Army Black Knights (5-6) vs. Navy Midshipmen (5-6)
The Army Black Knights (5-6) take on the Navy Midshipmen (5-6) this Saturday in one of college football’s most storied rivalries. With both teams sitting at .500 coming into the game, there is plenty at stake besides bragging rights. The winner will gain bowl eligibility and keep their season alive. The loser sees their year come to an end. Let’s break down the matchup and predict who comes out on top when these two arch-rivals meet on the gridiron. Fans and bettors are keenly looking for NCAAF picks today to navigate this evenly poised matchup.
Army’s triple-option attack will look to exploit a Navy defense allowing 173 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Bryson Daily leads the offense, accumulating 817 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground this season while adding 859 yards and 6 scores through the air. His decision making and ball security will be vital against a Midshipmen defense prone to forcing turnovers. On the outside, wideout Isaiah Alston is a dangerous deep threat, averaging nearly 30 yards per catch. If Army can control possession and limit mistakes, they have the firepower to put points on the board.
For Navy, quarterback Tai Lavatai offers production both on the ground and through the air, amassing 522 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and a 53.3% completion percentage along with his talents rushing the football. Running back Alex Tecza will take on the bulk of the carries and look to build on a campaign that has seen him gain 724 yards at over 6 yards per attempt. The Midshipmen have struggled defensively, but have shown flashes of strong play at times this season. Generating stops early and controlling the Army rushing attack will be critical in keeping the game close.
Army Black Knights vs. Navy Midshipmen Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 3:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Gillette Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Bryson Daily QB vs. Tai Lavatai QB
Army quarterback Bryson Daily operates the Black Knights’ triple-option offense proficiently, posing a major threat on the ground with his 817 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. While not asked to throw often, Daily displays adequacy as a passer, compiling 859 yards through the air. His decision making and mistake-free play will prove pivotal if Army is to control possession and tempo. A couple timely completions to big-play receiver Isaiah Alston could be difference-makers. Daily’s clutch gene has shone through in late game situations this season.
Navy signal caller Tai Lavatai puts up quality production both rushing and passing the ball. On the ground, his elusiveness and speed allow him to pick up chunks of yards quickly. As a passer, Lavatai shows poise within the pocket and the ability stretch the field when given time. Completing over 50% of his throws, the junior has showcased development in his mechanics from last season. While the Navy offense flows through it’s rushing attack, Lavatai’s dual-threat abilities could exploit a vulnerable Army defense. If he protects the football, Navy will have opportunities to strike offensively.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Army Black Knights -140, Total Odds: 32.5
The current betting odds favor the Army Black Knights, reflecting their slightly more consistent performance this season. The over/under at 32.5 points suggests a low-scoring affair, which is typical in games where both teams have strong defensive records.
Army Black Knights Betting Trends
Army has an against the spread edge historically when facing Navy, going 8-4 ATS over the last 12 meetings between the two rivals. Additionally, the under has been a very reliable bet for most recent Army-Navy showdowns, hitting in 16 of the last 17 matchups. With December games, the Black Knights tend to excel as well, evidenced by their 10-4 straight up record in the final month of the regular season over the past 14 contests played.
Navy Midshipmen Betting Trends
As underdogs against Independent members, Navy has struggled mightily, managing just 2 wins compared to 12 losses straight up over their last 14 attempts. The month of December has also posed challenges for the Midshipmen, going under the posted total in 6 of their last 7 with just a lone over. When catching points from the books, Navy’s record is equally discouraging, having dropped 8 of their last 10 games straight up as the underdog.
Army Black Knights vs. Navy Midshipmen 12/9/23 Betting Picks
In final analysis, this game promises to be a tightly contested battle with defense likely playing a pivotal role. The Army’s dual-threat quarterback and strong December performance history slightly tilt the scales in their favor. However, Navy’s staunch defense cannot be underestimated, especially given their history in this matchup.
In terms of betting, while Army appears to be the safer pick due to their overall performance and the trends in December games, the low over/under suggests that a defensive, ground-and-pound game is expected. For those looking at top online casino options, exploring prop bets on rushing yards or individual player performance might provide value, given the expected game style.
Free Pick and Prediction: Army Black Knights 17, Navy Midshipmen 14
