Rutgers at Army Odds

Written by Hector Garza

Rutgers, at 4-2, is the favorite this week as they travel to Michie Stadium in West Point to take on Army (3-4). This will be their last non conference opponent and they are currently enjoying an undefeated record against such foes. The Scarlet Knights are favored by 10 ½ points with the total set at 39 according to the college football odds. Game time is this Friday at 8:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN 2.

Pitt broke a 4 game winning streak of Rutgers in a 24-17 battle last week where the offense compiled 286 yards with only 38 rushing yards. They’re averaging 351.2 ypg, which is by no means explosive, and have a true freshman leading the QB position. Tom Savage has thrown for 941 yards and 5 td’s with only one interception thus far this year, and will be looking for success throwing the ball this week. His favorite target thus far has been Tim Brown, who has 28 catches for 548 yards and 3 td’s through 6 games this year.

The stop unit is very talented, despite giving up 376 yards last week. Through their first 5 games they were allowing under 66 ypg, but the Panthers gashed them last week for 223 yards. Army will be looking at the film to see if they can take advantage of the running game in the same way. The secondary has been a strong point, as 8 different defenders have recorded an interception, with 3 of them being returned for td’s. The game will come down to how the defense can stop Army’s run based attack.

The Black Knights are hoping for success at home, where 2 of their 3 wins have occurred. They’ll be looking to cut down on their penalties, as they suffered 14 last week against Temple. Their running game has been consistent and is gaining an average of 222.6 ypg. QB Trent Steelman paces Army with 407 yards rushing and 3 td’s, but isn’t much of a passing threat. Through 7 games he’s completed 25 passes for 266 yards and 2 td’s with one interception. The one dimensional offense will give Rutgers a chance to focus on the run, although WR Ali Villanueva is a legitimate threat with 4 td’s on 16 receptions for 253 yards.

Defensively Army has been good enough to win more ball games. They’ve limited opponents to 285.9 ypg. What’s more impressive is that they’ve generated 14 turnovers with 9 interceptions. That will be key in their matchup against a true freshman this week. The defense also boasts 17 sacks on the season, with 5 coming last week against Temple. Josh McNary has been a machine, with 9.5 sacks, 15.5 TFL’s and 40 stops.

Army is clinging to an 18-17 edge, and this week would be a huge upset. If they can force a few turnovers and find the gaps like Pitt did last week, they’ve got a shot to keep this game low scoring and stay in it. That’s a big if against a talented Rutgers team that has won the last five meetings, especially with Army converting 30% on 3rd down. Look for Army to keep this game within the spread, but for the Scarlet Knights to get the win.

Comments

Got something to say?