2008 Army Football Betting Preview

[Qbins Missile Crisis]

NCAA College Football Betting Preview – Army Black Knights

It has been a while since college football betting fans of Army had a winning season. 1996 was the last time, to be exact.



That streak looked like it might last year as the Black Knights started the season 3-3. Unfortunately, they didn’t win any more games after that.

The option offense is back, which should help the Knights compete. So should an easier schedule.

Offense

Army’s offense is as brutal as it gets. Well, not quite – there were three offenses that finished worse than their 116th ranking. The entire offense managed only six rushing touchdowns.

Part of the problem was a committee approach at running back since LaDainian Tomlinson wasn’t available. None of the Knights’ backs finished with more than 330 rushing yards.

To aid this problem, Army is supposedly going to use more wishbone/option formations. The reason I say supposedly is because the move hasn’t been announced publicly, although it has been talked about behind closed doors.

Using the option, in many cases and in this case in particular, means that there is a lack of talent to run a pro-style offense. Army just doesn’t have the size, speed and athleticism that many other teams have, so they’ll have to use their guile in the running game to get by.

If that’s the case, sophomore running back Patrick Mealy should be in line for a good season.

Defense

Army produced its first NFL draft pick since 1997 when safety Caleb Campbell was drafted in the seventh round. While it’s good for the school, Campbell is just one of four starters in the secondary that need to be replaced.

The replacements don’t stop there: two more linebacker spots need to find new starters.

The back seven is clearly under construction but at least the defensive line looks good.

The unit is deep and experienced, led by Ted Bentler, who is a former Iowa transfer. He emerged last year and teams with Victor Ugenyi and Nick Emmons.

Like the offense, this unit lack speed and athleticism, which roughly translates into less playmakers all around.

Outlook

Army isn’t a very good football team at all but they are trying to mask their problems using two strategies: implementing the option on offense and softening up their schedule.

Army removed Boston College, Georgia Tech and Tulsa from their schedule. They have only two games versus top-tier conferences (@Texas A&M and @Rutgers).

This will be the second year under head coach Stan Brock so some progress should be noticed. But don’t be fooled if Army is pumping up their record by pounding cupcakes; they are not a very good team overall.

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