball into the end zone an incredible 29 times this season.
Navy vs Army betting fans can expect all-out ground warfare in this game, which ironically favors the Navy. However, Army is no slouch in the run game either, ranking ninth in the nation in rushing yards. The Black Knights have scored 20 touchdowns this season, however only three of them have come through the air—and only one of those was thrown by Sunday’s probable starting quarterback, Carson Williams.
Navy has won the past five meetings and has been favored on Navy vs Army odds every year except 2002. Bettors should note that while the Black Knights fill their schedule with games against Division I-AA teams such as New Hampshire—a game which they lost this season—Navy battles against reputable squads such as Notre Dame and Wake Forest.
BLAKE’S PICK: Usually, in these final weeks of the NCAA season, handicappers have teams’ objectives in mind—bowl eligibility, conference positioning and so forth. However, neither of these teams have ulterior motives. Army will not be going to a bowl game this year, while Navy has already accepted a bid for the EagleBank Bowl on December 20 against an opponent from the ACC.
Simply put, this game is about pride and tradition and will come down to pure skill—which gives Navy the distinct advantage. When making your
Navy vs Army pick,
bet on the Midshipmen.
For more Navy vs Army odds and other bowl analysis, check out The Betting Edge, where expert Blake Frazier will be handicapping every contest.
Blake
walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant
coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports
handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who
has played would understand. Thoughts or questions? Email
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