Army Black Knights vs Navy Midshipmen Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

No. 22 Army and Navy Set to Clash for Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy

The 125th meeting between the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen on Saturday in Landover, Maryland, carries extra weight. For the first time in seven years, the winner will secure not only bragging rights but also the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, awarded annually to the service academy with the best inter-service record.

A High-Stakes Matchup

Both teams have already defeated Air Force this season, setting the stage for a winner-take-all showdown. The Midshipmen (8-3) started their campaign for the trophy with a resounding 34-7 victory over the Falcons on Oct. 5. The Black Knights (11-1) followed with a 20-3 win over Air Force on Nov. 2, even without star quarterback Bryson Daily.

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Army enters the game with momentum, having won its first American Athletic Conference title last week by defeating Tulane 35-14. The Black Knights’ 11 wins this season match a program record, and they’ll head to the Independence Bowl to face Marshall on Dec. 28. Yet, the significance of Saturday’s game looms large.

“No matter what kind of a season we’ve had, losing this game makes the season a bit of a disappointment,” Army coach Jeff Monken said.

Army’s Dominant Ground Game and Stifling Defense

The Black Knights’ success has been fueled by the nation’s top rushing attack, averaging 314.4 yards per game. Leading the charge is quarterback Bryson Daily, who has rushed for 1,480 yards and tied Boise State’s Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty for the most rushing touchdowns in the nation with 29.

Army’s defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 15.0 points per game, the seventh-best mark in the country. Linebacker Andon Thomas leads the team with 83 tackles, while Kalib Fortner has 8.5 tackles for loss to anchor the unit.

Navy’s Modernized Offense

The Midshipmen, under first-year offensive coordinator Drew Cronic, have revitalized their offense with a modern twist on the triple option. This updated scheme includes more passing plays and spread-out formations, boosting Navy’s scoring output to 32.3 points per game, up from 17.7 last season.

Quarterback Blake Horvath has been a dual-threat weapon, rushing for 895 yards and 13 touchdowns while throwing for 1,154 yards and 11 scores. After missing Navy’s final regular-season game with a back injury, Horvath is ready for his first Army-Navy start.

“Don’t press,” Horvath said. “Don’t make this game bigger than it is. It is a big game, but don’t psych yourself out.”

What’s at Stake for Both Teams

For Army, a win would secure consecutive Commander-in-Chief’s trophies and cap off an already historic season. For Navy, a victory would snap a two-game losing streak to their rivals and bring the trophy back to Annapolis for the first time since 2019.

“It would just bring a whole new level of pride to a style of football that we’ve looked to get back to this season,” Horvath said.

Regardless of the outcome, Navy will finish with its first winning record since 2019 and will face Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 27.

What to Watch For

Army’s Ground Attack: Can Navy’s defense find a way to slow down Bryson Daily and the Black Knights’ relentless rushing game?
Navy’s Balanced Offense: Will the Midshipmen’s modernized triple option and passing game keep Army’s defense on its heels?
Turnovers and Big Plays: In a game known for its tight margins, a key turnover or explosive play could be the difference.

The Army-Navy game is always one of college football’s most anticipated matchups, and this year’s edition promises to live up to its historic billing with hardware, pride, and tradition on the line.