1. Turnovers » To win this game, underdog Army will have to force turnovers. But that won’t be easy against a Navy team that has committed the second fewest (10) in the FBS. The Midshipmen are also the nation’s least penalized team. The best way to create turnovers is to force the opposition into passing situations. The defense that does this most consistently will have the advantage.

2. Quick start » The emotional component is huge in any Army-Navy game. But teams that fall behind early have often become deflated. With a bowl bid at stake, a seven-game series losing streak to atone for, and a new coach who has brought fresh optimism, Army has every reason to have a mental edge over a Navy team that has already clinched a bowl berth. But if Navy starts fast, will Army think, “Here we go again.”  

3. Dobbs » The best player on the field will be Navy QB Ricky Dobbs. The junior has rushed for 913 yards and 23 touchdowns and passed for 840 yards and four scores. Can the improved Army defense, which ranks No. 17 in the nation (309.9 yards per game) limit the playmaker? Navy has thrown fewer passes than any team in the FBS this year, but Dobbs can still make big plays with his arm. Only one QB in the FBS (Georgia Tech’s Josh Nesbitt) exceeds his hefty 10 yards per attempt average.

Key matchups


Trent Steelman • Army • QB » Has rushed for 690 yards and passed for 560, progressing steadily during his freshman year.

vs.
Ross Pospisil • Navy • ILB » Reading QB is key to stopping option. Navy’s leader in tackles (91) for 2nd straight year.

Andrew Rodriguez • Army • OLB » With LB Steve Anderson (knee) out, Rodriguez (Ireton) is the Knights’ top defensive playmaker.

vs.
Ricky Dobbs • Navy • QB » Despite missing 2 games, has matched NCAA single-season mark for rushing TDs by a QB (23).

Ali Vilanueva • Army • WR » Gargantuan (6-10, 283) senior leads Army in catches (26), receiving yards (460) and TDs (5).

vs.
Blake Carter • Navy • CB » Whether it’s Carter (5-11, 187) or Kevin Edwards (6-2, 180), the Navy CBs will be looking up

State of the teams


NAVY » The Midshipmen, winners of seven straight over the Knights, have wrapped up a berth in the Texas Bowl, where they will play Missouri. Injuries have slowed the offense, but the veteran defense has been sturdy all season.

ARMY » After 12 straight losing seasons and seven straight losses to Navy, Army brings its best record to this game since 1996. The Black Knights have played with increased passion and discipline under rookie coach Rich Ellerson.

Examiner predicts


Army has made up considerable ground on Navy. The Black Knights are fired up under rookie coach Rich Ellerson. But their limited offense can’t score on a much faster and veteran Navy defense. Mark Ricky Dobbs down for at least three TDs.

Navy 24, Army 7


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