College Football Rankings: Post-spring 2019 Top 25 projections

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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2365. . . Previous: . Army Black Knights. 21. team

Close victories over Air Force and Navy gave Army the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy as the top service academy in 2019. Then the Black Knights capped their 10-win regular season with an overpowering 70-14 win over Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl. Now independent Army is a trendy pick to land in the preseason AP Top 25.

Jeff Monken’s squad boasts a slew of returning offensive talent, all well versed in the triple-option offense that befuddles plenty of teams around the country. The Black Knights will lean heavily on workhorses like quarterback Kelvin Hopkins (1,026 passing yards, 1,017 rushing yards, 23 total touchdowns) and fullback Andy Davidson.

The defense, while one of the most gutted in the entire FBS since last season, should have some opportunities to make its presence felt in 2019. Linebacker Jon Rhattigan looked good in the spring scrimmage for the Black Knights, and could be a player to watch for Army this season.

Following the season opener against Rice at West Point, the Black Knights travel to the Big House to face Michigan. After playing Oklahoma to overtime last year in Norman, Army could potentially take down a highly-ranked Wolverines squad and vault themselves into the New Year’s Six discussion. That is their ceiling with only one Power Five opponent on the schedule.