Air Force (1-6) at No. 21 Army (7-0), Saturday, noon ET (CBS)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Army by 22 1/2.
Series record: Air Force 38-19-1.
What’s at stake?
Army opens its defense of the Commander in Chief’s trophy. A victory over Air Force sets up a winner-take-all outing against Navy — which beat Air Force 34-7 last month — for the CIC trophy on Dec. 14 in Landover, Maryland. The unbeaten Black Knights look to extend their nation’s best winning streak to 12 games, dating to last season. Air Force can end a six-game losing streak.
Key matchup
This rivalry game is generally won in the trenches. Army’s offensive line has paved the way for the nation’s No. 1-ranked running game. The Black Knights have started the same five players up front through the first seven games. Air Force’s defense has struggled against the run, allowing 205 or more yards in four of its losses.
Players to watch
Air Force: LB Osaro Aihie. Aihie will need to be active and effected inside if it wants to slow Army’s ground game.
Army: RB Tyrell Robinson, who made his season debut in a win over East Carolina. The senior, who has game-breaking speed, is one of only 12 players in academy history to surpass 3,000 all-purpose yards. After one carry last game, Robinson could play a bigger role.
Facts & figures
Army is the only team in the nation to score a touchdown on its opening drive in every game this season. … The Black Knights have scored 42 or more points in four straight outings. … Army is one of two FBS teams (Indiana) to have yet to trail in a game. … Army is 6-2 in its last six Commander in Chief’s trophy games against Air Force and Navy. … Air Force may lead the series over Army but is only 14-12 in games at West Point. … Air Force is 8-9 after an open week under head coach Troy Calhoun, including 0-1 this season. The Falcons are 2-1 against Army following an open week. … Air Force finished second in the nation in rushing last season, averaging 281.5 yards. This season, the Falcons are ranked 31st at 194.7. The last time Air Force finished a season under 200 was 1981.
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