The Army Black Knights (4-3 Independent) and Air Force Falcons (6-2, 3-2 Mountain West) meet Saturday in a neutral-site battle at Choctaw Stadium (formerly known as Globe Life Park) in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET. Below, we look at the Army vs. Air Force odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
The good news for the Black Knights is that they scored 56 points in their last game when they hosted Wake Forest Oct. 23. The bad news is that they lost as the Demon Deacons scored 70 points in a wild game at Michie Stadium in West Point. Looking to Saturday, Army has had two weeks to prepare for this neutral-site affair.
The Falcons also had two weeks off after suffering a 20-14 home loss against San Diego State Oct. 23 to snap a 4-0 SU/ATS run. The Under has hit in three in a row, and six of eight overall for the Falcons. They are aiming for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy after already securing a 23-3 win at Navy back on Sept. 11.
Army vs. Air Force odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:51 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Army +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Air Force -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Army +2.5 (-103) | Air Force -2.5 (-117)
- Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Army vs. Air Force odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Air Force 31, Army 23
Money line
AIR FORCE (-145) is a good play on the money line if you want to avoid the points and just pick a winner straight up. Air Force, already bowl eligible, had won four in a row before running into a buzzsaw from San Diego State. Look for the Falcons to bounce back, especially against an Army defense that was drummed by Wake Forest last time out.
Against the spread
AIR FORCE -2.5 (-117) is the play in this neutral-site affair. The Falcons have been steady on offense, going for 395.9 total yards per game, while registered 318.4 rushing yards per outing to rank No. 1 in the nation. That triple-option attack is difficult to stop. Occasionally, Air Force can pass it, going for 77.5 passing yards per contest to just keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Army was roughed up for 70 points against Wake Forest two weeks ago, and it allowed 180 yards on the ground. If it couldn’t stop the Deacs, Army will have a whale of a time trying to corral Air Force’s rushing attack.
Over/Under
OVER 37.5 (-110) is the slam-dunk play in this one. Again, Army was involved in a game with 126 total points last time out. Yes, both teams are rushing teams, so the clock will continue to run. But the thought process of the books seems flawed, and this should be an easy Over result. A significant bet is warranted.
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