College Football Preview: Air Force Falcons at Army Black Knights
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the schedules of Army and Air Force during the 2020 college football season including already postponing this game once back on Nov. 7. Luckily, we will finally get a chance to see these two military academies face off to close out their respected regular seasons.
Air Force comes in 3-2 (2-2 MWC) with a victory over Navy to open the season then losses to San Jose State and Boise State before dominating New Mexico and Utah State to win their last two. Sandwiched in between these games have been two cancellations and one postponement.
Army has had more luck completing their schedule with only two postponements this season and only one cancellation when their September matchup against BYU was scrapped. The Black Knights come into Saturday with a record of 8-2 and have already accepted an invitation to the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Dec. 26. Their two defeats have come at the hands of Cincinnati and Tulane and their notable victories were when they beat Georgia Southern and shutout both Middle Tennessee and Navy.
Air Force (3-2) vs. Army (8-2)
Game Time: 2 p.m. – December 19
TV: CBS Sports Network
Spread: Air Force -2.5
Air Force Falcons Overview
Offense
During the 2020 season, the Falcons have used their 336-yard per game rushing attack to help score 27.8 points per contest. They also average just under 100 yards through the air per game. The dual-threat quarterback leading the charge is sophomore Haaziq Daniels, who has thrown for 326 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 236 yards and three more scores.
Air Force QB Haaziq Daniels
Sophomore running back Brad Roberts leads the team with 53 carries for 378 yards and five touchdowns. Sophomore tight end Kyle Patterson is Air Force’s leading receiver with nine catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. Another offensive player to watch is junior wide receiver Brandon Lewis who has 180 rushing yards, 68 receiving yards, and a touchdown.
Defense
Air Force gives up just 16 points a game while allowing 200.2 yards through the air and 105.8 yards on the ground per contest. The Falcons leading tackler is senior cornerback Elisha Palm who has 30 total tackles and one interception. On the defensive line, George Silvanic is the playmaker as he has 23 total tackles including four for a loss and 2.5 sacks. The linebackers are led by senior Patrick Noren who has 18 total tackles and one fumble recovery.
Army Black Knights
Offense
The Black Knights also have a great running game as they average 280 yards on the ground per game and score 29 points per contest. They average less than 50 passing yards per contest. Army’s rushing attack is led by sophomore quarterback Tyhier Tyler who leads the team with 440 yards on 99 carries and two touchdowns.
Sophomore running back Jakobi Buchanan has chipped in with 388 yards on 90 attempts and five touchdowns. Senior running back Sandon McCoy leads the Black Knights with 10 rushing touchdowns while adding 236 rushing yards on 73 carries. Another player to watch is freshman athlete Tyrell Robinson who has 392 rushing yards on 55 carries and 117 receiving yards and two total touchdowns.
Defense
Army allows 14.7 points while giving up 117.9 rushing yards and 154.20 yards through the air per matchup. The team’s leading tackler is senior Jon Rhattigan, who has 71 total tackles including nine for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and two interceptions including one pick six. Junior linebacker Arik Smith is second on the team with 66 total tackles including nine for a loss and 3.5 sacks. Sophomore defensive back Marquel Broughton patrols the secondary looking to make plays as he has 58 total tackles including 2.5 for a loss, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble.
Analysis
Army is looking to defeat another rival at home after shutting out Navy 15-0 last week and have the talent to do it despite being the underdog and ride the momentum to their bowl game next week.
Air Force is looking to end their 2020 season on a high note with this essentially being their “bowl game.” The Falcons will come out with intensity and energy but it won’t be enough as they fall in a close one.
Final Score Prediction
Army 21, Air Force 17
Photo credit: USA Today; Army QB Tyhier Tyler
Photo credit: Colorado Springs Gazette; Air Force QB Haaziq Daniels