❚ Army-Navy preview, bowl lineup,
No. 21 Navy (9-2) vs. Army (5-7)
in Philadelphia
Dec. 14, 3 p.m. ET, CBS All-time series: Navy leads 60-52-7
Danny Sheridan’s line: Navy by 10
This historic rivalry was dominated by Navy for the first decade and a half of the 21st century. The pendulum began to swing back toward the Black Knights, who finally snapped the Midshipmen’s 14-year run in 2016 and have now won three in a row. A fourth consecutive victory for Army would keep the Commander in Chief’s Trophy at West Point since their shared series with Air Force would be split, but Navy will be hoping to cap its turnaround season with a sweep of its academy rivals.
Army was riding high entering the 2019 campaign after finishing last season with 10 wins and a top-25 ranking.
But the Black Knights endured a five-game losing streak in the middle of the season thanks to a spate of injuries and a lot of youth on defense.
Senior QB Kelvin Hopkins has been in and out of the Army lineup with a leg injury, and backup Jabari Laws has been banged up as well. Both are likely to see action following their much-needed off week. Their primary weapons taking handoffs will be fullback Connor Slomka and slotback Sandon McCoy.
Navy has retooled following a rare losing season, especially on the defensive side where LBs Jacob Springer and Diego Fagot have emerged as top playmakers in opposing backfields. QB Malcolm Perry, handed the reins of the offense full time, has responded with a team-high 1,500 rushing yards with another 1,027 through the air. Fullback Nelson Smith does the heavy lifting with Jamale Carothers providing the speed threat on the edge. Veteran leaders on the Army defense include LB Cole Christiansen and CB Elijah Riley.
Prediction: This is always one of those contests in which the old cliché about throwing out the records applies.
There won’t be any secrets, of course, as both teams are accustomed to defending the option, but the Mids are healthier and have been executing better for much of the year. Look for them to sing second this time.
Navy, 24-17