Wow! This has been one of the most exciting college football campaigns in recent memory.
It seems like forever since Alabama has not had a shot at the National Championship. Would things have been any different if Tua Tagavailoa had not been injured?
Now, talks are that the Dallas Cowboys are showing interest in Nick Saban. The last few days we have seen quite a few head coaches’ names thrown out as being on the hot seat. Some of the bigger names leading the list are Tom Herman, Will Muschamp, Mark Dantonio, Manny Diaz and Chip Kelly. I can’t say I can argue with many of these. They deserve to be questioned about their future with their current teams.
I am not going to spark any controversy either with admiration for the nation’s biggest standout players. LSU’s, Joe Burrow and Ohio State’s Chase Young are the players that come to mind first for me. Yes, both are in incredible systems, surrounded by talent and led by smart coaches. But I have watched these two stars rise to the level thrust upon them and mature as the season progressed.
Just like in the final 10 seconds of a round in a boxing match, regular-season finale performances showed significant change, with the biggest moves had Oregon jumping seven spots in the rankings while Utah dropped six.
Speaking of polls, the CFP has some out there questioning Oklahoma making the cut. But outside of Memphis, Boise State and Appalachian State, they are the only one-loss team in the top 20. Currently, Ohio State is a small ‘dog to Clemson and LSU is nearly a two-touchdown favorite over Oklahoma. One thing for sure, the Bowl matchups and the opening lines have me overjoyed for the upcoming weeks.
Saturday
Army +11 vs. Navy: In one of the biggest traditions in college football, Army faces Navy for the 117th time. These squads happen to be two of the healthiest in the nation. Prior to the Black Knights current-three game win streak in this series, the Midshipmen dominated for 14 consecutive years. The 2018 meeting landed on the number to give the bettors a push, however, Army have covered seven of the previous against Navy.
Statistically, both teams mirror one another. The Middies rank first nationally in rushing offense (361.1 yards per game) while the Black Knights rank second (311.7).
Quarterbacks Malcolm Perry for Navy and Kelvin Hopkins Jr. for the Cadets are dual-threats, with Perry having a bit more success with his arm. But, don’t be surprised as there will probably be more Elvis and Bigfoot sightings in the stands than there will be pass attempts as both play callers lead their squads in rushing. The double-digit point spread urges me to take the underdog here, which kills just as much clock as the favorite. ARMY
Last week: 3-1
Season: 30-26-2