Army football looking to put 2019 in rearview mirror vs. Middle Tennessee

Army football’s 2019 season did not go as planned but the Black Knights look to put it in the past, starting with a win over Middle Tennesee.

Prior to head coach Jeff Monken taking over as head coach, the Army Black Knights had only one winning season since 1997. But since he took over in 2014, the Knights have recorded three winning seasons, in a row, and with two of those seasons totaling over 10 or more wins.

The Monken era did not get off to a great start, posting 4-8 and 2-10 records in his first two seasons but then 2016 happened.

In 2016, the Black Knights had their first winning season since 2010, going 8-5 and capped off the season with an overtime bowl victory over North Texas in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. In the two years following, Army went a combined 21-5, picked up two more bowl victories, and finished 2018 ranked in the top 20 of the AP Poll.

Going into 2019, expectations were high but those expectations were not met as the Black Knights finished the season 5-8. And for 2020, they look to get back to their recently established tradition of winning.

To renew that tradition, Army starts off the season with a home game versus the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. They are also coming off a losing season, their first since 2010, and are looking to make 2019 a thing of the past.

Here’s everything you need to know for Saturday’s game between the Army Black Nights and the Middle Tennessee:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
Location: West Point, N.Y.
Venue: Michie Stadium
TV: CBSSN
Live Stream: CBS Sports App

Keys to Victory

The Army Black Knights’ offense is well known for it’s run consistency. Their leading receiver from a year ago had a total of 25 catches all season long, so do not expect 2020 to be any different. Army had the nation’s third best rushing offense in 2019, spreading the wealth amongst several running backs and quarterbacks.

So it’s simple, with a new starting quarterback, who saw limited action last season, the Black Knights will need to establish their run dominance early and make sure they capitalize on all scoring opportunities. With their run game, Army can control the time of possession, which means their defense will have plenty of breathing time but need to make some plays themselves to keep Middle Tennessee out of this game.

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders have one of the country’s most-underrated dual-threat quarterbacks in Asher O’Hara. He threw for 2,616 passing yards and 20 touchdowns but also added another 1,058 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. Middle Tennessee has the best player in the game and need to get him going early and often.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Blue Raiders defense need to get off the field as they were one of the worst teams in time of possession and in a game against a team who thrives on keeping the ball, the Blue Raider defense will need to bare down and eliminate third down conversions.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of The Action Network

Point Spread: Army -5.5
Over/under: 54.5

Prediction

This game could go either way. Both teams are looking to put 2019 in the past and there is no better way to do that than starting off this season with a win.

Army’s rushing offense keeps them in the game early, but their inability to move the ball down field in the air will hurt them in this game. Asher O’Hara opens up 2020 with a monster game and shows why the Middle Tennessee offense will be one of the most exciting to watch this year. It’s competitive for most of the game but Middle Tennessee pulls away late.

Final Score: Middle Tennessee 38, Army 28