College Football Week 16 Odds & Picks: Best Early Bets (Navy vs. Army)
There’s only one scheduled college football game this week. But it’s a classic one!
The 22-ranked Army Black Knights will take on the Navy Midshipmen at the Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
At one time, the Army and Navy were both ranked in the AP Top 25. Like most of these games, this one is expected to be competitive.
Some believe Army should’ve been in the College Football Playoff. After all, Army has already gone 11-1, with the lone loss against Notre Dame. That said, Army’s transition into the AAC might’ve given the Black Knights less competition despite the conference championship win over Tulane last week.
Army’s schedule, minus Tulane and Notre Dame, was far from elite. Even a win against Navy this week wouldn’t have moved the needle. Still, Army’s season was has been remarkable. We’ll see if they can add their 12th win of the season against Navy this weekend.
My thoughts and a pick are below.
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College Football Top Early Picks (Navy vs. Army)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Navy Midshipmen vs. Army Black Knights
The Army Black Knights played an extra game last week, knocking off Tulane 35-14, in the American Athletic Conference Championship. The Black Knights forced two turnovers and didn’t commit a single penalty in the win. In addition, Army rushed for 338 yards and completed both of its two passing attempts in the game.
Army is led by Bryson Daily, a senior leader who has 877 yards passing and 1,480 yards on the ground. He’s also accounted for 37 touchdowns, including 29 rushing and eight passing. Still, he’s set to take on a Navy defense that has performed well against the run this season.
While Navy has allowed 161.09 yards per game on the ground, it is generally sound. It has tackled better than Army throughout the season and probably even has a better secondary. It’s just that the secondary won’t have to defend many passes.
However, while Navy is an elite defense, we can’t dismiss some of Army’s best playmakers. Daily and Kanye Udoh combined for 284 rushing yards against Tulane on 45 carries. Those two have broken out for some big gains and could still do that against Navy this week.
Meanwhile, Navy has lost three of its last five games. After starting the season 6-0, the Midshipmen haven’t been the same since a loss to Notre Dame. Navy also fell to Rice and Tulane. Yes, Navy lost to Tulane, 35-0 when Army defeated Tulane, 35-14. That totally makes you wonder.
Army’s run defense has also allowed just 103 yards per game on the ground. They’re more disciplined and don’t allow big plays in the run game. That will be critical.
Therefore, consider Army to finish the regular season with another win. Other than the loss to Notre Dame, they’ve had a dream season.
Pick: Army -5.5 (-110)