College Football
Army Beats Navy 17-10
The Army-Navy game ended in similar fashion to the previous four games played in being decided by seven points or less. The Black Knights QB, Kelvin Hopkins Jr., had 125 yards of total offense and two rushing touchdowns that helped Army beat Navy 17-10. Navy had four costly turnovers that ultimately sabotaged their efforts in the rivalry game.
Defense
I originally predicted 31-21 in favor of Army. However, the defenses for both teams showed up in this matchup. Army snagged four turnovers that ultimately helped put the game away. If Army doesn’t get those turnovers, I am not so sure the Black Knights get the win.
Credit to both defenses for keeping the triple-option offense in check most of the game. Army’s defense only allowed 208 yards of total offense. Navy only allowed 283 yards of total offense.
What is Next for Navy?
The season comes to an end for Navy. Navy finishes with a 3-10 record and hopes to rebound in 2019. The Midshipmen had four games in 2018 in which they lost by seven points or less, so it’s not like they were outclassed in every game. Obviously, Navy’s season didn’t end as they’d hoped. However, I don’t see a major reason for concern yet for Navy’s football program. The real question is: if Navy suffers another losing season, do they take a look at hiring a new head coach?
What is Next for Army?
Army is on the other side of the coin for once. The Black Knights have started their own notable streak against Navy and will begin prepping for the Armed Forces Bowl showdown against Houston slated for December 22nd. This will be a fun matchup to watch. Army has a chance to earn their 11th win against a respectable mid-major. This is the most success Army has seen in a good while so I suspect Head Coach Jeff Monken could be subject to some phone calls from struggling programs looking for a coach in the offseason.
Photo credit to West Point via Flickr.
