Let's go Airmen and Sailors. Blue Suits and Cracker Jacks. Active Duty, Reservists, and Veterans alike. It's that time once again. The first leg of the triad of games between, Air Force, Army and Navy in the quest for the Service Academies version of the Holy Grail. The Commander-In-Chief's Trophy.
This is what they play for,
Air Force vs Navy, series record favors the Blue Suits. Air Force leads 33-22.
This years matchup features an Air Force team that is 6-0 and a Navy team that is somewhat on the upswing. Coming in with a .500 record of 3-3. Navy started off the season in miserable shape, with an embarassing performance against Notre Dame. The continuation of their last 3 seasons really. The defense was last years strong suit and in the ensuing games after the opener vs ND, things began to take shape for the middies. They suffered a tough loss to Memphis, boneheaded mistakes cost them there, and South Florida was just too strong in the 4th Qtr and pulled away for a 44-30 win. Victories against North Texas, Charlotte and Wagner have been their highlights this year. Nothing earth shattering but at this juncture, they're in better standing than they were a year ago.
Air Force, rides atop the Mountain West Standings with a 4-0 record in conference, and 6-0 overall. Best start since 2002. Ranked #22 in the coaches poll, Air Force is in the meat of it's schedule. They just beat two of their most peskiest conference opponents in a row in San Diego St, and Wyoming. The latter in thriller fashion. Air Force boasts once again, the nations premier rushing attack, and a nationally ranked defense.
Both teams, will not be at full strength in so far as the starting QB situation is concerned. Navy full time regular, but often rotated out QB, Tai Lavatai, a Sr., was hobbled once again for Navy in the last game vs Charlotte. Coach Newberry opted to bring in Frosh., Braxton Woodson out of Florida. Woodson, looked every bit the jittery unproven youngster coming in a 0-0 game. He did show some flashes, and athletically, in the long run, he has potential. Much more than Lavatai or Blake Horvath are and have been for Navy the last couple of years. I fully expect Woodson to get the nod over Blake Horvath, who hasn't exactly been the most dynamic QB either. Woodson, if he does indeed get the start, will be matched up against a run defense in Air Force that is 5th in the nation at fewest yards allowed on the ground at 77.9 yds p/game allowed. Avg yds per carry given up is a paltry 2.82 yds, which is 7th best in the nation. If Navy is to explore the pass game to open things up, ... Air Force is also top notch there as well. The Falcons rank 6th stingiest in allowing only 163 yds per game, and a 20th best 6.19 yds/att.
I bring up the passing game argument, because with both Navy and Army, the new tinkering around with their offensive schemes in regards to the triple option attack, are both still a work in progress. IMO, .. Navy has had the better go of it, although in my view of the Army games compared to the Navy pass attack version, Army has a more complex passing scheme. It's just that Navy IMO, has capitalized better. Very similar stats, but Navy IMO, has gotten better production in their wins at much needed times via the air when needed. Army, may have more yards via the air but it hasn't transcended into bailing them out when needed. Much of that has to do with Army really not having the personnel to run the desired offense that Coach Monken wishes to have. Same for Navy, but with this guy Woodson, in the long run, he just might be that guy to give them hope there. But for right now, .. he will have his hands full with the stout Air Force defense.
Air Force, had a 'million' returnees from last years very potent squad, except for two very important members. The 3 year starter at QB, Haziq Daniels and FB Brad Roberts. Roberts led the nation in rushing last year with near 1800 yards, and Daniels led AF to a 23-9 record as a starter. In their stead this year, Zac Larrier, was finally inserted into the starting role. The MW 200m champ in track. He was also a state 400m champion as well in High School. A Sr., Larrier had the misfortune of suffering an injury his sophomore year and was used sparingly both his Soph., and Jr. years. As a starter he has really blossomed into a bona fide dual threat QB. Unfortunately for Air Force, he suffered a knee injury going down the turf against Wyoming, and has been sidelined until further notice. That was a true hit for the offense. Subbing in for him in this rivalry game, will be Sr. Jensen Jones. A punishing runner that had an auspicious entry last week against Wyoming, fumbling twice before redeeming himself in the 4th Qtr on the clinching TD drive and end of game superlatives as a QB option. The FB space Roberts vacated via commissioning, has been capably handled superlatively by a trio of guys. The most notable, Sr. Emanuel Michel.
Some fun facts to this game:
Air Force has won 11 consecutive games, tied with Penn State for 4th longest streak in CFB.
Navy looking for their 3rd consecutive victory, first since 2019, when they had Malcolm Perry at QB.
Air Force leads the C-in-C Trophy Tallly with 21, the latest being 2022. Navy trails with 16, and Army at 9.
The Home team is 9-1 in this series in the last 10 games.
Air Force has the hot streak in this series, winning the last 3 and 4 of the last 5.
Air Force, Navy and Penn St., are the only teams to not throw an interception this season.
Air Force's defense as i stated, is ranked 4th best in fewest first downs allowed, 6th in pass yds allowed, 5th in rush yds allowed, 9th in scoring defense and 3rd overall in total defense at 240 yds p/game.
Navy's defense is 2nd nationally in fumbles recovered, 2nd in fewest turnovers lost, and 3rd in turnover margin per game.
Offensively, Air Force leads the nation in these categories, rushing yds per game, pass yds per completion, third down conversions, fewest tackles for loss allowed, passing team efficiency and time of possession.
Navy, is 5th in the nation in rushing.
Game will be held in Annapolis, MD. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Seating capacity of 34,000
Aerial Drone Shot of the stadium. It's really cool.
Air Force opened up as 9.5 pt favorites, but has opened up to 10.5. Over/Under is 34.5 Last years game of 10-7 win by Air Force was far below the O/U of 37.5, so i wouldn't be surprised to see a repeat.
Since Air Force is the visiting team, .. they will break out the legacy uniforms honoring the Doolittle Raiders.
For now, .. a few shout outs to some of the members on here. Not everyone mind you, just some of the more notable ones per their posting history and familiarity. I'll tag all the others throughout the day tomorrow and on game day.
For now, gents of these two Service Academies .. fire away. Bring the smack!!
Go Air Force!!! Sink Navy!!!
This is what they play for,
Air Force vs Navy, series record favors the Blue Suits. Air Force leads 33-22.
This years matchup features an Air Force team that is 6-0 and a Navy team that is somewhat on the upswing. Coming in with a .500 record of 3-3. Navy started off the season in miserable shape, with an embarassing performance against Notre Dame. The continuation of their last 3 seasons really. The defense was last years strong suit and in the ensuing games after the opener vs ND, things began to take shape for the middies. They suffered a tough loss to Memphis, boneheaded mistakes cost them there, and South Florida was just too strong in the 4th Qtr and pulled away for a 44-30 win. Victories against North Texas, Charlotte and Wagner have been their highlights this year. Nothing earth shattering but at this juncture, they're in better standing than they were a year ago.
Air Force, rides atop the Mountain West Standings with a 4-0 record in conference, and 6-0 overall. Best start since 2002. Ranked #22 in the coaches poll, Air Force is in the meat of it's schedule. They just beat two of their most peskiest conference opponents in a row in San Diego St, and Wyoming. The latter in thriller fashion. Air Force boasts once again, the nations premier rushing attack, and a nationally ranked defense.
Both teams, will not be at full strength in so far as the starting QB situation is concerned. Navy full time regular, but often rotated out QB, Tai Lavatai, a Sr., was hobbled once again for Navy in the last game vs Charlotte. Coach Newberry opted to bring in Frosh., Braxton Woodson out of Florida. Woodson, looked every bit the jittery unproven youngster coming in a 0-0 game. He did show some flashes, and athletically, in the long run, he has potential. Much more than Lavatai or Blake Horvath are and have been for Navy the last couple of years. I fully expect Woodson to get the nod over Blake Horvath, who hasn't exactly been the most dynamic QB either. Woodson, if he does indeed get the start, will be matched up against a run defense in Air Force that is 5th in the nation at fewest yards allowed on the ground at 77.9 yds p/game allowed. Avg yds per carry given up is a paltry 2.82 yds, which is 7th best in the nation. If Navy is to explore the pass game to open things up, ... Air Force is also top notch there as well. The Falcons rank 6th stingiest in allowing only 163 yds per game, and a 20th best 6.19 yds/att.
I bring up the passing game argument, because with both Navy and Army, the new tinkering around with their offensive schemes in regards to the triple option attack, are both still a work in progress. IMO, .. Navy has had the better go of it, although in my view of the Army games compared to the Navy pass attack version, Army has a more complex passing scheme. It's just that Navy IMO, has capitalized better. Very similar stats, but Navy IMO, has gotten better production in their wins at much needed times via the air when needed. Army, may have more yards via the air but it hasn't transcended into bailing them out when needed. Much of that has to do with Army really not having the personnel to run the desired offense that Coach Monken wishes to have. Same for Navy, but with this guy Woodson, in the long run, he just might be that guy to give them hope there. But for right now, .. he will have his hands full with the stout Air Force defense.
Air Force, had a 'million' returnees from last years very potent squad, except for two very important members. The 3 year starter at QB, Haziq Daniels and FB Brad Roberts. Roberts led the nation in rushing last year with near 1800 yards, and Daniels led AF to a 23-9 record as a starter. In their stead this year, Zac Larrier, was finally inserted into the starting role. The MW 200m champ in track. He was also a state 400m champion as well in High School. A Sr., Larrier had the misfortune of suffering an injury his sophomore year and was used sparingly both his Soph., and Jr. years. As a starter he has really blossomed into a bona fide dual threat QB. Unfortunately for Air Force, he suffered a knee injury going down the turf against Wyoming, and has been sidelined until further notice. That was a true hit for the offense. Subbing in for him in this rivalry game, will be Sr. Jensen Jones. A punishing runner that had an auspicious entry last week against Wyoming, fumbling twice before redeeming himself in the 4th Qtr on the clinching TD drive and end of game superlatives as a QB option. The FB space Roberts vacated via commissioning, has been capably handled superlatively by a trio of guys. The most notable, Sr. Emanuel Michel.
Some fun facts to this game:
Air Force has won 11 consecutive games, tied with Penn State for 4th longest streak in CFB.
Navy looking for their 3rd consecutive victory, first since 2019, when they had Malcolm Perry at QB.
Air Force leads the C-in-C Trophy Tallly with 21, the latest being 2022. Navy trails with 16, and Army at 9.
The Home team is 9-1 in this series in the last 10 games.
Air Force has the hot streak in this series, winning the last 3 and 4 of the last 5.
Air Force, Navy and Penn St., are the only teams to not throw an interception this season.
Air Force's defense as i stated, is ranked 4th best in fewest first downs allowed, 6th in pass yds allowed, 5th in rush yds allowed, 9th in scoring defense and 3rd overall in total defense at 240 yds p/game.
Navy's defense is 2nd nationally in fumbles recovered, 2nd in fewest turnovers lost, and 3rd in turnover margin per game.
Offensively, Air Force leads the nation in these categories, rushing yds per game, pass yds per completion, third down conversions, fewest tackles for loss allowed, passing team efficiency and time of possession.
Navy, is 5th in the nation in rushing.
Game will be held in Annapolis, MD. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Seating capacity of 34,000
Aerial Drone Shot of the stadium. It's really cool.
Air Force opened up as 9.5 pt favorites, but has opened up to 10.5. Over/Under is 34.5 Last years game of 10-7 win by Air Force was far below the O/U of 37.5, so i wouldn't be surprised to see a repeat.
Since Air Force is the visiting team, .. they will break out the legacy uniforms honoring the Doolittle Raiders.
For now, .. a few shout outs to some of the members on here. Not everyone mind you, just some of the more notable ones per their posting history and familiarity. I'll tag all the others throughout the day tomorrow and on game day.
For now, gents of these two Service Academies .. fire away. Bring the smack!!
Go Air Force!!! Sink Navy!!!
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