Army is back at home this week, hopefully to a stadium with many more fans. Finally, after two back-to-back heartbreaking losses, Army has a chance to reset and start moving in a winning direction against the Villanova Wildcats.
Keys to Victory
Run the ball
The Villanova defense has allowed 332 yards rushing in two games on 4.8 yards/carry. Meanwhile, Army has not produced its typical production in the running game over those same two weeks.
It’s time to get back to what Army is known for — running the football. They don’t need to score 35+ points if they can dominate time-of-possession and control the ball.
The Army Sports Network’s Call of the Game from Saturday's home opener is Ballard's 42-yard TD connection with Robinson to tie the game in the fourth quarter. #GoArmy pic.twitter.com/bOGlKhHpyh
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) September 13, 2022
Mr. Inside and Mister-Over-The-Top
Although we would like to see Army run the ball more, the combination of QBs Cade Ballard and Tyhier Tyler proved to be effective against UTSA. Letting T2 test the center of the defense with the midline or set the edge with his athleticism and then pitch to Robinson has been a dangerous combo. Once the defense stacks the box, it’s time to bring in the change-up with Ballard, who is coming off of one of the most impressive passing performances from any Army QB in recent memory.
NATION'S BEST: #ArmyFootball leads the country in passing efficiency (252.55) by a wide margin. USC is second (212.57).
— Sal Interdonato (@salinterdonato) September 12, 2022
? @lynnfernphotog pic.twitter.com/ilGglybMzl
Get Stops and Get Off the Field.
CCU had 70 offensive plays, and UTSA had 81 offensive plays when each team played Army. By comparison, the Black Knights had 47 just offensive plays against Coastal Carolina and 74 against the Roadrunners. Bottom line, the Defense has been on the field twice as long as the offense. This makes it difficult to close out games, first because the offense doesn’t have the opportunity to score and second because it increases opportunity for a blown coverage or missed assignment.
Army’s defense must get off the field on 3rd downs and maybe force a few turnovers, too. The Black Knights are going into their third game without a turnover. This needs to change.
Team Effort ? #NOVAvsLIU pic.twitter.com/welpUqMG85
— Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) September 12, 2022
Pressure Connor Watkins
Watkins has an arm. He has 494 yards passing and 5 passing touchdowns in two games. But he’s sacked 3 times and has thrown 4 interceptions.
Army needs to keep up the pressure on Villanova’s offensive line and get to their quarterback. He’ll either have to throw it away or hit the turf.
Army needs to rough up the quarterback this week.
Andre Carter Appreciation Post
— Black Knight Nation (@BKKnightNation) September 11, 2022
✅ 2 sacks vs. UTSA
✅ 18.5 career sacks (second in #ArmyFootball history to Josh McNary, 28)
✅ At least 8 NFL teams in attendance to watch all-American yesterday
? @lynnfernphotog pic.twitter.com/SpJxJ2QRGc
Go Army! Beat Villanova
Cover image via @ArmyWP_Football on Twitter.
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