Navy Week
The last time Air Force played Navy and the Midshipmen were the defending CIC Trophy winners was 2013. It always seems like this is the elimination game to win the trophy. Navy can lose and still hold onto it if they beat Army later this year, if the Black Knights take down the Falcons.
This game has a different feel to it, maybe because the Falcons have so many Sophomores and Freshman on the roster. People can tell you about playing these games, but until you do, you just don’t know how intense it is. Everyone elevates their game. Navy, as a team has elevated its game, having won 7 straight dating back to last year. If you watch the Midshipmen you can see how much confidence they play with, and I have to believe some of that comes from winning the trophy last year after beating Army.
What to expect Saturday: Something tells me it will be a high scoring game. The Falcons have had trouble stopping the run and the pass so far this year. Running backs sometimes don’t get touched until they are 3-4 yards downfield, and wide receivers have had ample space to catch the ball. I really believe the Falcons have to play their cornerbacks tighter and closer to the line of scrimmage, especially today because it will also help against the run. Navy leads the nation averaging 352 yards a game. Air Force may have to gamble with man coverage outside and stacking the box inside.
For the Air Force Offense-Keep doing what you are doing, although it would not surprise me to see the Falcons be more deliberate with the running game. Holding onto the ball keeps Navy’s offense on the sidelines. And Liam Szarka’s ability to plant a foot and get up field with his quickness will come into play. Air Force also needs to get back to the fullback game. Your best players win your biggest games. Need to see Szarka, Cade Haris and Dylan Carson get after it Saturday. There will be fewer possessions in this game, which means you better score when you have the ball.
Stat you didn’t know: The winner of this game has gone on to win the Commander In Chiefs Trophy 40 times in the last 53 matchups.
We’re live at 8 Saturday morning and we kick things off from Annapolis at 10a Saturday on 740 KVOR.
