(Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire)
Army comes into the Shamrock Series matchup in Yankee stadium this week, flying high at 9-0 and ranked 18th in the latest AP Poll. On a bye last week, in their last action they defeated North Texas, 14-3.
The Cadets are coached by Jeff Monken in his 11th season. They have the top ranked rushing offense in the nation averaging 334 yards per game and they are scoring 35.2 points per game (22nd). The Army defense also has some impressive credentials. They are the number one stingiest defense in the red zone, and number #2 in total defense. Army is tied with Ohio State as the top scoring defense giving up just 10.3 points per game.
Such numbers give them look of a juggernaut.
But digging a little deeper, there is a bit more to the story. To go along with that best in the nation rushing number, Army is dead last in passing the ball averaging a paltry 85 yards per game and the quality of their opponents is suspect. It’s strength of schedule, according to College Football Network is ranked 124th out of 134 FBS teams. The eight FBS opponents that they have beaten have a combined record of 27-53.
6-0, 221 senior quarterback Bryson Daily is the star triggerman of the Army old school option attack. He has run for 1,062 yards and an impressive 21 touchdowns. Also running the ball effectively is bruising sophomore fullback Kanye Udoh with 856 yards and 9 touchdowns. Junior Noah Short is the outside guy in the Cadet running attack and he has averaged 10.7 yards per carry and totaled 439 yards and 2 TDs.
As impressive as the ground game looks the passing game is almost an afterthought. When Army does throw it, they usually chuck it down field. Daily has only attempted 51 passes completing 29 (55.9%) for 644 yards and 7 TDs. 6-2 Senior wide receiver Casey Reynolds is his top target, he has just 11 catches but he averages 28.8 yards per catch. Reynolds has 3 touchdown receptions and has totaled 317 yards. Noah Short also has 11 catches out of the backfield good for 259 yards and 3 TDs.
Army has been outstanding at protecting the football, they have lost just two fumbles and thrown one interception.
The stout Cadet defense is making their money in the red zone. On 20 opponent red zone appearances they have given up 8 touchdowns and two field goals. That 50% efficiency mark is the best in the country and compares to Notre Dame’s 68% efficiency mark which is 4th best in the nation. Linebacker Andon Thomas leads the team with 55 tackles. Interestingly the Cadets have not recovered a single fumble in nine games, but they have made 14 interceptions, three each by cornerbacks Casey Larkin and Jayden Mays. Army has 20 sacks on the year that places them near the middle of the national pack in that category.
Army’s offense, different from what Navy is doing this year is a traditional precision triple option. That means they only pass when they have to, they look to control time of possession and that limits possessions for their opponents. In fact they are #2 nationally in time of possession. Barring a barrage of turnovers like Navy provided a few weeks back, Notre Dame cannot afford to waste possessions. In fact they might need to score just about every time they get the ball.
Notre Dame game against Navy’s option and the preparation the Irish put into should pay dividends this week. In that game the Irish showed an ability to play aggressive but disciplined, two things that are necessary against the option offense. On offense, Notre Dame will bring athletes to the equation unlike any Army has seen this year. It is likely that the Irish will find ways to score some points.
Notre Dame is a 14 point favorite and the over/under is 43.5
The Fighting Irish Preview pick: Notre Dame 31 Army 17