Navy

I have had a tough time this week getting a read on the Air Force Navy Football game Saturday at Falcon Stadium. On the surface its easy to say the Falcons have a lot of momentum after beating Boise State, and Navy is hurting after dropping to 2-3 with a loss against lightly regarded Western Kentucky. But rivalry games are so different. These programs do not like each other period. Most of the games have been close but its been Navy that's come out on top 9 of the last 11 times. Sometimes we in the media look beyond the game plans and schemes and try to factor in emotion, rivalry, and other aspects. The game is ultimately decided on the field. Now, there's no question, there's an extra jump in everybody's step leading up to the game, and its more than game #5 to Air Force and #6 for the Midshipmen. But after the first couple of series its really block and tackling. Here's where I think the Falcons have an edge, and again, (no surprise) its on defense. With the Falcons new look on that side of the ball I think Navy will have a tough time getting their option attack going. The Falcon linebackers are much closer to the line of scrimmage, and I think they can limit what Navy does when they run the football. The other aspect I find interesting is will Air Force use a four man defensive front and how will that affect Navy? The key for the Midshipmen is Quarterback Keenan Reynolds. He is a stud. Reynolds set an NCAA record last year with 31 rushing touchdowns. He's had big games against Air Force. Reynolds had an awful game last week against Western Kentucky, and he apologized to his team this week. The Falcons have to hit him on every play and can't let him be a factor. If he is, then Air Force is in trouble. Reynolds is that good. The Navy defense has given up a lot of yards and points this year, but they have also played two Big Ten teams. Air Force has more weapons this year offensively and may have to use all of them Saturday. Bring your radios and listen to the game live at 130pm, with the pregame at 1130am Saturday Morning on 740 KVOR.