by Vinny Caraturo
What a season it has been for The Army Cadets. A Commander-in-Chief trophy by beating Air Force 21-0 and a huge win in the snow to end the regular season against Navy 14-13 to cap it off. Army all season has barely passed the ball throwing only 61 times for 355 yards. Ahmad Bradshaw at QB has been a running machine, perfecting the option by running for 1566 yards at a 7.5 yards per carry clip and 12 TD’s.
Darnell Woolfolk has been golden too,725 yards and 12 TD’s. The option is an attack that is barely run in todays game in college. It is used to offset the mismatch of being outmuscled on the front line and Army has perfected it this season. The Armed Forces Bowl will pit them matching up against the San Diego State Aztecs. Rocky Long’s Aztecs come in at 10-2 and a solid Mountain West season behind them. The heart play will be for Army of course but I am not about betting with my heart, only stats and facts.
Army rushes the ball at 6.1 yards a carry. The thing about Army is they are a +29 yards a game only, not exactly superb when you have won 9 games. San Diego State is a solid running team as well led by Rashard Penny who had a tremendous season running for 1824 yards and 17 TD’s and a 7.2 yards per carry. Army gives up 5.0 yards a carry and they haven’t seen a running back this good. Christian Chapman at QB Isn’t a gunslinger but he can throw the ball to keep Army honest as he manages the game. San Diego State has outgained there opponents by 106 yards this year and Averages 12 more first downs a game.
The Aztec defense has given up an average of 3.5 yards a carry on the ground. There pass defense is also solid but Army won’t try and throw because all year they just stick to the plan of running. I fully expect Ahmad Bradshaw to have a tough time running on this defense. Coach Rocky Long has tons of experience defensing the option as he plays Air Force every season. I am going to not bet with my heart only my head. I am putting 1000 units on San Diego State to cover the 6.5 point spread. I think It will be an Aztec win by a 34-16 score. Have a great holiday weekend fans.