Army and Navy will be meeting for the 116th time tomorrow in Baltimore. Navy leads the all time series 60-49-7. The Midshipmen have 14 in a row against the Black Knights.

Here are three offensive and three defensive keys to the game.

Three Offensive Keys for Both teams

1. Army Must Score First: In just two short years, Army head coach Jeff Monken has turned the Army offense around. Army’s offense averages 30 points per game and they are just as effective through the air as they are on the ground. The Knights must score first and dictate the pace offensively. Navy is not very good defensively. Army needs to take advantage.   

2. Navy Quarterback Zach Abey Must Bounce Back: Navy sophomore quarterback Zach Abey struggled last week in the American Conference championship game against Temple. He needs to play much better in this game. Abey must make the right reads in the option game and not turn the ball over like he did last week. Abey is young and he will be nervous prior to this game. He must play loose but play well.

3. First to 30 Wins: Both offenses are explosive and which ever offense hits the 30 point mark first, will win this game.

Three Defensive Keys for Both teams

1.Navy Must Bracket Edgar Poe: Navy has given a lot of big plays. Edgar Poe is Army’s big play guy. Navy must bracket him and be physical with Poe at the line. 

2. Army Must Force Abey to Keep the Ball: Army runs the option and they know the option. The Knights must force Abney to keep it. Punish him and make him want to pitch the ball. 

3. Both Teams Must Limit the Big Plays: Big plays are the hall mark of both offenses. Army’s defense is fifth in the nation so they’ll make more plays defensively. If Navy wants to win this game, their defense must step up. 

Prediction: Army 28 Navy 24: This is the year. Army will snap their 14 game losing streak to Navy and win a tight game. The Knights will prevail.