Army-Navy Game 2022 Preview
It's the second weekend in December, which means Army and Navy will resume its long standing rivalry. The annual showdown will take place in the city of Brotherly Love at Lincoln Financial Field this year.
Both schools have struggled this season, but when these two squads square off records are off the table. This game is a season in itself. Whoever comes out on top, takes all of the momentum heading into the offseason.
Saturday’s installment of this rivalry will be the 123st game between the two schools. Navy leads the all time series with 62 wins. However, Army has won four out of the last five matchups.
Army’s 2016 win over its arch rival was the first win in the series since 2001. The series has definitely shifted. It is a new era under Jeff Monken, as Army football is now the better team.
This annual rivalry is always close, and the point spread indicates another game that will come down to the wire on Saturday. The Midshipmen are favored by a mere 1.5 points.
This rivalry has such a rich history, and represents everything that’s great about College Football. It is a great display of American patriotism, and going to the Army Navy game is a bucket list event for every College Football fan.
Army
Both service academies haven’t played their best football this year. The Black Knights are 5-6 heading into the last game of the regular season.
Army is led by quarterback Tyhier Tyler. The Black Knights of course run the triple option and that means Tyler is more of a runner than a thrower. Tyler has only thrown the ball 16 times this year, but has 12 touchdowns on the ground. However, Monken will have multiple players sub in to throw the ball on Saturday.
Army utilizes a backfield by committee. The Black Knights will have the likes of Tyson Riley, Jakobi Buchanan, and Jemel Jones carrying the rock. Buchanan has been a stalwart for Army as this will be Buchanan's third Army-Navy game.
This game will be won on the defensive side of the ball. Both teams run the ball a ton, aren’t very explosive and take a lot of time off the clock.
Navy
Ken Niumatalolo is in his 15th season as the head coach of the Midshipmen who are 4-7. Niumatalolo has made Navy into a powerhouse compared to the other service academics. Navy has produced numerous NFL caliber players over the last 15 years.
The Midshipmen are led by Tai Lavatai who will throw the ball a little more than Tyler for Army. Lavati has just under 1,000 yards passing on the season.
It has been a down year for the Midshipmen, but their identity hasn’t changed.To win this game you have to control the line of the scrimmage. The game plan is simple, stop the run.
Aidan Torok is a third-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email ajt6051@psu.edu.
