NCAAF : Injuries Could Sink Midshipmen in Army-Navy Game

The No. 25 Navy Midshipmen (9-3 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) have made a tradition of beating the Army Black Knights (6-5 SU and ATS) in the annual Army-Navy Game. The Black Knights haven't won this rivalry since 2001, and they're 6-point underdogs at press time for Saturday's matchup, kicking off from Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium at 3 PM ET on CBS.

While Army have failed to win these games straight-up, they've done just fine against the spread, covering four of the last five contests – including both games since Jeff Monken took over as head coach. And Navy are in trouble after quarterback Will Worth hurt his ankle in last week's 34-10 loss to Temple (+3 away) for the AAC title. Worth is out for the remainder of the season, along with injured running backs Toneo Gulley and Darryl Bonner.


As a result, most of the early action for Saturday's game has landed on Army's side. The Midshipmen opened as 8.5-point favorites on Monday before slipping to –6. Running is what Navy are all about; both these military programs use a version of the triple-option offense, and Worth was good for 25 rushing touchdowns this year, tops in the FBS.

NCAAF Odds: Army, Navy Running for Cover

Two of the nation's top rushing teams will meet this Saturday (3 PM ET, CBS) in the annual Army-Navy Game. But the No. 25-ranked Midshipmen (9-3 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) have slipped from – 8.5 at the open to –6 at press time, following the loss of quarterback Will Worth to an ankle injury.

Navy have won this game every year since 2002 inclusive, but the Black Knights (6-5 SU and ATS) have covered four of the last five games, and they could finally snap this losing streak now that Worth is out for the remainder of the season.