Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo and the Midshipmen have dominated the rivalry with Army of late.
As Army and Navy brace for the 123rd edition of their storied rivalry Saturday in Philadelphia, the teams appear as evenly matched as ever.
The Black Knights (5-6) and Midshipmen (4-7) can make their seasons with a win at Lincoln Financial Field.
Navy leads the all-time series between the service academies 62-53-7. It has won 18 of the last 23 games between the teams and two of the last three.
Perhaps that's why oddsmakers have them as slight favorites this time.
FrontPageBets looks at this game steeped in history.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings and subject to change.)
Army outlook
The Black Knights' triple-option offense has piled up 304.4 rushing yards per game to go with 81.1 passing. Quarterback Tyhier Tyler is the leading runner with 610 yards and 12 touchdowns. RBs Tyson Riley and Jakobi Buchanan are also dangerous.
Its defense has been fairly stout, yielding just 23 points per game. But it gives up nearly 200 yards rushing a contest.
Army is 6-5 against the spread.
Navy outlook
The Middies too run the triple option. Fullback Daba Fofana is the top ground gainer with 749 yards and six TDs. Starting QB Tai Lavatai has been lost to injury, limiting the passing attack. They threw just once in a win over UCF.
The Navy defense gives up 356 yards per game, but only 85.6 rushing.
Navy is 7-4 ATS.
Army vs. Navy
- When: Saturday, 3 p.m., CBS
- Spread: Navy -1.5 (-115); Army +1.5 (-105)
- Money line: Navy -120; Army +100
- O/U: 32.5 (-110)
- The pick: Army, 17-14
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