The tradition behind the annual Army versus Navy game combined with the fact that it is the only matchup this weekend will make it worth tuning in to see for some college football fans. On paper, this year’s clash is one of the most lopsided in a long time and there is every indication that the result will be play out just as it looks. Here is a look at the four biggest storylines heading in to this year’s Army versus Navy game.
The Disparity In Records
The most obvious storyline heading in to this year’s matchup is the massive disparity in the records of these teams heading in to this contest with Army limping in to this contest with just two wins through 11 games this season while Navy is 9-2. Army has now endured their 18th losing season in the last 19 years. The Midshipmen have enjoyed a resurgence under head coach Ken Niumatalolo this season and will look to reach double-digit wins in their final stop before they meet Pittsburgh in this year’s Military Bowl. Also on the line – at least for Navy – is the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy as they’ll complete the sweep of the service academies.
Navy’s Ability To Bounce Back
One point of interest from Navy’s perspective will be the team’s ability to bounce back following just its second loss of the year and first since early October. Navy registered nine double-digit wins this season but they dropped a 52-31 loss at Houston in a game that snapped its five-game win streak. It was the way that they were thoroughly dominated on both sides of the football that is of the most concern. The Midshipmen really struggled to slow down Houston’s offense while also struggling to move the ball themselves. While Army isn’t nearly as difficult an opponent as the Cougars were, Navy’s resilience will be tested. They’ll be a bit disappointed about their bowl game result because they had an opportunity to play in something much bigger than the Military Bowl. Instead, they dropped down and now have little to win – other than the rivalry bragging rights – this weekend.
[related_post_one]
Keenan Reynolds’ Potential To Make History
A big part of Navy’s dominance in this series has been the play of quarterback Keenan Reynolds, who has the potential to make history by becoming the first quarterback to go 4-0 in this rivalry’s history on Saturday. Reynolds has matched the FBS record for career touchdowns with 83 and needs one more to tie Georgia Southern’s Adrian Peterson and Towson’s Terrance West for the all-time division mark. There is a very good chance that he gets that next score this weekend – if not more. Reynolds is also just 65 rushing yards away from taking over third place on the all-time list for quarterbacks with 4,344. Reynolds has run for five touchdowns and thrown for another score in his career against Army and it will be a pretty special day of accomplishments if he performs at a high level and makes history by moving to 4-0 against the Black Knights on Saturday.
Will The Streak Continue?
In addition to the lopsided disparity in terms of their overall records, Navy also has a significant edge in the recent meetings with 13 straight wins versus Army dating back to 2001. The Midshipmen have outscored the Black Knights 417-142 over that run and considering how Army fared this season, they will be in tough to stop the streak in this year’s matchup. Army comes into this matchup having lost four straight and nine of their 11 games this season. Their only two wins have come against Eastern Michigan, who finished the year with just one win in 12 games, and against Bucknell, who is an FCS program. Army has had a really tough time scoring as they’ve averaged just 18.3 points per contest over their last six. However, it is a rivalry game, so don’t assume anything in this spot.
