College Football Predictions: Will Army upset Navy? 12/9/17
Will the Army Black Knights upset the Navy Midshipmen when the service academies meet on Saturday afternoon? Kickoff for this historical game is set for 3:00 p.m. ET.
The Odds: Army (8-3) vs. Navy (6-5), 3:00 p.m. ET, Philadelphia
According to oddsmakers, the Midshipmen are 3-point favorites to beat the Black Knights. Navy opened as a 3.5-point favorite but the line has since dropped. As for the total, the number hit the board at 54 but is now all the way down to 44.5.
Army enters play with an 8-3 record but is just 5-6 against the spread this season. Navy, meanwhile, is 6-5 straight up and 5-4-2 against the number.
Army Black Knights Injury Report
Defensive lineman Andrew McLean is out for the year with a knee injury, as is defensive back Jalen Sharp. Running back Kell Walker (ankle) is probable but Marcus Hyatt (Defensive back) is out. Mike Johnson (knee), Amaedo West (knee), and Michael Johnson (knee) are also out for the year.
Navy Midshipmen Injury Report
Elijah Merchant is questionable with an undisclosed injury while Taylor Helfin is suspended. Tyris Wooten is also questionable with an undisclosed injury while Jerry Thompson (Arm) is out for the year.
Our Prediction
Army has been a great play in this series. The Black Knights are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games versus the Midshipmen. Subsequently, the underdog has also covered the spread in five of the last six meetings.
The Black Knights are also 6-2 at the betting window in their last eight games played in December. They’re 13-6 against the number in their last 19 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game, too. They’re 4-1 against the spread in their last five games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Army has been the more disciplined team this season, both from a penalty standpoint and with taking care of the ball. The Black Knights also have the better defense, as Navy is prone to giving up big plays.
College Football Prediction: Army Black Knights +3