Army is a 4-point home favorite against Air Force in its first leg of the Commander in Chief’s trophy Saturday night.
The Black Knights can extend their record winning streak to four games in the series. Army’s firsties are looking to become the first West Point senior class to graduate undefeated vs. Air Force
Air Force takes the CIC trophy back to Colorado Springs with a victory.
There’s some history with Army-Air Force rivalry under the lights at West Point. The first night game at Michie Stadium was 1984 Army-Air Force game. Air Force blitzed Army 43-7 in the last night game between the service-academy rivals at West Point in 2006.
Air Force (6-2) pulled one out of the Army playbook last week, defeating UConn 35-26 without completing a pass. Kemper Hodges, Air Force’s No. 4 quarterback to start the season, rushed for 200 yards and four TDs in the victory. Air Force outlasted Navy 14-9 on Oct. 3, putting itself in position to capture the CIC against Army. The Falcons’ only losses this season are six points to North Dakota State and 14 points at Wyoming two weeks ago.
Cale Hellums passed for 102 yards and rushed for 98 yards in last year’s 20-17 win over Air Force. Hellums was held to 34 rushing yards in a loss to Memphis last week.
Sal Interdonato (Black Knight Nation): Army 31, Air Force 21. Think this game could be more high-scoring than in the past. Wouldn’t be surprised if Army brings a new wrinkle to its offense whether it be Godspower Nwawuihe running out of Wildcat or having more of Hellums, GP, Samari Howard and Zach Mundell on the field at the same time. Black Knights’ defensive line, led by Kody Harris-Miller, Jack Bousum and Dillon Stowers, slow down Air Force’s ground game enough to win.
Seth Mendelson (Black Knight Nation): Army 24, Air Force 17. Here we go. Two teams that rely almost strictly on their running games and need a great effort from their offensive lines to open holes up the middle. Army has a more varied rushing attack and more experience in its offensive line. Plus, quarterback Cale Hellums can take to the air if he has to. It’s a dogfight to the end, but the Black Knights pull this one out, becoming bowl eligible and setting up a showdown with Navy for a chance to win the Commander in Chief’s trophy for the first time since 2023.
Cuthbert Hutton (Sidelines Army): Army 24, Air Force 17. Don’t expect Army to vary from usually conservative playbook. Expect middle runs from bell to bell with 6-8 options/pitches, and 1-2 gadget plays. Air Force will do the same, and it will be a dogfight. Stop AF QB Hodges, and you stop the Falcon offense. Expect a “comfortable” Army win.
Dean Darling (Army football radio analyst): Army 27, Air Force 21
Predictions from across the college football universe
Emily Van Buskirk (Underdog Dynasty): Army 24, Air Force 21
