Navy (7-4) vs. Army (3-8) in Philadelphia
Time/TV: 3 p.m. ET/CBS. Surface: Grass.
Line: Navy by 12½. Sagarin difference: Navy by 18.51.
Synopsis: The cliché that you can throw out the records when rivalries are involved does apply here, but it only goes so far. While the Midshipmen have enjoyed more sustained success over the last decade than their counterparts from West Point, the Black Knights have made this match-up competitive recently.
Unfortunately for Army followers, close hasn't translated into a win in the last 11 encounters with Navy, the longest streak for either academy in the series that dates back to the 19th century. The Mids have postseason plans in Fort Worth in a couple of weeks, while this is in effect Army's bowl game. But Navy will be no less motivated, desiring to win the Commander-in-Chief's trophy outright.
There will be no element of unfamiliarity for the two offenses that run their variation of the option, with the defenses more than accustomed to working against such a look. Army's game plan will likely be geared toward making Mids' QB Keenan Reynolds give up the ball. The keeper has been his weapon of choice, however, as he's rushed for 26 TDs, including a record seven in one game in a victory at San Jose State. Reynolds also has eight scoring passes to seven different receivers, so he might find openings against an Army secondary that will have to be concerned with supporting against the run. When Reynolds hands off, it's usually to FB Chris Swain, though first-string FB Noah Copeland (leg) is expected to start. Army's top producer is RB Terry Baggett, but it would help if QB Angel Santiago is also making plays downfield to WR Xavier Moss. Defenders to watch include Black Knights' LB Thomas Holloway and Midshipmen S and all-name team candidate Wave Ryder.
Line furnished by Glantz-Culver.
Jeff Sagarin's power ratings show the relative strength of teams.
ARMY/NAVY UNIFORMS FOR 2013
