I’m a firm believer that anything can happen on any given Saturday.  That being said, The Army Team enters as a double digit underdog after having lost four straight games.  In order to pull the upset, the Black Knights need to follow the Keys to Victory!

 

No turnovers

I know, I’m a broken record.  But week after week, the Army Team seems to fumble the ball away.  Our entire offensive strategy is based on the idea of sustaining drives and scoring points.  In order to sustain a drive, you need to HOLD ONTO THE FOOTBALL.  Turnovers are the literal equivalent of giving the ball back to the other team after they score like in a backyard game with “make it, take it” rules.  The receivers need to hang onto the ball after catches when they make the transition to runner, and the backfield needs to hand onto the ball high and tight no matter what.

Your Need to Know for Saturday. #GoArmy #BeatAirForce pic.twitter.com/zyfuJ3Zys0

— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) October 31, 2019

 

Don’t get behind the sticks

If the offense gets in a 3rd and 5+ yards situation, we are in trouble.  We lack explosive plays and big playmakers and the probability that we get 5+ yards on a standard fullback dive is minimal.  Since we are unlikely to get the yardage up the middle, we have to try to run outside or throw the ball, both somewhat risky plays.  Staying on schedule and averaging 6 yards through the first two downs are crucial to sustaining drives and getting points.

Rise Up and Stand Strong. #GoArmy #BeatAirForce pic.twitter.com/0jdurF4sLt

— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) October 30, 2019

 

Stay healthy

Kinda out of the players hands, but our team is banged up already.  The offensive line is a merry-go-round of fat kids and we lost our 1st and 2nd string quarterbacks in the game last week.

Air Force is out for blood and will be playing physical football, so our boys need to be safe while still playing aggressively as well.

The prep continues. #GoArmy pic.twitter.com/K5faMy27Yr

— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) October 30, 2019

 

Protect the secondary

Air Force is a run first team, but they throw the ball much more than Army or Navy.  Maybe it comes with the territory, but Air Force likes to air it out.  Knowing that our secondary is hurt, expect them to take some shots against cornerbacks who are already struggling in coverage.

Corners need to turn their heads and play to the ball, not the player.  We discussed this in depth on the podcast.

Happy Halloween! Remember, watch out for suspicious, masked figures! ?‍☠️ #BeatAirForce #WarOnDrugs #SorrynotSorry pic.twitter.com/rfRuewaRoT

— As For Football (@asforfootball) October 31, 2019

 

Play Army Football

Run the ball. Play aggressive football.  Take no quarter, give no quarter.  Simple as that.  This team is capable of greatness, but they have not lived up to their potential.  This is why the fan base is so upset.

If, as Coach Jeff Monken calls them, “The National Champions of Toughness” actually play Army’s brand of Football, this team can absolutely get back on track and shock the Falcons at home.

.@OhioStateFB is second with 22 @NFFNetwork Scholar-Athletes.

Most NFF National Scholar-Athletes
23 – Nebraska
22 – Ohio State
18 – Notre Dame
18 – Penn State
16 – Army
14 – Georgia
13 – USC
13 – Stanford
12 – Yale
11 – Texas

— Jerry Emig (@BuckeyeNotes) October 30, 2019

Alright fans, that’s all I have.  Remember this is OUR TEAM.  We need to support them no matter what.  Ride or die with Army Football.

At the end of the day we have a great coach who’s won a lot of games.  Make sure to tune into CBS Sports at 3:30 EST.

Go Army!  Beat Air Force!!!