The second of three service academy matchups this season takes place Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on CBS, with Army hosting Air Force at Blaik Field at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York. A victory for the Falcons would secure the Commander in Chief's Trophy for the first time since 2022 after they defeated Navy 14-9 earlier this year in Colorado Springs.
Air Force quarterback uncertainty
Air Force enters at 6-2 and bowl-eligible following a win over UConn, but faces significant quarterback questions. Starter Evan Medders is dealing with a turf toe injury and missed the UConn game, thrusting freshman Howard Fisher — originally the third-stringer — into action. Liam Szarka, the initial starter, is also sidelined. The Falcons have all but abandoned the passing attack; Medders and Fisher have combined for just 23 pass attempts, 128 yards and two touchdowns. Army's defense, which ranks 83rd nationally in scoring defense and 80th against the run, will likely sell out to stop the option run game.
Army's Cale Hellums provides quarterback advantage
Army has no such uncertainty at quarterback. Cale Hellums leads the team in both passing and rushing and is described as a dynamic playmaker who can create explosive plays either on the ground or through the air. In a game where clock control and ball security are paramount, Hellums' ability to generate big plays could swing the contest in the Black Knights' favor.
Special teams and hidden yards
Field position will be critical in an option-versus-option matchup. Both teams boast punters averaging over 47 yards per kick and have been stingy allowing returns. Air Force has allowed only three punt returns for six yards in its last five games, while Army has given up 33 yards on six returns all season. A breakdown in punt coverage could be as costly as a turnover in a game expected to feature few possessions.
How to watch
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Blaik Field at Michie Stadium, West Point, New York
TV: CBS
Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App, Paramount+ Premium
Prediction
Despite both teams typically playing in higher-scoring affairs, service academy games often defy trends. The pick is Under 44.5 points. SportsLine's computer model, which is 80-77 on top-rated college football picks this season, simulated the game 10,000 times and favors the under.
