Playing yourself is tough
Prior to the game, Navy was averaging 28.8 points per game. Army was averaging 30.3 points per game. However, the over/under was only 40 points. Both the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen run the Triple-Option offense. Each defense spends all offseason practicing against their own team’s offense. Therefore, both the Army and Navy defensive players are incredibly familiar with the other’s offensive scheme.
This became very evident by halftime in this year’s game. Army led at half, 7-0. Navy totaled 39 yards and had only four touchdowns in the first half, but two of those came from Army penalties. Additionally, Army had two three-and-outs in their five possessions.
The Navy offense struggled to get their rushing attack going today and were forced to pass much more than they normally like too. Navy quarterback, Zach Abey, was responsible for two interceptions and a fumble. Army, on the other hand, was held to less than 300 total yards, which is one of the lowest totals they’ve had all year.