It's hard not to root for Army to somehow find a way to get into the win column against Navy.This game is supposed to be the ultimate rivalry encounter, as these two proud branches of the Military should be relatively equal on the football field.But it has not been that way for a long time, and Navy has won 14 straight games in this series. Army is hoping to earn its first victory in the series since 2001 when the two teams get together at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore Saturday afternoon.The game will kick off at 3 p.m. ET and will be televised by CBS. Navy (9-3) is a six-point favorite over Army (6-5), according to OddsShark. However, while it appears that the Midshipmen are the better team based on their record and their history, the team's health took a major hit in their 34-10 loss to Temple last week. Viewing DetailsWhere:M&T Bank Stadium, BaltimoreWhen:Saturday,December 10, at 3 p.m. ETWatch:CBSTickets:ScoreBig.comNavy lost quarterback Will Worth and slotback Toneo Gulley to foot injuries on the same play. Both players have been lost for the season, and that means that Navy is going to try to make it 15 in a row over its ancient rival with sophomore Zach Abey at quarterback.Navy head coach Ken Niumataloloappeared to be in a state of shock earlier in the week."We lost in more ways than one that game," Niumatalolo toldJon Solomon of CBS Sports. "I've never been in a game like that before."Army has been off the last two weeks to prepare for Navy. On the other hand, Navy has played eight straight weeks and is clearly feeling the effects of its demanding schedule."I think for sure it gives us an advantage," Army linebacker Alex Aukerman told Solomon."We've been preparing for them before Thanksgiving break. They've had to focus on two more teams. I definitely think it's something we should utilize for our advantage."Army is depending on quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw to serve as the trigger for the attack, along with running back Andy Davidson. The Black Knights need those two to be successful on the ground, because the passing game has been ineffective. Bradshaw has thrown eight interceptions even though he has only thrown the ball 84 times this season.Bradshaw has run for 644 yards and six touchdowns, while Davidson has rushed for 818 yards and nine scores.Abey has a huge responsibility, as he has to try to fill in for Worth and run Navy's triple-option offense. Abey has been in the Navy quarterback room for two years and understands how to run the offense, but executing it in a game situation against Army could prove to be problematic.Army has a dependable defense that allows 19.1 points per game. Since the Midshipmen run the same kind of offense as the Black Knights, the Army defense should be prepared for what it will see.On the other hand, Navy's defense has had issues this season. They allow 176.25 rushing yards per game, and that should give Army the confidence it needs to be successful.PredictionAll streaks have to come to an end sooner or later, and this one has gone on for 14 long years.Army is a winning team with a solid rushing offense, even if it is one-dimensional. Navy lost two of its most important players, and the Midshipmen are throwing an untested sophomore quarterback into the fire.The Midshipmen are talented and will fight, but this time Army comes out on top. The Black Knights secure the 21-20 victory and end Navy's long winning streak.
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