The Army Black Knights are enjoying a renaissance they hope will continue for many years to come. In so many ways and on so many levels, the Black Knights are doing things they only dreamed of, but seemed very far away from achieving, four years ago. Now, they are living that dream and enjoying the most prosperous period for the program in over 20 years. Can Army keep the freight train rolling? Will this team be able to go over its regular season win total of 7.5 in 2018?
Army 2018 regular season win total
Over 7.5
Under 7.5
Odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook.
What Happened Last Year
The Black Knights did four different things last year which represented monumental achievements for the program. First, Army beat Navy for a second straight season. Beating Navy back-to-back after losing 14 straight to the Midshipmen represents an enormous source of joy in West Point.
The second big thing Army did last year was to win its bowl game. Army defeated San Diego State, a team which at one point in the 2017 season was in competition for a New Year’s Six bowl bid. Army won the game despite a persistent and intentional refusal to throw any long downfield passes. San Diego State knew Army would run the ball and still couldn’t stop the Black Knights, which is why Army has gained so much confidence in how it plays. The run-only plan is itself a message from coach Jeff Monken.
The third thing Army did was to win 10 games in a season. That had not been done in two decades. The fourth thing was to win the prestigious Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for the first time since 1996. After 20 years of Navy and Air Force dominating that competition, Army finally overpowered both teams. That was the signature achievement of the season.
What Will Change This Year
The defense will face changes with the departure of linebacker Alex Aukerman and defensive end John Voit. Amadeo West suffered an injury which will likely keep him off the field for at least a part of the season, so the Black Knights will have to make adjustments there.
The offense will have a new quarterback, since Ahmad Bradshaw decided not to play this season. Bradshaw led Army to its best seasons in years, and to the big wins over Navy and in bowl games. Kell Walker and Kelvin Hopkins will be among the players trying to fill Bradshaw’s shoes.
Outlook & Prediction
The four really tough opponents for Army are Duke, Oklahoma, Air Force, and Navy. It is likely that Army will lose four games this season, but that still puts the Black Knights over the number. They have to lose five games to go under the number. Army has developed so much momentum as a program, and has scheduled so well in terms of not having too many tough games, that the Black Knights deserve the benefit of the doubt this year. They have a new quarterback, but so much else about their roster is stable and talented. This project can still work. Take the over.
