1 00:00:01,040 --> 00:00:05,879 Need to get your football fix on all things Army, Navy and Air Force. 2 00:00:06,360 --> 00:00:12,039 This is Yards and Stripes Service Academy Football. Now here are your hosts, 3 00:00:12,240 --> 00:00:17,559 Pryce Atkinson, Steve Carney and Mike Loveall. Welcome into another edition of 4 00:00:17,640 --> 00:00:22,199 Yards and Stripes, your home for Army, Navy and Air Force Service Academy 5 00:00:22,199 --> 00:00:26,960 Football. That is what we do here in This is our Army Navy Preview 6 00:00:27,000 --> 00:00:30,800 Special. As we are part of the College Gridiron Coast to Coast podcast network, 7 00:00:31,199 --> 00:00:34,880 and we are going to get you ready for Saturday's Army Navy game. 8 00:00:34,920 --> 00:00:38,600 I'm Price Ackintson, joined by the man Steve Carney is always all the way 9 00:00:38,600 --> 00:00:42,679 from Nashville where he's at the MLB Winter Meetings just kicked off this week. 10 00:00:42,719 --> 00:00:46,600 But you know our Army Navy Preview Special, Steve, that's going to be 11 00:00:46,920 --> 00:00:50,920 loaded with interviews, information, and a whole lot more as we get you 12 00:00:51,000 --> 00:00:55,479 ready for Saturday. Is one hundred and twenty fourth installment of America's Game Army 13 00:00:55,560 --> 00:00:59,759 Navy, presented by USAA that will kick off Saturday at three pm on c 14 00:01:00,840 --> 00:01:03,640 We got guests from both sides. We got Steve Anderson, former Army linebacker 15 00:01:03,680 --> 00:01:07,840 team captain two thousand and nine, twenty ten from Black Night Nation Now and 16 00:01:07,879 --> 00:01:11,920 then Bill Wagner, the Navy beat writer from the Annapolis Capital. So we're 17 00:01:11,920 --> 00:01:18,120 going to break down Army Navy talking with folks from both sides Steven three o'clock 18 00:01:18,480 --> 00:01:21,959 kickoff on Saturday, real quick before we get to that, and we're going 19 00:01:22,040 --> 00:01:23,239 to talk a little bit more about the Bowl game. But want to give 20 00:01:23,280 --> 00:01:26,799 a plug right now to the Air Force Falcons as they are going bowling. 21 00:01:26,840 --> 00:01:30,439 Steve. They're going to take on number four twenty four James Madison and the 22 00:01:30,599 --> 00:01:37,680 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on Saturday, December the twenty third, So congratulations 23 00:01:37,680 --> 00:01:41,439 to the Falcons that are going bowling. We will break that one down just 24 00:01:41,480 --> 00:01:45,519 a little bit more here later in the podcast before we give you our picks. 25 00:01:45,519 --> 00:01:48,159 But as I mentioned, you know, we've got guests coming up. 26 00:01:48,200 --> 00:01:52,959 We've got Steve Anderson, we've got Bill Wagner, we've got Travis Manion Foundation 27 00:01:53,079 --> 00:01:56,159 on a roll segment, and we got to course our picks. But Steve, 28 00:01:56,239 --> 00:01:57,879 let's get to the game at hand. Buddy. This is what we 29 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:02,760 do at all ye long for. There is nothing like and I will say 30 00:02:02,760 --> 00:02:07,719 it, there is no rivalry in all of sport like Army Navy. I'm 31 00:02:07,719 --> 00:02:13,439 not talking college football. There is no rivalry of any kind. Red Sox, 32 00:02:13,560 --> 00:02:19,080 Yankees, Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, Michigan, Manchester United, 33 00:02:19,080 --> 00:02:23,360 and Chelsea like they can all eat their hearts out. There is nothing like 34 00:02:23,680 --> 00:02:28,960 this game. And it will go down on Saturday again three o'clock in Foxborough, 35 00:02:28,960 --> 00:02:32,080 Massachusetts, at Gillette Stadium where Army is right now a two and a 36 00:02:32,120 --> 00:02:37,759 half point favorite. Steve over Under is twenty seven and a half first time 37 00:02:37,840 --> 00:02:39,879 this game will ever be played in the state of Massachusetts, and as you 38 00:02:39,960 --> 00:02:43,599 know, the goal is to sing second. How fired up are you for 39 00:02:43,680 --> 00:02:49,159 it? Well, I was saying before we started recording Pricing. We do 40 00:02:49,240 --> 00:02:54,759 this show all year long just to get to just to get to this episode. 41 00:02:54,879 --> 00:02:59,919 This is the episode that we love doing and you love hearing about. 42 00:03:00,319 --> 00:03:04,759 And we're I'm going to speak for you when I say this Price. I 43 00:03:04,800 --> 00:03:08,800 am so excited. I know you're excited about this. We're both super geeked 44 00:03:09,439 --> 00:03:15,479 about being able to watch what is the quint I call it the quintessential college 45 00:03:15,479 --> 00:03:20,439 football game. You know that when you talk about college football, Yes, 46 00:03:20,800 --> 00:03:24,680 there are teams that are better. There are teams that are more talented and 47 00:03:24,800 --> 00:03:30,919 more skilled, but nobody has the heart, the desire, and the worth 48 00:03:30,039 --> 00:03:36,960 ethic that Army and Navy have when it comes to college football. And so 49 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:44,240 that's why I say that this is quintessential college football. You love watching it. 50 00:03:44,240 --> 00:03:47,759 It doesn't matter if you haven't watched Army or Navy all year long. 51 00:03:47,919 --> 00:03:52,439 There's going to be so many people that are just going to stop and watch 52 00:03:52,520 --> 00:03:55,000 the pageantry. And it's going to start from college game Day. Who is 53 00:03:55,039 --> 00:03:59,639 going to be in Foxborough this week? You're going to get to watch the 54 00:04:00,080 --> 00:04:02,800 brigade of midshipman come in, You're gonna get to see the core of cadets 55 00:04:03,120 --> 00:04:08,240 come in, and it's just going to be It's one of the most wonderful 56 00:04:08,759 --> 00:04:13,960 things that you could ever experience in person. I know you've been there, 57 00:04:14,080 --> 00:04:17,800 you've experienced it live. I have never experienced it live, which is unreal 58 00:04:17,839 --> 00:04:24,079 because when I was in the Navy, I was always deployed when the game 59 00:04:24,199 --> 00:04:29,839 was on. I can't tell you how many times I watched Army versus Navy 60 00:04:30,279 --> 00:04:36,439 from the mess tex a of a Knibbitts class aircraft carrier because it had to 61 00:04:36,519 --> 00:04:43,399 have been at least a handful of times, and so I just wish that 62 00:04:44,120 --> 00:04:47,639 hopefully someday I'll get a chance to witness it in person. But just the 63 00:04:47,680 --> 00:04:53,480 feeling I get watching it on television can only imagine what it's like in person. 64 00:04:53,759 --> 00:04:56,399 Yeah, there's nothing more pure. I mean, it's the most pure 65 00:04:56,439 --> 00:05:00,759 sporting event that our country has. And you know, getting to serve personally 66 00:05:00,800 --> 00:05:04,319 professionally, getting to serve as official score for two Army Navy games will ranks 67 00:05:04,399 --> 00:05:10,279 up there for me in terms of things I've done in my professional careers. 68 00:05:10,680 --> 00:05:14,040 You know, two of the coolest days of my life getting to serve and 69 00:05:14,160 --> 00:05:17,160 sit in that role. And there is just nothing like it. You know, 70 00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:21,319 you've heard that said. It's not hyperbole because there is no other game. 71 00:05:21,879 --> 00:05:26,680 There is no other game in this country that is played where you have 72 00:05:26,720 --> 00:05:30,399 an entire student body from one corner in one corner, an entire student body, 73 00:05:30,439 --> 00:05:34,319 not half, not three quarters, the entire core in one corner, 74 00:05:34,680 --> 00:05:39,639 the entire brigade student body of the other school in the other corner, and 75 00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:43,480 they go at it four hours you know, from when the march on's happened 76 00:05:43,519 --> 00:05:46,680 and you mentioned it, you know, college game Day obviously is gonna it's 77 00:05:46,720 --> 00:05:50,560 gonna air from twelve am to noon outside of Jillette Stadium a lot five B. 78 00:05:51,160 --> 00:05:56,759 You've got the College or CBS Sports Network that will air Inside College Football 79 00:05:56,800 --> 00:06:00,120 the march On presented by USA starting at twelve noon to one, and then 80 00:06:00,199 --> 00:06:04,560 the Inside College Football Army Navy Tailgate on CBS Sports Network that'll go from one 81 00:06:04,639 --> 00:06:10,399 thirty to three thirty before CBS takes over the full coverage with kickoff at three 82 00:06:10,480 --> 00:06:15,839 and Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson, Jenny del they'll have the call there from 83 00:06:15,079 --> 00:06:18,519 Foxborough. But Steve, you know, let's just kind of get into the 84 00:06:18,519 --> 00:06:21,000 game just a little bit here because we got some guests that we're gonna talk 85 00:06:21,040 --> 00:06:25,959 about it with. But you know, the eighth most played college football game 86 00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:30,360 in history. Navy leads the overall series here sixty two to fifty four and 87 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:33,319 seven, but Army has won two of the last three and five of the 88 00:06:33,399 --> 00:06:39,920 last seven. Seven of the the last nine of these games have been decided 89 00:06:39,959 --> 00:06:45,160 by seven points or less. We obviously remember last year because it's still kind 90 00:06:45,199 --> 00:06:47,279 of fresh in our memory, probably more so Navy with the way it went 91 00:06:47,360 --> 00:06:51,959 down. But the first time ever, this historic rivalry has ever gone to 92 00:06:53,160 --> 00:06:59,600 overtime. That Army one in doublet twenty to seventeen when Navy's Anton Hall Junior, 93 00:06:59,639 --> 00:07:01,759 going in for a touchdown to start the second overtime, put the ball 94 00:07:01,800 --> 00:07:05,839 on the ground right there the goal line, recovered by Army, and then 95 00:07:06,040 --> 00:07:10,680 quin Moretzky goes down and kicks a thirty nine yard field goal for the win. 96 00:07:11,360 --> 00:07:14,560 Army rushes the field. This year, Navy's gonna be the home team. 97 00:07:14,560 --> 00:07:17,240 They're gonna be wearing the dark uniforms, and our Army will be taking 98 00:07:17,279 --> 00:07:21,120 the field first as the road team. But you know we're going to talk 99 00:07:21,120 --> 00:07:24,759 about it with Steve Anderson here in just a little bit. Steve, the 100 00:07:24,800 --> 00:07:28,079 big thing that this game now has, the element of which we did not 101 00:07:28,319 --> 00:07:31,439 know or maybe even think as we got to the month of November, Army 102 00:07:31,519 --> 00:07:35,399 is going to be playing for this Commander in Chief Trophy outright with a victory, 103 00:07:35,439 --> 00:07:40,920 a win over Navy on Saturday night that will bring the Commander in Chief 104 00:07:41,279 --> 00:07:45,800 Trophy home to West Point a courtesy of that twenty three to three win over 105 00:07:45,879 --> 00:07:49,000 number twenty five Air Force back on November and the fourth if Navy wins that 106 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:54,480 would create the three way tie there, allowing air Force to retain control of 107 00:07:54,519 --> 00:07:58,240 the trophy. Steve, this is not something we thought would really be in 108 00:07:58,279 --> 00:08:01,600 play as we went through much of the season. No, absolutely not. 109 00:08:01,240 --> 00:08:07,800 We certainly thought that that the Commander in Chief Trophy was going to be you 110 00:08:07,800 --> 00:08:11,560 know, that was going to be decided four or five weeks ago when when 111 00:08:11,839 --> 00:08:18,560 Army faced air Force, because we both predicted that air Force would win pretty 112 00:08:18,639 --> 00:08:22,720 handily over the Black Knights, and that turned out to not be the case, 113 00:08:22,160 --> 00:08:26,800 as Army stood up, punched the Falcons in the mouth, caused them 114 00:08:26,839 --> 00:08:31,960 to force to turn the ball over six times and now and then all of 115 00:08:33,039 --> 00:08:37,799 a sudden, it's twenty to nothing before like you even could take a breath, 116 00:08:37,960 --> 00:08:41,759 and with a twenty three to three victory, you know, Army finds 117 00:08:41,799 --> 00:08:46,399 itself with even more motivation to beat Navy this week. It's not like the 118 00:08:46,480 --> 00:08:52,360 Black Knights don't have enough motivation to try and take it to the midshipman here 119 00:08:52,399 --> 00:08:56,399 in this final game. It's it. They're not going to a bawl game. 120 00:08:56,519 --> 00:08:58,080 Neither side is going to a bull game. This is your bowl game, 121 00:08:58,720 --> 00:09:03,200 and that that I think has to be a pretty you know, it's 122 00:09:03,360 --> 00:09:07,440 it's I don't want to call it a consolation prize because it's not a consolation 123 00:09:07,600 --> 00:09:11,559 prize, but the fact, the fact of the matter is that I don't 124 00:09:11,639 --> 00:09:20,639 think that a minor bowl game compares to the the amount of feeling that these 125 00:09:20,679 --> 00:09:24,000 two teams are going to have, uh playing each other here on Saturday. 126 00:09:24,039 --> 00:09:28,279 And I and I feel bad for saying that, for for the the for 127 00:09:28,360 --> 00:09:31,600 the bull sponsors and the people that run these bowl games. But you know, 128 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:39,879 Army going to the the Gasparilla Bowl. You know that nobody, you 129 00:09:39,919 --> 00:09:43,120 know, nobody from West Point is gonna care about that because all they care 130 00:09:43,159 --> 00:09:50,039 about is winning this week in Foxborough and now they've got extra motivation in order 131 00:09:50,080 --> 00:09:54,039 to do so. It's really uh, you know, I hate to say 132 00:09:54,080 --> 00:09:58,600 that maybe is stuck behind the proverbial eight ball, but they kind are. 133 00:10:00,080 --> 00:10:03,960 Yeah, yeah, I mean there you know, the seniors. I mean, 134 00:10:03,960 --> 00:10:05,080 this is, like you said, this is going to be their final 135 00:10:05,120 --> 00:10:07,120 game. There is no bowl game. I mean, this is it. 136 00:10:07,159 --> 00:10:09,919 You know, Army at five and six, Navies five and six. You 137 00:10:09,919 --> 00:10:13,960 know, Army beat two FCS teams, so therefore, you know, they 138 00:10:13,960 --> 00:10:18,440 couldn't get Bowl eligible no matter if they won this game, obviously maybe could 139 00:10:18,519 --> 00:10:20,480 become Bowl eligible. But this is after all, the bulls are handed out, 140 00:10:20,519 --> 00:10:24,919 so neither of these teams is going to play another college football game this 141 00:10:24,960 --> 00:10:28,399 season. So this is it for the seniors. And you know, something 142 00:10:28,399 --> 00:10:30,879 you alluded to and just kind of mentioned there. You know the intensity. 143 00:10:31,240 --> 00:10:33,039 You know, there's no bowl game that it's even going to come close to 144 00:10:33,320 --> 00:10:35,759 what this The intensity of this game is, like, I mean, having 145 00:10:35,840 --> 00:10:41,240 been there's nothing like being on the field before a kickoff of this game, 146 00:10:41,320 --> 00:10:43,480 or honestly, you go down to the field with like five minutes left in 147 00:10:43,519 --> 00:10:46,440 this game, and especially if it's a close game. I've been on the 148 00:10:46,440 --> 00:10:52,000 field for a couple National Championship college football playoff when Clemson beat Alabama at the 149 00:10:52,120 --> 00:10:54,200 very end, and I was there. I was one too, Yeah, 150 00:10:54,320 --> 00:10:58,840 Raymond James, Yeah that was Tampa. I was there when Alabama threw that 151 00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:03,320 touchdown pass on down to beat Georgia and Atlanta. You know, fortunate enough 152 00:11:03,320 --> 00:11:05,480 to go to one Super Bowl. Those are the only things that come close 153 00:11:05,559 --> 00:11:09,600 to this game. But there is nothing like the intensity, though, there 154 00:11:09,639 --> 00:11:15,159 is an intensity that you feel on the field of this game before kickoff and 155 00:11:15,200 --> 00:11:20,240 as this game winds down is uncomp it's incomparable. There is nothing like it. 156 00:11:20,879 --> 00:11:24,279 And you know is this game is gonna be played, you know, 157 00:11:24,320 --> 00:11:26,399 in Foxborough for the first time. Steve, Philly. Obviously we know that 158 00:11:26,440 --> 00:11:31,399 Philadelphia. They've hosted this game more times than any ninety times. Army has 159 00:11:31,440 --> 00:11:35,480 won forty one of those, Navy forty five with four ties. Can you 160 00:11:35,559 --> 00:11:39,240 name the city, Steve, that has hosted this game the second most times, 161 00:11:39,279 --> 00:11:41,120 and I will give you a hint. It is the only city where 162 00:11:41,240 --> 00:11:48,519 Army has a winning record over Navy. Well, the cities that I know 163 00:11:48,960 --> 00:11:56,480 that they've played this game in are obviously Baltimore, New York, and Washington, 164 00:11:56,600 --> 00:12:03,399 d C. I'm going to guess it's Baltimore. But but that that 165 00:12:03,600 --> 00:12:09,639 just it just would it would it would be the irony of the fact that 166 00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:13,200 they're that they're winning it. They would have a winning record in the state 167 00:12:13,279 --> 00:12:20,559 of Maryland against Navy, who of course is based in Maryland. Would would 168 00:12:20,600 --> 00:12:24,440 just would just be uh would be apropos Yeah, New York has hosted this 169 00:12:24,519 --> 00:12:30,440 game eleven times. Army is one seven, Navy is won three and there's 170 00:12:30,480 --> 00:12:33,200 been one ties. Like I said, it's the only city where Army's got 171 00:12:33,240 --> 00:12:37,440 a winning record in the series. Baltimore has hosted it the third most times. 172 00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:41,360 They've hosted it six times. The series is even there East Rutherford. 173 00:12:41,759 --> 00:12:43,279 Yeah, it's over in New Jersey. I'm not calling it New York City 174 00:12:43,320 --> 00:12:48,080 for you know, you know, for the purposes of you know, getting 175 00:12:48,120 --> 00:12:50,600 it right here. But East Rutherford has hosted it five times. Navy is 176 00:12:52,120 --> 00:12:54,600 one four, Army is one one. For those scoring at home, Just 177 00:12:54,600 --> 00:12:58,080 so you know, if you want to plan and go in the next couple 178 00:12:58,120 --> 00:13:01,360 of years, here's where the next four years will be. Next year, 179 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:05,679 December fourteenth, twenty twenty four, landover Maryland. It will be in the 180 00:13:05,759 --> 00:13:09,639 DC area as FedEx Field will have the game. December thirteenth, twenty twenty 181 00:13:09,639 --> 00:13:13,200 five, it will return to Baltimore. The Ravens, I will say, 182 00:13:13,240 --> 00:13:16,759 do a fantastic job hosting the game. December the twelfth, twenty twenty six, 183 00:13:18,279 --> 00:13:20,759 it goes back to the New York City area. It will be in 184 00:13:20,879 --> 00:13:24,759 East Rutherford. And then finally in twenty twenty seven, that's when it goes 185 00:13:24,799 --> 00:13:28,200 back to the city of brotherly love. Steve Philadelphia, where I think we 186 00:13:28,240 --> 00:13:31,960 all agree is the rightful home. It just feels right. I think when 187 00:13:33,000 --> 00:13:35,840 we talk to Steve Anderson, you're gonna look, folks, you're going to 188 00:13:35,960 --> 00:13:39,559 hear intensity like you have not heard intensity coming from a former Army team captain 189 00:13:39,639 --> 00:13:43,279 linebacker. But we talk about Philadelphia and he talks about, you know, 190 00:13:43,320 --> 00:13:48,360 with us, how much just how it's right to have the game in Philadelphia. 191 00:13:48,399 --> 00:13:52,480 And something I was thinking about when he was talking, there's just a 192 00:13:52,559 --> 00:13:56,200 synergy with Philadelphia. And I think to me, Steve, it has to 193 00:13:56,240 --> 00:14:00,679 do with so much of you know, Philly is at you know, that 194 00:14:00,720 --> 00:14:03,960 blue collar, that hard nosed edge town, and that's what these guys on 195 00:14:05,039 --> 00:14:07,399 the field. You know, these are just getting the dirt, hard working 196 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:11,919 college football players. There's no glitz and glamour, you know, power five 197 00:14:11,960 --> 00:14:18,919 stuff. It there's just that that blue collar work ethic that just these teams 198 00:14:18,200 --> 00:14:24,720 symbolized and played in Philly. That it's just it's perfect. Yeah, I 199 00:14:24,039 --> 00:14:28,440 agree with you completely. This is this is the game, This game I've 200 00:14:28,519 --> 00:14:35,039 I've always said belongs in Philadelphia. It's it's wonderful that they get to take 201 00:14:35,080 --> 00:14:39,759 it to these other these other cities, whether it's New York or Baltimore or 202 00:14:39,799 --> 00:14:45,440 Washington, d C in the DC area and now in New England, whether 203 00:14:45,480 --> 00:14:50,799 they go to Soldier Field in Chicago, or they go to you know, 204 00:14:50,919 --> 00:14:54,480 or they go to all Tell Stadium in Jacksonville because of the big Navy presidence 205 00:14:54,519 --> 00:15:01,639 there, or San Diego or wherever wherever they we're to host this game in 206 00:15:01,679 --> 00:15:09,919 the future, the home of Army Navy will always always be Philadelphia. It's 207 00:15:09,960 --> 00:15:15,200 you mentioned the the blue collar work ethic, of course, the trash talking. 208 00:15:16,399 --> 00:15:20,480 Philly is of course known for being the ultimate trash talking town. And 209 00:15:20,639 --> 00:15:26,200 I don't know of two other teams that trash talk the way that Army and 210 00:15:26,360 --> 00:15:31,639 Navy do and then hug it out at the end. That I think is 211 00:15:31,639 --> 00:15:35,879 the best part about it. It's not like other games in Philadelphia where where 212 00:15:35,919 --> 00:15:43,360 the the acrimony stays with you for as long as it does with Army and 213 00:15:43,440 --> 00:15:50,759 Navy. Uh that that acrimony and and that trash talking ends the moment the 214 00:15:50,799 --> 00:15:52,919 final whistle goes off. All right, let's get into the team just real 215 00:15:54,039 --> 00:15:56,799 quick, because we're gonna talk more about you know, the Army, Army 216 00:15:56,799 --> 00:16:00,519 Black Knights and the Navy Midshipman with our guests Steve Anderson and Bill Wagner here 217 00:16:00,639 --> 00:16:02,559 just a little bit. But the Black Knights. First of all, they're 218 00:16:02,559 --> 00:16:04,960 five and six coming into the game, chance to win the Commander in Chief 219 00:16:06,000 --> 00:16:10,039 Trophy outright, Steve. But the big thing is they come into this game 220 00:16:10,320 --> 00:16:15,200 playing their best football. They've won three straight since stunning air Force first Saturday 221 00:16:15,200 --> 00:16:18,720 in November. They've gone from two to six now to obviously five and six, 222 00:16:18,799 --> 00:16:22,960 trying to get to even steven five hundred four the season. You know, 223 00:16:23,080 --> 00:16:26,240 their last outing three weeks ago, Army rushed for a season high three 224 00:16:26,360 --> 00:16:30,559 hundred and sixty five yards versus Coastal when they went back to operating under the 225 00:16:30,600 --> 00:16:34,799 center, Rice and Daly's toughest nails that starting quarterback. I guess really the 226 00:16:34,840 --> 00:16:40,200 big question for Army coming into this game, which offense are they going to 227 00:16:40,240 --> 00:16:42,360 employ? Are they going to go with that shot gun that they basically said 228 00:16:42,399 --> 00:16:47,279 we're gonna you know, they institute with Drew Thatcher coming in from Nebraska Carney 229 00:16:47,320 --> 00:16:51,799 in the offseason, but they surprised Coastal they went back under center. Which 230 00:16:51,840 --> 00:16:53,799 offense Will we see the triple option out of the gun or will we see 231 00:16:53,799 --> 00:16:57,440 it under center? I think that's obviously the big question of the day. 232 00:16:57,679 --> 00:17:03,519 And you know it's going to keep that Navy coaching staff guessing. Oh absolutely, 233 00:17:03,600 --> 00:17:07,839 if I if I was Armies offensive coaches, I'd be going, why 234 00:17:07,960 --> 00:17:14,480 choose? Why? Why? Why go either all under center or all shotgun. 235 00:17:14,839 --> 00:17:19,880 Let's mix it up. Let's throw let's throw everything out there, and 236 00:17:19,960 --> 00:17:26,240 let's have a stew let Let's let's play some of these plays under center. 237 00:17:26,519 --> 00:17:30,519 Let's play some of these plays in the shotgun. Let's come out looking like 238 00:17:30,559 --> 00:17:34,839 we're gonna be under center, and then all of a sudden something happens and 239 00:17:34,880 --> 00:17:41,039 the quarterback steps back into shotgun. You know, you could really have a 240 00:17:41,079 --> 00:17:48,119 field day if your Army's offensive coaches just you know, driving naves defensive coaches 241 00:17:48,680 --> 00:17:52,799 absolutely crazy, like oh my, you know you come if you if you 242 00:17:52,920 --> 00:17:56,599 come out in a formation that they know, okay, this is going to 243 00:17:56,640 --> 00:18:02,119 be an under center, and all of a sudden, the if it's Bryce 244 00:18:02,200 --> 00:18:07,599 and Daily or whoever steps back into shotgun, you're gonna have them pulling their 245 00:18:07,640 --> 00:18:11,960 hair out or whatever hair they have left out, uh, and going and 246 00:18:12,039 --> 00:18:18,240 throwing their throwing their visors and and going I have no idea what's going on 247 00:18:18,400 --> 00:18:22,160 here? Uh? That could be it could be very interesting to see, 248 00:18:22,799 --> 00:18:26,480 uh, the the way that Army comes out and how Navy has to react 249 00:18:26,839 --> 00:18:32,079 to, uh, to how they're playing their offense, just because of what 250 00:18:32,119 --> 00:18:36,839 we see now with the Coastal game and then going back under center. It's 251 00:18:36,920 --> 00:18:41,240 the ultimate mind screw uh if you will uh that I think that I think 252 00:18:41,359 --> 00:18:45,759 Army is doing. Yeah. To me, I would guess it's gonna be 253 00:18:45,759 --> 00:18:48,400 a combination. I would just going on a limb to say, we're gonna, 254 00:18:48,480 --> 00:18:52,000 you know, kind of you know tinker, We're gonna, you know, 255 00:18:52,079 --> 00:18:55,160 go back and forth. We're just gonna continue to throw them off balance. 256 00:18:55,759 --> 00:18:57,799 And then I think if you see one really starting to take an edge 257 00:18:57,839 --> 00:19:00,680 and work better, I think you might see Army stick with it. But 258 00:19:00,720 --> 00:19:03,519 we'll see, you know, they're going to have something dialed up. Navy, 259 00:19:03,559 --> 00:19:07,079 on the other hand, five and six same They come into this game 260 00:19:07,160 --> 00:19:11,319 mirroring Army with the same record, but not with that kind of momentum. 261 00:19:11,319 --> 00:19:15,599 They had a two game winning streak going late, but coming off of fifty 262 00:19:15,680 --> 00:19:21,279 nine to fourteen loss at SMU on November the twenty fifth. You know, 263 00:19:21,440 --> 00:19:23,599 the biggest question I think for Navy in this game, you know, defensively 264 00:19:23,640 --> 00:19:27,200 is probably where their bread is buttered this year. Which quarterback is Navy going 265 00:19:27,279 --> 00:19:33,000 to start because they've started for this season. Seniors tend to get the nod 266 00:19:33,079 --> 00:19:34,599 in this kind of game, though, Steve, it's rare when you see 267 00:19:34,599 --> 00:19:40,319 a freshman thrown to the fire. That's why I think thy Labatis, you 268 00:19:40,319 --> 00:19:44,559 know, the battle banged up all year. But zavr Line, the very 269 00:19:44,599 --> 00:19:51,039 athletic or dual sport athlete, the plays lacrosse as well. He started the 270 00:19:51,119 --> 00:19:53,680 last two. My gut says that Xavier r Line is going to be the 271 00:19:53,680 --> 00:19:56,359 guy. I think they figured out that, hey, this is the best 272 00:19:56,359 --> 00:20:00,440 shot we've got. The guy who's not very known to throw the ball very 273 00:20:00,440 --> 00:20:03,279 well, had a good outing last time when he had to throw it. 274 00:20:04,279 --> 00:20:07,599 I think the Xavier Line is going to be the guy. But I think 275 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:10,960 that's gonna be something that Army will obviously be trying to guess, is where 276 00:20:11,000 --> 00:20:14,400 will Navy go? Might they play a couple of quarterbacks in this game, 277 00:20:14,720 --> 00:20:18,839 but not necessarily all play quarterback? Might they you know, start Xavier er 278 00:20:18,960 --> 00:20:21,960 Line, but put Ty Lavati to slot back. Those kind of things. 279 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:25,680 I think you're going to see some maybe of those kind of wrinkles, yeah, 280 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:30,240 or could you see our line at slot back like he was at the 281 00:20:30,279 --> 00:20:33,759 start of the year, so you could see Xavier r Line at slot back. 282 00:20:33,799 --> 00:20:41,319 You could see Lavatie in the backfield with and if you've got multiple quarterbacks 283 00:20:41,359 --> 00:20:45,720 in there, that that could lead to maybe a little bit of triggeration from 284 00:20:45,759 --> 00:20:51,920 Brian Newberry's offensive crew. I mean, could you could you imagine seeing Lavatie 285 00:20:52,519 --> 00:20:56,359 in the backfield with our line? Our line gives the ball a Lavati Labatie 286 00:20:56,440 --> 00:21:02,599 throws and then and then has an option pass and use that sort of to 287 00:21:02,599 --> 00:21:07,240 to kind of throw another wrinkle in. I really that's what makes this game 288 00:21:07,359 --> 00:21:11,160 so much fun. Yeah, is we can go could you imagine? Because 289 00:21:11,319 --> 00:21:14,880 let's face it, these guys are all smart enough that they that they could 290 00:21:14,960 --> 00:21:18,519 do this if they wanted to, if they want if they want to do 291 00:21:18,559 --> 00:21:22,279 this, they know how to implement it. That the coaches know, they've 292 00:21:22,319 --> 00:21:26,880 got some of the most brilliant minds in all of collegiate sports sitting on the 293 00:21:27,359 --> 00:21:33,920 standing on the sideline with them. So it's what makes this so enjoyable and 294 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:37,279 so much fun. You know, could could we see what sort of wrinkles 295 00:21:37,279 --> 00:21:41,559 could we see in both of these offenses. I'm really excited for it. 296 00:21:41,480 --> 00:21:47,039 I know you're really excited for it. I wouldn't play let's go home our 297 00:21:47,119 --> 00:21:49,279 offenses. Which way? Who would you give the edge to? I would 298 00:21:49,319 --> 00:21:52,960 tend to go Army. You know, rushing offenses, they're only about eight 299 00:21:53,039 --> 00:21:57,240 yards difference in terms of what they rush for per game, and in total 300 00:21:57,279 --> 00:22:00,640 offense, you know, about fifteen yards more per game, so it's kind 301 00:22:00,640 --> 00:22:04,039 of a wash. But I just feel like Army has just got more weapons. 302 00:22:04,079 --> 00:22:08,279 I feel like Bryson Daly is just more steady at quarterback. Ye throw 303 00:22:08,359 --> 00:22:11,359 in the football is never going to be a strength of either team. I 304 00:22:11,440 --> 00:22:15,759 just feel like, you know, especially moving Tyson Riley back to to that 305 00:22:15,799 --> 00:22:19,720 fullback position for Army Tyrol Robinson, you know, he obviously didn't get back 306 00:22:19,799 --> 00:22:25,720 until October. I just feel like there's more weapons running the football for the 307 00:22:25,720 --> 00:22:30,200 Black Knights. Where I would go with an edge offensively between the two teams 308 00:22:30,200 --> 00:22:33,680 with Army, Oh, absolutely, I agree with you. I would certainly 309 00:22:34,240 --> 00:22:41,039 have Army, uh have the have the advantage offensively. You know, if 310 00:22:41,079 --> 00:22:47,680 you look at what what Bryson Daly was able to do at quarterback versus the 311 00:22:47,799 --> 00:22:53,559 multitude the cornicopia, if you will. I love I love that that Brian 312 00:22:53,599 --> 00:23:00,119 Newbury's had to use here this year. I just I just feel like you 313 00:23:00,119 --> 00:23:03,640 you've got to give your the edge at quarterback, uh, to Army, 314 00:23:03,039 --> 00:23:10,119 the edge at whatever whatever they're calling uh, you know, slot back or 315 00:23:10,160 --> 00:23:14,039 the full back position. You know, I give that. I give that 316 00:23:14,200 --> 00:23:19,440 edge to Navy with with alec tesa and and Fafana. I really think that 317 00:23:19,880 --> 00:23:26,839 those two they could be a true wrecking ball when it comes to, uh, 318 00:23:26,640 --> 00:23:30,960 the running game for Navy. And I think that's if that's where their 319 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:33,519 bread is gonna be buttered. You know, Army, Uh, if they 320 00:23:33,599 --> 00:23:37,640 if they still had Isaiah Austen and we know, you know Allston has not 321 00:23:37,799 --> 00:23:42,079 had the year that any of us thought he was going to have. Uh. 322 00:23:42,119 --> 00:23:48,400 But if if they if they're able to throw the football a little more, 323 00:23:48,839 --> 00:23:52,559 I think I would give Army, Army the the edge there. So 324 00:23:52,640 --> 00:23:57,160 that's why I think Army has overall the edge offensively over Navy defensively, you 325 00:23:57,200 --> 00:24:02,640 know, both these teams. You know, obviously, Navy's had three shutouts 326 00:24:02,640 --> 00:24:07,000 this year, the only team I believe still with three shutouts in the FBS 327 00:24:07,039 --> 00:24:11,680 this season. Total defense, they're pretty They're right about even seven yards difference. 328 00:24:11,680 --> 00:24:15,559 They rank in the fifties in terms of you know, total defense, 329 00:24:15,599 --> 00:24:19,880 but big difference. Navy's thirtieth in the country in rush defense, giving up 330 00:24:19,920 --> 00:24:23,240 just one hundred and twenty one yards per game on the ground than only twelve 331 00:24:23,319 --> 00:24:27,799 rushing touchdowns, while Army not quite as good on the run, giving up 332 00:24:27,839 --> 00:24:33,079 sixty yards more per game and close to a yard and a half more per 333 00:24:33,119 --> 00:24:37,480 carry. Armies given up five yards of carrying Navy three point six. And 334 00:24:37,720 --> 00:24:42,160 Armies pass defense, you know, is much better than Navies. They ranked 335 00:24:42,200 --> 00:24:45,079 twenty second in the country, given up just one hundred and eighty eight yards 336 00:24:45,079 --> 00:24:49,160 per game. I think when it comes to defenses in this game, though, 337 00:24:49,200 --> 00:24:55,079 I think Navy's the team that's got the edge over Army. Oh absolutely, 338 00:24:55,359 --> 00:24:59,440 I would give maybe the edge both on the on the defensive line and 339 00:24:59,480 --> 00:25:04,279 in the line back corps. Their front seven is as good as just about 340 00:25:04,319 --> 00:25:11,960 any front seven in college football. I mean, we've seen, you know, 341 00:25:11,480 --> 00:25:19,599 Navy's got a bunch of honorable mentions for the American Athletic Conference All Conference 342 00:25:19,640 --> 00:25:26,160 Team. They've got a first team All Conference linebacker who I think could end 343 00:25:26,240 --> 00:25:30,319 up when all this said and done, being the Conference defensive player of the 344 00:25:30,400 --> 00:25:36,160 Year. So yeah, I would say, because the front seven is so 345 00:25:36,400 --> 00:25:40,640 much better, I would I would give Navy the edge, even though, 346 00:25:40,759 --> 00:25:45,759 yes, Army's defensive back corps is much better than Navy's, but I would 347 00:25:45,839 --> 00:25:48,920 still I would still go Navy with the with the edge over Army defensively. 348 00:25:48,960 --> 00:25:53,480 And that's what that's gonna make this so much fun. Army's good offense against 349 00:25:53,559 --> 00:26:02,359 Navs good defense, and vice versa that Armies Navy's lesser offense against Armies lesser 350 00:26:02,400 --> 00:26:07,400 defense. It could make for a very interesting kind of kind of game. 351 00:26:07,599 --> 00:26:10,799 And the question is gonna become who can stop who? So could it be 352 00:26:10,839 --> 00:26:15,400 decided with special teams. Navy seems to have a pretty sizable advantage when it 353 00:26:15,400 --> 00:26:18,319 comes to the punting game. Riley Riythman's been outstanding, ranks thirty second in 354 00:26:18,319 --> 00:26:22,359 the country in net punting. You know, Army checks in at one twelve 355 00:26:22,400 --> 00:26:26,359 in that category, but the Black Knights probably, I don't think there's any 356 00:26:26,440 --> 00:26:29,119 question they got a leg up when it comes to the field goal kicking unit. 357 00:26:29,200 --> 00:26:33,200 Quinn Moretzki, Yeah, he's hit eleven to thirteen this season, and 358 00:26:33,200 --> 00:26:36,599 I think sal Enordonado told us, you know, this week, mentioned that 359 00:26:36,680 --> 00:26:41,680 he's seven to seven in academy games in c I see matchups, So I 360 00:26:41,720 --> 00:26:45,799 think that's something to look at. And then when you look at, you 361 00:26:45,799 --> 00:26:48,920 know, some of the other intangibles. Punt returns, Army's actually first in 362 00:26:48,960 --> 00:26:52,559 the country, and punt returns, I don't think they've returned a whole lot 363 00:26:52,559 --> 00:26:56,160 of them, but kickoff returns, they're seventy first in the country. Their 364 00:26:56,240 --> 00:27:00,319 kickoff return defense is eight the best in the country. They I think that 365 00:27:00,359 --> 00:27:03,480 they have a little bit more of an edge does Army. Outside of the 366 00:27:03,480 --> 00:27:07,920 punting game, where you can obviously flip the field, I think the Army's 367 00:27:07,920 --> 00:27:11,440 probably got maybe a slight edge in special teams. Could that be where the 368 00:27:11,480 --> 00:27:14,160 game is won? Or is it going to come down to something, you 369 00:27:14,200 --> 00:27:17,279 know, like the intangibles, you know, like turnovers because you know, 370 00:27:17,359 --> 00:27:21,920 maybe we know that defense is forced a lot. They rank seventh overall and 371 00:27:21,960 --> 00:27:26,839 the country and total turnovers gained at twenty four, Army has gained seventeen when 372 00:27:26,880 --> 00:27:29,519 she is fifty seventh. Best. To me, it seems like this one 373 00:27:29,559 --> 00:27:32,720 always kind of comes down to who is going to make the big play and 374 00:27:33,799 --> 00:27:37,319 you know, create a turnover at the opportune time. Well, and my 375 00:27:37,400 --> 00:27:42,319 thought on that price is that when it comes to your your kicking game, 376 00:27:42,359 --> 00:27:48,519 and especially for Army, you know, Armies punting, their prowess is not 377 00:27:48,599 --> 00:27:53,119 as good as Navies. And that's because you know, when you're putting the 378 00:27:53,119 --> 00:27:57,240 ball on the tee at when you're done instead of dropping it from your hand, 379 00:27:57,599 --> 00:28:02,559 that's that's always a much better UH situation to be in. And that's 380 00:28:02,599 --> 00:28:07,319 where Quinn Moretsky is so important for them, and I think that that's going 381 00:28:07,400 --> 00:28:11,240 to be end up being the big key for Army, even more than turnovers. 382 00:28:11,240 --> 00:28:17,599 And you know how I harp on turnovers. I I always I always 383 00:28:17,720 --> 00:28:22,799 make sure UH to mention how important turnovers are. But for me, really 384 00:28:22,880 --> 00:28:26,240 the man who is going to UH and I don't want to I don't want 385 00:28:26,279 --> 00:28:33,200 to show my hand too early. But I have a feeling that that Maretzky 386 00:28:33,359 --> 00:28:37,440 is going to be the reason if if Army does make it three out of 387 00:28:37,440 --> 00:28:41,240 the last four and five out of I think five on the last six or 388 00:28:41,279 --> 00:28:45,680 five out of the last seven. Uh. Yeah, this run that they're 389 00:28:45,720 --> 00:28:49,400 on, where this is we're not at twelve years in a row where Navy 390 00:28:49,480 --> 00:28:55,279 won Uh these games. Uh, you know this is this is definitely Uh. 391 00:28:55,319 --> 00:28:59,720 The pendulum has swung back in Army's favor, and the question is can 392 00:28:59,799 --> 00:29:04,000 quick Moreski keep the pendulum going in that direction or will Army or will maybe 393 00:29:04,000 --> 00:29:10,319 get an opportunity to kind of slow things down and maybe start spending the momentum 394 00:29:10,319 --> 00:29:12,319 back the other way. The last style I'll just give you really quickly here. 395 00:29:12,359 --> 00:29:15,759 I think one that is not going to be a good number, and 396 00:29:15,799 --> 00:29:18,039 it usually never is in this game. I think punters are going to get 397 00:29:18,039 --> 00:29:22,079 a workout because again, these teams know each other so well, the coaches 398 00:29:22,119 --> 00:29:25,640 do. But third down conversions maybe is one hundred and twenty seventh in the 399 00:29:25,640 --> 00:29:30,759 country twenty eight percent converting on third down offensively, while Army seventy third in 400 00:29:30,799 --> 00:29:37,160 the country converting thirty eight percent of the time. So not a very good 401 00:29:37,240 --> 00:29:41,279 not as bad, but still bad exactly, So which team is going to 402 00:29:41,319 --> 00:29:45,920 be able to you know, keep drives alive is always a big deal when 403 00:29:45,960 --> 00:29:48,279 it comes to running the triple option. And again, you know each other, 404 00:29:48,359 --> 00:29:51,960 you know what they're going to do. You've recruited most of the same 405 00:29:52,079 --> 00:29:56,079 kids, so that's going to be obviously a statistic to watch along with turnover 406 00:29:56,119 --> 00:29:59,880 margin. But Steve a whole lot more to do here on Yards and Stripes. 407 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:03,119 We got Bill Wagner, We've got Steve Anderson, We've got a Travis 408 00:30:03,160 --> 00:30:06,079 Manning Foundation on a roll. We're going to talk about Air Force and their 409 00:30:06,079 --> 00:30:08,680 bowl game coming up in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. As we are 410 00:30:08,799 --> 00:30:12,440 part of the College grid Iron Coast to Coast podcast network here on Yarch and 411 00:30:12,480 --> 00:30:15,880 Stripes a ton of college football content to get you ready for bowl season. 412 00:30:17,400 --> 00:30:22,400 We've got it all right there on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, wherever 413 00:30:22,519 --> 00:30:25,640 it is you get your podcasts. 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Army, Navy and Air Force is what we do, 419 00:30:47,359 --> 00:30:52,119 and what we do next is we're going to talk Navy midshipman with Bill Wagner, 420 00:30:52,160 --> 00:30:56,960 the beat writer for The Midshipman, covers Navy four the Annapolis Capital known 421 00:30:57,000 --> 00:31:02,039 Bill for a long time, excited to get his insights into this edition of 422 00:31:02,079 --> 00:31:06,799 The Midshipman in Brian Newberry's first year as the head coach of the Midshipman. 423 00:31:06,839 --> 00:31:10,000 What he thinks about that, What are keys to the game for him? 424 00:31:10,240 --> 00:31:11,640 What this game might come down to in his pick, We're going to talk 425 00:31:11,680 --> 00:31:15,039 with Bill Wagner. Will we come back here on Yards and Stripes? This 426 00:31:15,079 --> 00:31:18,440 is our Army Navy preview special. Yards and Stripes is sponsored in part by 427 00:31:18,640 --> 00:31:22,920 ticket Smarter. College football season is here. 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The latest with 444 00:32:37,400 --> 00:32:43,920 Navy, Army and Air Force on Yards and Stripes Service Academy Football. All 445 00:32:43,960 --> 00:32:45,839 right, as we continue on in this episode of Yards and Stripes, you're 446 00:32:45,880 --> 00:32:50,559 home for Service Academy Football or Army Navy Preview special. Now going to talk 447 00:32:50,640 --> 00:32:53,799 some Navy Midshipman football with my man Bill Wagner. He is the beat writer 448 00:32:53,960 --> 00:32:58,920 for the Capitol newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland. You can follow him on Twitter 449 00:32:58,960 --> 00:33:06,200 at b Wagner Underscore cap g A. Z has covered the Midshipman for many, 450 00:33:06,200 --> 00:33:09,119 many years. Nobody better to talk Navy football than with Wags. Also 451 00:33:09,160 --> 00:33:14,880 the co host of the Anchors Away podcasts. It's part of the Capitol Network. 452 00:33:14,920 --> 00:33:19,440 But Bill, we've seen some up and down Navy football seasons before. 453 00:33:19,640 --> 00:33:22,160 I mean, this one seems a little bit different in its own right. 454 00:33:22,200 --> 00:33:24,519 You know, you started the season in Ireland, brand new head coach. 455 00:33:24,720 --> 00:33:30,200 You know, inconsistent results here and there, four quarterbacks taking snaps as the 456 00:33:30,240 --> 00:33:34,720 starting quarterbacks, a few blowouts along the way, several shutouts along the way. 457 00:33:34,839 --> 00:33:37,279 What's it been like to cover this edition of Navy football? Bill, 458 00:33:38,200 --> 00:33:40,319 Well, as you said, it's been a lot of ups and downs, 459 00:33:40,519 --> 00:33:45,680 stops and starts, and they just haven't been able to build any momentum, 460 00:33:45,599 --> 00:33:47,920 have a couple of wins and then a loss, win, a loss. 461 00:33:47,960 --> 00:33:52,480 It's been that type of season. And it starts with the offense. Offense 462 00:33:52,519 --> 00:33:55,839 has been very inconsistent, you reference for starting quarterbacks, where that's where it 463 00:33:55,880 --> 00:34:00,200 begins. They finally have settled on Xavier r. Line, who wasn't even 464 00:34:00,200 --> 00:34:04,839 a quarterback at the beginning of the season. He was playing slot bag and 465 00:34:05,079 --> 00:34:08,639 he has brought a little bit of consistency. But the offense is still struggling. 466 00:34:09,199 --> 00:34:14,159 But you know, first year under head coach Brian Newberry, Navy has 467 00:34:14,239 --> 00:34:19,199 more wins than it has had in the previous three seasons. So it's since 468 00:34:19,239 --> 00:34:23,039 twenty nineteen. The five wins are the most. That's improvement. If you 469 00:34:23,079 --> 00:34:27,599 beat Army finished strong, you go into the off season with a little momentum. 470 00:34:28,960 --> 00:34:32,159 You know, you mentioned Brian Newberry first year. That was one thing 471 00:34:32,199 --> 00:34:35,880 I wanted to you know, ask you about is because you know it's gonna 472 00:34:35,880 --> 00:34:37,159 be his first Army Navy game. It's gonna be a little bit different being 473 00:34:37,199 --> 00:34:40,360 in the big seat, big boys seat, versus the coordinator seat. You 474 00:34:40,400 --> 00:34:45,079 know, one more games in a year ago. Obviously, clearly it was 475 00:34:45,119 --> 00:34:50,480 a much controversial decision by athletic director check Glad Chuck to get rid ofk in 476 00:34:50,519 --> 00:34:54,000 Nea matlolo At you know, you know on the scene in Philadelphia last year 477 00:34:54,880 --> 00:34:58,519 in pivot to Brian Newberry. I mean, to this point, how would 478 00:34:58,519 --> 00:35:07,079 you rate season one of the Newberry era. I think it's been that's a 479 00:35:07,079 --> 00:35:10,800 good question, Pryce. There's been some good and some bad, and I 480 00:35:10,840 --> 00:35:15,679 think it's been a learning process for everyone. Coach Newberry has learned a lot 481 00:35:15,679 --> 00:35:17,360 of things on the job about being a head coach. He'd only been a 482 00:35:17,400 --> 00:35:24,079 coordinator previously, so he's learning things as he goes. You know, They've 483 00:35:24,159 --> 00:35:27,920 got to get better on offense, period, end of story. That's the 484 00:35:27,960 --> 00:35:30,840 main reason why a change was made. The offense was stagnant. They haven't 485 00:35:31,320 --> 00:35:37,800 had good offensive production. For you take out the twenty nineteen season when Malcolm 486 00:35:37,840 --> 00:35:43,559 Perry ran Wild and it's been six seasons of subpar offense and there are a 487 00:35:43,599 --> 00:35:47,239 lot of reasons for that. But the main point about making a coaching change 488 00:35:47,280 --> 00:35:52,679 was to bring in a fresh mind at offensive coordinator. And they hired Grant 489 00:35:52,760 --> 00:35:58,239 Chestnut away from Kennesall State and he and Brian Newberry worked together of Kennsall State 490 00:35:58,320 --> 00:36:02,639 under Brian Bohannon. And you know, Chef Grant has not been able to 491 00:36:04,280 --> 00:36:09,239 you know, solve the problem just yet. There's there's been some positive signs. 492 00:36:09,280 --> 00:36:15,360 He's introduced some schemes and elements that will look promising, but again it's 493 00:36:15,400 --> 00:36:17,519 been a lot of three and outs. A lot of you know, inability 494 00:36:17,599 --> 00:36:22,960 to sustain drives, and they're not scoring points. They're averaging eighteen points a 495 00:36:22,000 --> 00:36:27,239 game. It's not going to get it done in this level of college football, 496 00:36:28,079 --> 00:36:31,639 especially in a league like the American Athletic Conference that has so many explosive 497 00:36:31,719 --> 00:36:38,239 teams. So they they still got to figure out the offense. I'm curious, 498 00:36:38,280 --> 00:36:44,000 why do you think that it's more scheme than players or is this more 499 00:36:44,119 --> 00:36:47,440 players than schemer or is it too early to tell, you know, that's 500 00:36:47,440 --> 00:36:52,960 a good question. I think it's a combination thereof they've got some good skill 501 00:36:53,039 --> 00:36:58,679 position players. Alex Tesca the fullback, and they're not calling it fullback anymore. 502 00:36:59,480 --> 00:37:04,519 They've got a different name for it. But because the fullback is not 503 00:37:04,599 --> 00:37:07,039 the same as it was in the triple option system, they're using them in 504 00:37:07,039 --> 00:37:12,639 a wide variety of ways. They use them on pitches or sometimes have two 505 00:37:13,280 --> 00:37:17,519 fullbacks in the backfield at the same time. But he has shown game breaking 506 00:37:17,559 --> 00:37:22,639 ability. Eli Heyden Wright, the talented sophomore slop back, has also had 507 00:37:23,119 --> 00:37:29,719 a lot of explosive plays. So there's some talent, but the offensive line 508 00:37:29,920 --> 00:37:34,360 has been not up to up to par, and they've committed way too many 509 00:37:34,360 --> 00:37:37,320 false start penalties, and in the type of offensive maybe runs, you can't 510 00:37:37,800 --> 00:37:43,559 have those negative plays. They set you behind the sticks. So I would 511 00:37:43,599 --> 00:37:50,760 say the offensive line has not had a Navy caliber season and that that's one 512 00:37:50,800 --> 00:37:52,719 of the first things that has to be addressed. You have to figure that 513 00:37:53,000 --> 00:37:59,159 they're not talented enough upfront. They got to get better. As we continue 514 00:37:59,159 --> 00:38:04,239 with Bill Wagner talk some Navy football again covers the Midshipman for the Capitol Newspaper, 515 00:38:04,599 --> 00:38:07,760 also the co host of the anchors Away podcasts, and you know, 516 00:38:07,199 --> 00:38:12,599 four starting quarterbacks this year. We think Xavier R. Line is going to 517 00:38:12,679 --> 00:38:15,599 be the guy under center unless they throw out a new wrinkle. But you 518 00:38:15,639 --> 00:38:19,079 know something we've talked about several years now, Wags, it feels like it's 519 00:38:19,199 --> 00:38:22,519 it's just becomes a bigger factor. You know, we know that the quarterback 520 00:38:22,559 --> 00:38:25,639 obviously pulls all the strings in this type of offense, but you know, 521 00:38:25,760 --> 00:38:30,679 Navy has been searching for that and I'm not call it be back full back, 522 00:38:30,719 --> 00:38:35,440 but they've been searching for that feature ball carrier behind the quarterback. You 523 00:38:35,480 --> 00:38:40,239 know, I thought dab Bofana might be emerging on the scene to be that 524 00:38:40,320 --> 00:38:44,960 guy. It's been more Alex Tesca this year, but you got to go 525 00:38:45,039 --> 00:38:49,639 back several years to find one of those heavy hitter Kyle Eckele. I mean, 526 00:38:49,679 --> 00:38:52,760 god, there have been so many of those kind of dudes. They 527 00:38:52,800 --> 00:38:54,960 haven't had one of those kind of guys at full back in several years. 528 00:38:55,039 --> 00:38:59,519 And you know, an a back or a slot back, whatever you want 529 00:38:59,519 --> 00:39:01,559 to you know the terminology. Now, they don't seem to have those kind 530 00:39:01,599 --> 00:39:06,480 of big game, you know, speed game breakers like the Reggie Greens of 531 00:39:06,480 --> 00:39:09,400 the world. It seems like they're still searching, you know, and have 532 00:39:09,559 --> 00:39:13,880 been for several years. You know, they were fortunate enough Malcolmpary you could 533 00:39:13,880 --> 00:39:15,880 put him anywhere. He could carry the football and be dynamic and electric. 534 00:39:15,960 --> 00:39:21,519 But you know, those kind of playmakers just don't seem to be there or 535 00:39:21,559 --> 00:39:23,960 we were Am I wrong on that? Well? I met I mentioned Alex 536 00:39:24,000 --> 00:39:30,159 Tesca and Eli heyden Reich have shown the ability to be that when given opportunities. 537 00:39:30,199 --> 00:39:34,039 When given I mean, you've got to create holes, you got to 538 00:39:34,079 --> 00:39:38,039 create openings. So I think they've had some guys. Daba Fafana in the 539 00:39:38,039 --> 00:39:43,519 past has had numerous breakaway runs, So I think they got the skill guys. 540 00:39:44,519 --> 00:39:49,320 I just it's it's a lot of the combination of better need better blocking 541 00:39:49,679 --> 00:39:52,719 across the board. And it's not just the offensive line, it's you know, 542 00:39:52,800 --> 00:39:55,639 the perimeter is a very difficult to block. The perimeter now on the 543 00:39:55,679 --> 00:40:01,159 option without the ability to cut block on outside. So that's one big change. 544 00:40:01,199 --> 00:40:06,719 It's hard to run the slop backs when you can't cut the secondary players 545 00:40:06,760 --> 00:40:08,960 like the safety in the corner. But I do agree with the quarterback. 546 00:40:09,519 --> 00:40:15,920 Whenever Navy's had a big time quarterback Keenan Reynolds, you mentioned Malcolm whenever they've 547 00:40:15,960 --> 00:40:21,639 had a top tier athlete at quarterback, it makes the world a difference because 548 00:40:21,679 --> 00:40:27,960 you quarterback has to be a dangerous perimeter, a dangerous running threat in this 549 00:40:28,079 --> 00:40:31,159 offense, both inside and on the perimeter, and when you don't have a 550 00:40:31,199 --> 00:40:37,800 quarterback that's a real threat, it enables defenses to focus on those other positions. 551 00:40:37,840 --> 00:40:42,320 So I think just Navy is having to evolve. I don't want to 552 00:40:42,360 --> 00:40:45,519 say that triple options dead, but it's become more and more difficult with the 553 00:40:45,559 --> 00:40:52,119 blocking rule changes to run the option, and Navy is trying to evolve. 554 00:40:52,119 --> 00:40:58,440 And I liked Grant Chestnut talked about incorporating quick passing game schemes, which is 555 00:40:58,480 --> 00:41:01,239 a good idea. That's a way to get your playmakers out in space with 556 00:41:01,400 --> 00:41:07,639 a short, safe throw, a high percentage throw. But frankly, we 557 00:41:07,760 --> 00:41:12,079 have not seen as much of that as we thought we would going into the 558 00:41:12,119 --> 00:41:17,840 season. Weg on the defensive side of things, looking at the up bombing 559 00:41:17,920 --> 00:41:25,559 game. How do you see Navy's front seven comparing to Army's offense. Well, 560 00:41:25,639 --> 00:41:30,480 Navy is that they're outstanding in the front seven. That's been the strength 561 00:41:30,519 --> 00:41:32,920 of the team. You talk about. The defensive line has been the unsung 562 00:41:34,000 --> 00:41:38,639 heroes of this team all season. Donald Berniard the nose guard, Clay Cromwell 563 00:41:38,679 --> 00:41:43,880 the tackle, and they've had this guy Justin Reed. Jacob Musick was the 564 00:41:43,920 --> 00:41:47,239 starting end to begin the year. He got injured and Justin Reid stepped in 565 00:41:47,280 --> 00:41:51,719 and had a great season. And then behind them you've got Colin Ramos, 566 00:41:51,880 --> 00:41:57,960 the first team All American Athletic Conference Inside linebacker Will Harmer also received All AAC 567 00:41:58,760 --> 00:42:05,400 mentioned, So those those two inside linebackers are outstanding. So the front seven, 568 00:42:05,920 --> 00:42:09,639 frankly, the entire defense has been a real strength of this team all 569 00:42:09,719 --> 00:42:14,559 season, and Army's very good up front. They've got a good offensive line. 570 00:42:14,599 --> 00:42:19,320 They've they've they've shown a time's ability to to really you know, hammer 571 00:42:19,360 --> 00:42:22,440 people. But I would put Navy's defensive front up against I mean, they've 572 00:42:22,480 --> 00:42:27,480 shown it all season. They've you know that that stopping the run has never 573 00:42:27,519 --> 00:42:32,639 been an issue this season for Navs. All right, continue with Bill Wagner 574 00:42:32,760 --> 00:42:38,039 talking navymanshipman football and something we asked south ender Donado a little bit earlier about 575 00:42:38,199 --> 00:42:44,360 Army Wags. Is there a guy you know outside, say the quarterbacks sit, 576 00:42:44,559 --> 00:42:47,320 you know position. Is there a guy or position you think that is 577 00:42:47,400 --> 00:42:51,480 going to be you look at it and say that is the key. This 578 00:42:51,559 --> 00:42:53,519 is where this game is going to come down down to. We need him 579 00:42:53,920 --> 00:42:58,920 or this group of players that is going to be where Navy is going to 580 00:42:59,000 --> 00:43:01,320 win or lose this football game. Is there any gun or position that you 581 00:43:01,320 --> 00:43:06,679 would say would be the key for the Mids offensive line. They've got to 582 00:43:06,719 --> 00:43:09,400 prove that they can blow put, you know, knock Army off the ball, 583 00:43:09,559 --> 00:43:13,440 control the line of scrimmage, and create holes. It's all going to 584 00:43:13,519 --> 00:43:15,880 start up front. And like I just mentioned, I feel like Navy's defensive 585 00:43:15,880 --> 00:43:22,360 front can hold its own and give Army everything they've got. It's the offensive 586 00:43:22,400 --> 00:43:25,360 line for Navy that is the big question mark. Can they move Army and 587 00:43:27,480 --> 00:43:30,679 create openings for their skill position guys to run. That's going to be the 588 00:43:30,719 --> 00:43:37,239 key and a big picture question for you, Ags, because I'm kind of 589 00:43:37,280 --> 00:43:42,920 curious to get your thoughts. This is something else that we ask South earlier 590 00:43:43,320 --> 00:43:47,239 about the game itself. It's in Foxborough this year, it's going to be 591 00:43:47,280 --> 00:43:53,400 away from Philadelphia for the next couple of years. How much does this game 592 00:43:53,639 --> 00:44:00,719 change in your mind not being in Philadelphia. Oh, I don't think it's 593 00:44:00,719 --> 00:44:02,559 that big of a deal. It's been other places. It's been at, 594 00:44:02,679 --> 00:44:07,119 you know, the Meadowlands, at various stadiums at the Meadowlands, it's been 595 00:44:07,159 --> 00:44:09,440 to M and T. Banks Stadium in Baltimore. It's a great game wherever 596 00:44:09,480 --> 00:44:13,480 it's played. This will be a unique experience. It'll, you know, 597 00:44:13,559 --> 00:44:15,800 add to the folklore of Army Navy to be playing it in the New England 598 00:44:15,800 --> 00:44:20,960 region. And the excitement is apparently off the charts up there, both from 599 00:44:20,960 --> 00:44:25,000 a media and fans standpoint. So I think it's positive. All right, 600 00:44:25,000 --> 00:44:30,000 Wag, Before we let you go, you know a couple quick hitters for 601 00:44:30,039 --> 00:44:31,440 you. I saw a report that Navy co captain I think it may have 602 00:44:31,480 --> 00:44:37,159 been your report defensive end Jacob busick he might return for the Army game. 603 00:44:37,440 --> 00:44:42,000 Is that is that what we're hearing? Yeah? So remarkably. I mean 604 00:44:42,119 --> 00:44:44,760 he I don't think even Jacob thought he was going to be able to make 605 00:44:44,800 --> 00:44:47,400 it back this season, but he is going to be in uniform. I 606 00:44:47,400 --> 00:44:51,719 don't know how much he can contribute. He hasn't played since the third game 607 00:44:51,719 --> 00:44:54,400 of the season, so I'm not sure you know how how much they can 608 00:44:54,440 --> 00:44:59,280 expect from him. So but great for him as a senior captain to be 609 00:44:59,280 --> 00:45:02,800 able to be in uniform and be available. So pretty remarkable comeback for music 610 00:45:02,840 --> 00:45:07,800 from what everyone thought was a season ending injury. And then also in your 611 00:45:07,800 --> 00:45:12,440 most recent piece, you know, you talk about headline a mid pressure. 612 00:45:12,480 --> 00:45:15,679 There are goals to go, each team seeking six win in addition to momentum 613 00:45:15,800 --> 00:45:20,679 entering the off season. Everybody can read that at the Capital Newspaper online. 614 00:45:21,000 --> 00:45:23,039 But in the piece you mentioned, you know, we certainly know the long 615 00:45:23,239 --> 00:45:28,239 history that navyes got with the New England Patriots. You know, several different 616 00:45:28,320 --> 00:45:31,599 layers Joe Cardona, long snapper played it. You know, was a former 617 00:45:31,639 --> 00:45:36,400 midshipman player for the Navy football team. But you know Bill Belichick his dad, 618 00:45:36,559 --> 00:45:39,000 long time staff member, you know, advanced scout special teams for the 619 00:45:39,039 --> 00:45:43,719 mids. You mentioned in the piece Bill Belichick going to address and talk to 620 00:45:43,760 --> 00:45:51,000 the team on Friday night before Saturday's game. Yeah, and I'm not surprised 621 00:45:51,039 --> 00:45:54,079 by that. Bill Belichick was at the Army Navy press conference. He did 622 00:45:54,079 --> 00:45:58,199 not appear publicly because he didn't want to get mobbed and have to answer a 623 00:45:58,199 --> 00:46:02,480 bunch of questions from reporters. But he met privately with coach Brian Newberry at 624 00:46:02,519 --> 00:46:07,960 Gulette Stadium that day, and that's when Brian asked if would he be willing 625 00:46:07,000 --> 00:46:10,199 to druss the team. I'm not at all surprised. And you know, 626 00:46:10,239 --> 00:46:15,519 Bill Belichick is a full fledged supporter of Navy football. Always has been, 627 00:46:15,559 --> 00:46:20,079 always will be. All Right, wagons, we got to know, what's 628 00:46:20,119 --> 00:46:25,559 your prediction for this upcoming Saturday at Gillette Stadium, one hundred and twenty fourth 629 00:46:25,679 --> 00:46:30,480 Army Navy game. Who comes out with their six winner? Boy, put 630 00:46:30,519 --> 00:46:37,679 me on the spot. I mean Army beat air Force. Actually pretty convincingly, 631 00:46:37,840 --> 00:46:42,639 and Navy got beaten pretty soundly by Air Force, so that gives me 632 00:46:42,800 --> 00:46:47,480 pause and makes me feel like Army might have a slight upper hand. You 633 00:46:47,519 --> 00:46:52,800 know. I think I want Navy to win, obviously because it's good for 634 00:46:52,840 --> 00:46:57,960 the program that I cover, But I just I think Army is They're they're 635 00:46:58,000 --> 00:47:00,239 trying to clinch the Commander in Chief trophy. We got a lot of motivation, 636 00:47:01,760 --> 00:47:06,719 so I kind of think Army might win seventeen fourteen, twenty seventeen, 637 00:47:06,760 --> 00:47:08,679 something like that. It's gonna be a close game. It's gonna be you 638 00:47:08,679 --> 00:47:13,679 know, a field goal or a couple point difference. But I hate to 639 00:47:13,719 --> 00:47:17,039 say that. I think Army is uh is the better team. Wow, 640 00:47:17,119 --> 00:47:22,079 hitting the Oprah too, all right. That's Bill Wagner, the beat writer 641 00:47:22,199 --> 00:47:27,159 for The Navy Midshipman, reports for the Capitol Newspaper and Annapolis Again. Follow 642 00:47:27,199 --> 00:47:31,199 him on Twitter at bat Wagner, unders Underscore cap Gaz also co host of 643 00:47:31,239 --> 00:47:35,880 the anchors Away podcast, where you get all things Navy Midshipman. Wags Man, 644 00:47:35,880 --> 00:47:37,760 It is always great to see you and catch up friend, have a 645 00:47:37,760 --> 00:47:40,519 safe trip to Boston and can't wait to see the coverage you'll be continuing to 646 00:47:40,599 --> 00:47:45,719 churn out leading up to the game and afterwards. Thanks guys, Thanks all 647 00:47:45,800 --> 00:47:49,920 right. That was Bill Wagner, the beat writer for the Annapolis Capital, 648 00:47:50,440 --> 00:47:54,280 broke down the midshipman what he's seen being on the road with Navy all season 649 00:47:54,400 --> 00:48:00,519 long and a season that started way back, way back. Stephen in Dublin, 650 00:48:00,599 --> 00:48:04,679 Ireland. That they will play the longest regular season of any team in 651 00:48:04,719 --> 00:48:07,800 the country this year. But it was great to catch up with Bill, 652 00:48:07,000 --> 00:48:12,000 is, you know, talking a whole lot about what he's seen out of 653 00:48:12,039 --> 00:48:15,320 this team this year. And it's gonna be fun on Saturday. But speaking 654 00:48:15,320 --> 00:48:21,639 a fun boy, we're gonna have some fun next. Steve Anderson former Army 655 00:48:21,679 --> 00:48:25,119 team captain, the linebacker captain the Black Knights in two thousand and twenty and 656 00:48:25,280 --> 00:48:30,000 ten. It was a twenty eleven West Point graduate. He's stationed out in 657 00:48:30,079 --> 00:48:31,840 Fort leven, Where, Kansas. He's also the co host of the Black 658 00:48:31,880 --> 00:48:37,360 Knight Nation podcast with our friend south Enerdnado that you can check out at Black 659 00:48:37,440 --> 00:48:42,639 Knightnation dot com. Steve is bringing juice, folks. Go ahead, buckle 660 00:48:42,760 --> 00:48:45,199 up because Steve is already buckled up. It's early in the week. He 661 00:48:45,360 --> 00:48:50,639 is ready to strap on the pads. You're gonna hear the intensity from Steve 662 00:48:50,679 --> 00:48:53,440 Anderson when we come back here on our Army Navy Preview special. This is 663 00:48:53,880 --> 00:49:00,679 Yards and Stripes your home for Service Academy Football, the latest with Navy, 664 00:49:01,079 --> 00:49:09,079 Army and Air Force on Yards and Stripes Service Academy Football. All right, 665 00:49:09,119 --> 00:49:14,360 continuing on our Army Navy Previews special here on Yards and Stripes, and boy, 666 00:49:14,400 --> 00:49:19,760 we're bringing beef juice energy in the form of Steve Anderson, co host 667 00:49:19,840 --> 00:49:24,119 of a Black Knight Nation podcast, former Army linebacker team captain now stationed in 668 00:49:24,199 --> 00:49:30,000 Fort Leavenworth out in Kansas. You heard Steve on with us earlier this season, 669 00:49:30,400 --> 00:49:32,400 and certainly we hope you're listening to the Black Knight Nation podcasts. Soule 670 00:49:32,519 --> 00:49:37,360 Enter, Donado and Steve and the array of folks they have on there do 671 00:49:37,440 --> 00:49:42,000 a fantastic job. But Steven, it's game week Army Navy. You have 672 00:49:42,119 --> 00:49:45,480 been at the center of this field for a coin toss. I can see 673 00:49:45,639 --> 00:49:50,079 the juice is flowing now. I think the excitement probably started weeks ago. 674 00:49:50,159 --> 00:49:52,519 It's not built to that crescendo yet, but it's getting close. What does 675 00:49:52,559 --> 00:49:57,280 it feel like game week as a former team captain of the Black Knights. 676 00:49:58,440 --> 00:50:04,159 Yeah, Sam, I mean the bloods on fire, right. Yeah. 677 00:50:04,239 --> 00:50:07,239 So you know last week was a bye and I had buddies hit me up 678 00:50:07,320 --> 00:50:10,639 like about it. Last week. I was like, guys, I can't 679 00:50:10,679 --> 00:50:15,719 do two weeks at this intensity. Okay, I need to. I need 680 00:50:15,719 --> 00:50:17,760 to. I need to focus on a few things I need to get done 681 00:50:17,800 --> 00:50:22,159 this week before I just start, you know, punting things and going all 682 00:50:22,199 --> 00:50:30,760 in and and really just really you know, turn on the dislike of of 683 00:50:30,960 --> 00:50:35,360 Navy Navy UH Navy football program. So uh yeah, man, what a 684 00:50:35,400 --> 00:50:38,760 special week, all the things leading up to it. It's it's you know, 685 00:50:38,880 --> 00:50:45,639 we talked about the conference championships and all those had bowl like experiences, 686 00:50:46,199 --> 00:50:51,320 and they're not always like this. This game, regardless of UH wins, 687 00:50:51,400 --> 00:50:59,360 losses, stats, players, coaches, doesn't matter. This rivalry is back 688 00:50:59,400 --> 00:51:05,960 where and it's anybody's game on Saturday. And you know the best thing about 689 00:51:06,000 --> 00:51:09,239 this game is if you do the fundamentals, if you win in the fundamentals 690 00:51:09,239 --> 00:51:14,960 of football, that is going to be who wins the game nine out of 691 00:51:15,000 --> 00:51:20,400 ten times? And I like our I like our chances. Love talking to 692 00:51:20,440 --> 00:51:27,920 Blake Powers and just the guys around the team super excited about the game on 693 00:51:27,960 --> 00:51:31,840 Saturday. I'm curious, Steve, because this game is going to be a 694 00:51:32,000 --> 00:51:37,679 Gellett Stadium in Foxborough. It's it's totally it's I I'm you're giving me the 695 00:51:37,719 --> 00:51:40,960 thumbs down sign. And I was going to ask you, you know this 696 00:51:42,079 --> 00:51:46,280 game, you know, the the tradition is always going to be Philadelphia. 697 00:51:47,039 --> 00:51:52,320 Obviously you feel kind of like I do, that something is missing with this 698 00:51:52,400 --> 00:51:55,679 game being in Foxborough and not in Philadelphia. Yeah, I mean, I 699 00:51:55,840 --> 00:52:00,760 just look, we understand that, uh, college football is a billion dollar 700 00:52:00,840 --> 00:52:06,239 business, and we understand all that. It's not about that. It's just 701 00:52:07,000 --> 00:52:12,320 you hope when you're talking about something, I mean, we're talking about so 702 00:52:12,599 --> 00:52:19,719 something so historic, and we're talking about something so unique within college football umbrella, 703 00:52:19,760 --> 00:52:23,880 that you would hope that it's not grandfather but almost protected doing Sure. 704 00:52:24,599 --> 00:52:30,079 You know, the military is so rich in tradition, in the atmosphere at 705 00:52:30,079 --> 00:52:36,039 Philly. I mean, I played at Ravens Stadium, I played at Philly, 706 00:52:36,360 --> 00:52:42,119 I've been on the sidelines at at d C. There is just something 707 00:52:42,159 --> 00:52:50,079 about Philadelphia Army Navy that you can't touch and you know, you know, 708 00:52:50,079 --> 00:52:52,440 I'm a Ravens fan as well, so I don't like the Patriots, so 709 00:52:52,440 --> 00:53:00,599 that adds to it. But but yeah, no, I hope it. 710 00:53:00,599 --> 00:53:06,079 It's gonna be a great Atlas here because when you bring the type of people 711 00:53:06,760 --> 00:53:10,000 that want to watch this game, they're all, for the most part, 712 00:53:10,360 --> 00:53:17,519 great people watching great people play a sport that people enjoy watching. And you 713 00:53:17,559 --> 00:53:22,760 know the quote that I love is, you know, you know, it's 714 00:53:22,840 --> 00:53:28,960 the only game that the players on the field are willing to, you know, 715 00:53:29,039 --> 00:53:31,239 put their lives on the live for the people that are watching, right, 716 00:53:34,239 --> 00:53:36,960 And not to get too sentiment of like they're doing it for all the 717 00:53:37,039 --> 00:53:42,679 reasons, right, but uh, the it's just such a cool aspect, 718 00:53:42,920 --> 00:53:45,039 uh and uniqueness to the game. And I'll tell you what, man, 719 00:53:46,039 --> 00:53:51,159 there's gonna be no no punch is held back. It's going to be a 720 00:53:51,199 --> 00:53:54,840 fight. I truly believe Navy believes they're the better team, and I know 721 00:53:55,119 --> 00:54:01,880 Army knows they're the better team. So I not be surprised if things come 722 00:54:01,880 --> 00:54:07,880 out popping right off the bat. I'm trying to seize that momentum because momentum 723 00:54:07,920 --> 00:54:13,800 can sway these games in a lot of ways. I can hear the street 724 00:54:14,079 --> 00:54:16,840 fight in Steve's voice right now, I can hear I hear that, I 725 00:54:16,920 --> 00:54:21,519 hear. Let's just take this on a back alley right now. Forget the 726 00:54:21,559 --> 00:54:24,800 cameras, forget the tanks on the side, forget the freaking people popping the 727 00:54:24,840 --> 00:54:29,039 freaking whatever popping things they do in the stands. Let's just go turn the 728 00:54:29,119 --> 00:54:31,159 lights off, getting a back alley, and let's just go sit each at 729 00:54:31,159 --> 00:54:37,679 each other the hardest. See who's less standing. I like where this game 730 00:54:37,760 --> 00:54:42,159 goes, well, I bet you do. Let's talk about it, Steve, 731 00:54:42,199 --> 00:54:45,239 because I mean, look, the script has really flipped here in this 732 00:54:45,360 --> 00:54:49,519 situation, and it flipped in Denver, uh for me this season, in 733 00:54:49,519 --> 00:54:53,719 this game, but this season, certainly for Army flipped in Denver when nobody 734 00:54:53,800 --> 00:54:58,320 was giving the Black Knights a chance against undefeated Air Force. They went in 735 00:54:58,360 --> 00:55:00,760 there. You talk about punching the mind in the mouth air Force, I 736 00:55:00,760 --> 00:55:05,840 mean they were still a staggered eight count in my opinion, when the final 737 00:55:05,880 --> 00:55:08,360 horn sounded. They had no idea what hit them, and it hit them 738 00:55:08,400 --> 00:55:12,239 so hard. I don't think they ever got up on their feet to figure 739 00:55:12,280 --> 00:55:15,719 out where they were playing that game and that game that season is I mean 740 00:55:15,880 --> 00:55:20,760 clearly turned around for the Black Knights, winning three straight, best win of 741 00:55:20,760 --> 00:55:23,519 the season, beating Coastal. You know in that last game, you know, 742 00:55:23,800 --> 00:55:29,440 before this one, you've got a team coming in with all the confidence 743 00:55:29,480 --> 00:55:32,159 in the world. Especially the big thing about this one is you're playing for 744 00:55:32,159 --> 00:55:35,920 a Commander in Chief trophy. Now you're not just playing for any kind of 745 00:55:35,960 --> 00:55:38,840 a split C. I C is on the line for the Black Knights. 746 00:55:39,239 --> 00:55:46,000 Yeah, and not just the motivation of it belongs to us, but it 747 00:55:46,000 --> 00:55:51,119 goes back to Air Force if there's a loss, and nobody wants that, 748 00:55:51,840 --> 00:55:58,519 right No, And but to that point, right, that's what I'm talking 749 00:55:58,519 --> 00:56:01,559 about, is how when you start with the momentum in these games, it's 750 00:56:01,599 --> 00:56:07,920 almost you you almost get that mental edge over your peer. That's that he 751 00:56:07,039 --> 00:56:12,000 knows you've got that mental edge on them. And that is what is so 752 00:56:12,599 --> 00:56:15,840 unique about this game is we're all in the military. We all live that 753 00:56:15,880 --> 00:56:22,920 military lifestyle. We don't have as much nice golf courses as or beaches as 754 00:56:22,920 --> 00:56:28,880 the Navy and Air Force do in the army, but what what what is 755 00:56:28,920 --> 00:56:34,320 you what is similar is that military mindset and you know you know, it's 756 00:56:34,519 --> 00:56:37,360 it's like that that quick Simon town, you know, when things are going 757 00:56:37,440 --> 00:56:40,239 bad and you have to flip the script somehow, and that is where we 758 00:56:40,320 --> 00:56:45,400 can capitalize by gaining momentum and punching in their mouth. They're going to feel 759 00:56:45,440 --> 00:56:47,840 like they need to do something right, and that's where errors can be made, 760 00:56:47,880 --> 00:56:52,039 and that's when we need to capitalize off the play action pass or an 761 00:56:52,079 --> 00:56:57,840 interception for a pick six or whatever it needs to be. The other thing 762 00:56:57,880 --> 00:57:00,599 we've got going on in this game is are we shotgun or we other center? 763 00:57:01,239 --> 00:57:05,599 Right? We we we totally. You know, we talked about flipping 764 00:57:05,639 --> 00:57:08,920 the script against Air Force. We flipped the script on scouting because now you've 765 00:57:08,920 --> 00:57:15,679 got to delineate between the two. And it's a mid different mindset where if 766 00:57:15,679 --> 00:57:20,719 you've got younger players, you don't understand the game within the game and what 767 00:57:20,760 --> 00:57:23,000 the mentality is under center, but what the mentality is at a shotgun. 768 00:57:23,599 --> 00:57:28,719 Shotgun, you're gonna get that low lying drive right at your chest and you're 769 00:57:28,760 --> 00:57:32,079 not going to be prepared for it. And I really like, how uh 770 00:57:32,119 --> 00:57:37,800 you know, Coach Monkin was very honest about why we did it. He 771 00:57:37,840 --> 00:57:39,360 didn't say we were sticking with it. But he was just honest about what 772 00:57:39,599 --> 00:57:45,559 needed to change. The guys responded to give him the ability to have those 773 00:57:45,599 --> 00:57:51,079 two different formations now and it was a full team win where we didn't have 774 00:57:51,119 --> 00:57:53,199 the offensive court. You know. Hackett wasn't like, oh great now I 775 00:57:53,199 --> 00:57:55,760 don't even call the plays. No, he was like, hey, whatever 776 00:57:55,800 --> 00:58:00,960 what the team needs to do to for success, which then shows the integrity 777 00:58:01,760 --> 00:58:07,280 and the sprint corp within the team for success. So yeah, you can 778 00:58:07,320 --> 00:58:13,039 hear man, I can. I can do Army. You know, I 779 00:58:13,119 --> 00:58:15,760 can do it all day every day. That's why I got to do these 780 00:58:15,760 --> 00:58:19,679 things as parts are. You know, I'm gonna be meaning the additional nets 781 00:58:19,880 --> 00:58:23,960 throughout the day. I definitely feel you on that one, Steve. I'm 782 00:58:24,000 --> 00:58:29,880 curious this is something that we ask b Att Brighaman, who covers air Force 783 00:58:30,039 --> 00:58:34,079 last week, and I'm curious to get your your take on this because in 784 00:58:34,119 --> 00:58:38,320 that game between Army and Air Force, because of what happened, it certainly 785 00:58:38,519 --> 00:58:45,239 feels like Army beat air Force four times in a row because all of a 786 00:58:45,280 --> 00:58:50,000 sudden, air Force goes from eight no to eight and four. And let's 787 00:58:50,000 --> 00:58:55,119 face it, they're probably lucky that there is an Armed Forces Bowl because because 788 00:58:55,280 --> 00:59:01,760 it's probably they're probably not. They're probably playing in like the the Boca Ratone 789 00:59:02,960 --> 00:59:07,400 instead of the Armed Forces Bawl being an eight and four Air Force team. 790 00:59:07,800 --> 00:59:12,719 On on on your side, though, do you think that a win like 791 00:59:12,760 --> 00:59:17,400 that helps the Black Knights? Say, through the through the Holy Cross and 792 00:59:17,599 --> 00:59:22,719 through the through the Coastal Games? Did you beat Air Force three times to 793 00:59:22,760 --> 00:59:25,800 get to where you are now? Do you think? I don't know if 794 00:59:25,840 --> 00:59:31,559 it's I don't know if there's you know, we just had such a difficult 795 00:59:31,639 --> 00:59:36,840 stretch. Well, we played some really good teams back to back to back, 796 00:59:36,880 --> 00:59:39,480 and that's where people don't understand why it's different playing in the SEC West 797 00:59:39,840 --> 00:59:45,239 than any other conference, because every week you're playing against some really good talent 798 00:59:45,639 --> 00:59:49,719 and there's no off weeks unless like you have somebody who's not in the SEC 799 00:59:49,760 --> 00:59:54,639 West that you're playing. You're playing Vanderbilt, Yeah, which is SEC team 800 00:59:54,639 --> 01:00:00,440 though, right, that's true, that's true, very true. So that 801 01:00:00,559 --> 01:00:05,920 was a really tough stretch for a team that is doing a completely new offense, 802 01:00:06,480 --> 01:00:12,199 who's got a lot of new faces out there. So I think it 803 01:00:12,400 --> 01:00:17,119 just was like we couldn't get the momentum, and I think quite possibly we 804 01:00:17,199 --> 01:00:22,360 win a couple of those games if we have success more success early. You 805 01:00:22,400 --> 01:00:25,880 know, we had utsa but we couldn't string them along. And I think 806 01:00:27,280 --> 01:00:31,719 the win over this top rank you know, or the top twenty five team 807 01:00:32,360 --> 01:00:37,000 was that was that hump we needed to get over where it's like, guys, 808 01:00:37,800 --> 01:00:39,840 we can do this, like Air Force was look and don't get don't 809 01:00:39,840 --> 01:00:44,039 get twisted. That was a metal win too, Like Air Force is not 810 01:00:44,280 --> 01:00:50,320 the same Since Army beat them and there's a little credit to be had, 811 01:00:50,440 --> 01:00:53,880 there's gotta be some truth to it because they're just not playing as you know, 812 01:00:54,000 --> 01:00:58,280 motivator. They weren't playing as motivated or as disappointed or whatever you want 813 01:00:58,280 --> 01:01:05,239 to call it. But I think to your point about the wins over Holy 814 01:01:05,320 --> 01:01:12,960 Cross and Coastal, like, uh, it was complete football across the board, 815 01:01:13,519 --> 01:01:20,119 and it showed that regardless of what has happened through this season, no 816 01:01:20,280 --> 01:01:25,599 bowl game opportunity, right we knew we weren't going to a bowl didn't matter, 817 01:01:27,159 --> 01:01:30,599 Okay, And that's the type of personality these guys are, and that's 818 01:01:30,639 --> 01:01:34,880 the kind of mentality they have, is they could easily beat the Air force, 819 01:01:35,480 --> 01:01:38,920 you know, you know, you know, played well, but dedicated 820 01:01:39,000 --> 01:01:42,280 kind of just went to see I see because that's all that was on the 821 01:01:42,280 --> 01:01:47,000 line at that point. Yeah, and the fact that it just meant more 822 01:01:47,079 --> 01:01:52,679 for these guys and they were able to string along what right looks like and 823 01:01:52,760 --> 01:01:57,639 what right feels like. They're gonna be able to bring that on Saturday, 824 01:01:57,920 --> 01:02:00,760 regardless of where it's are. You know. I'm but man, I'm we'll 825 01:02:00,800 --> 01:02:04,519 have an England game before this is all said and done, if the money's 826 01:02:04,599 --> 01:02:13,119 right, right, I just just super excited about this game. I think 827 01:02:13,159 --> 01:02:20,320 we match up well. I think our defense matches up really well against Navy's 828 01:02:20,400 --> 01:02:28,320 offense and their scheme with how we have the ability to We have athletic d 829 01:02:28,519 --> 01:02:34,960 lineman that can that can shuck, you know, lighter guys. So I 830 01:02:35,000 --> 01:02:39,440 think I think it's going to be uh you know. I I believe whoever 831 01:02:39,480 --> 01:02:45,519 gets up first and creates that momentum shift early, it's gonna be able to 832 01:02:45,559 --> 01:02:51,440 hold their their hand on their throat the remainder of the game and just kind 833 01:02:51,440 --> 01:02:53,719 of be able to move them where they want them. All right. As 834 01:02:53,760 --> 01:02:57,599 we get ready to wrap up with Steve Anderson co hosts the Black Knight Nation 835 01:02:57,760 --> 01:03:01,440 podcast. Former Army linebacker team cap in twenty ten Team captain right, Steve 836 01:03:01,480 --> 01:03:10,519 twenty eleven grad and got that right, right, captain? Get it right? 837 01:03:10,599 --> 01:03:14,519 Man. I'm just glad there's no brick wall. I hope there's no 838 01:03:14,599 --> 01:03:17,199 brick wall anywhere in Steve's vicinity right now, because I think you could go 839 01:03:17,280 --> 01:03:22,159 through it and you know, bricks, you know they'll be shattered. But 840 01:03:22,360 --> 01:03:27,239 something you alluded to just a second ago, Steven, no bowl game. 841 01:03:27,760 --> 01:03:30,920 If there's anything else you need to toss, you know, the kerosene on 842 01:03:31,039 --> 01:03:36,039 this spire that's gonna burn pretty damn bright in Philadelphia on Saturday, starting at 843 01:03:36,079 --> 01:03:39,079 three o'clock. It's the fact that both team seniors, this is going to 844 01:03:39,199 --> 01:03:44,440 be their final college football game that they ever play. There is no bowl 845 01:03:44,480 --> 01:03:49,239 game for either team. This is the last time they're going to pop somebody 846 01:03:49,280 --> 01:03:52,639 in the mouth with Pad's helmet and everything on. You've been there in that 847 01:03:52,760 --> 01:03:57,639 final game. I know you're playing bowl games, but in this very last 848 01:03:57,719 --> 01:04:01,679 installment where you want to kill your brother on that field but then walk off 849 01:04:01,719 --> 01:04:05,320 almost arm in arm with him, What is this like to play that final 850 01:04:05,440 --> 01:04:13,280 Army Navy game. Yeah, so we did know we had a ball. 851 01:04:13,639 --> 01:04:20,119 So my last Army Navy game wasn't that field, but the year before as 852 01:04:20,159 --> 01:04:28,920 a team captain and going in that locker room after the loss being injured, 853 01:04:29,239 --> 01:04:33,280 I tore my a cl and I wasn't able to play, and I remember 854 01:04:33,400 --> 01:04:41,880 the fuel that was burned in me from that day about I did not want 855 01:04:41,920 --> 01:04:45,440 to feel what those seniors felt. And that's in your college career, you 856 01:04:45,440 --> 01:04:49,400 know, for lack of a better term, a loser. Okay, you 857 01:04:49,599 --> 01:04:55,519 end your college career with a loss. Yeah, and that's it's that's all 858 01:04:55,559 --> 01:04:58,719 you can do. You're gonna have all the great goals that you can talk 859 01:04:58,760 --> 01:05:02,159 about, all a great game start your career, but you ended with a 860 01:05:02,239 --> 01:05:09,440 loss. And I still talk to guys that just you know, it's you 861 01:05:09,480 --> 01:05:11,880 know, they don't keep them up at night, but when you bring up 862 01:05:11,880 --> 01:05:15,360 the conversation, right, you're like, God, dang, you know, 863 01:05:15,559 --> 01:05:17,480 luckily you're able to, you know, go out as winners, as a 864 01:05:17,519 --> 01:05:24,320 bowl game win So I kind of had a little bit of closure in that 865 01:05:24,480 --> 01:05:28,679 aspect where I never beat Navy, never beat Air Force on eight all right, 866 01:05:29,519 --> 01:05:30,440 but I did get a bowl game. So I was. You know, 867 01:05:30,559 --> 01:05:36,199 I can rationalize that, not that it fills a void, and you 868 01:05:36,320 --> 01:05:44,159 don't really And this is why it hits those guys so hard because you don't 869 01:05:44,199 --> 01:05:46,519 think about it. You don't want to think about it. All your junie 870 01:05:46,599 --> 01:05:51,679 is focusing and preparing because you're gonna win and you don't believe for a second 871 01:05:51,719 --> 01:05:55,480 you're gonna go out as a loser. And that is why it hits all 872 01:05:55,480 --> 01:05:59,800 these swoers so old in the last, the last game, because all of 873 01:05:59,800 --> 01:06:04,760 the sudden it's over and you lost or you won, and that's what you 874 01:06:04,840 --> 01:06:13,320 get to feel. And that's why it's so intense for these military academies, 875 01:06:13,519 --> 01:06:19,400 especially this Army Navy game specifically this year. Well, I think I think 876 01:06:19,480 --> 01:06:24,719 now is the best time then to ask you this question. We've been we've 877 01:06:24,719 --> 01:06:28,320 been piped up this. You know, we're all we're all excited for this. 878 01:06:28,920 --> 01:06:31,199 I know which way you're going. But I'd love to get a score 879 01:06:31,239 --> 01:06:38,239 prediction from him. Yeah, twenty four seventeen, Oh, very very high 880 01:06:38,280 --> 01:06:44,199 scoring game for that twenty four seventeen. You know, i'dn't even go to 881 01:06:44,280 --> 01:06:48,239 twenty four to fourteen. I think all he's gonna get up get up early 882 01:06:49,159 --> 01:06:53,800 and then just jab the rest of the game, and then towards the end 883 01:06:54,400 --> 01:07:00,800 capitalize off a mistake or an you know, an overreach on the's defense. 884 01:07:00,320 --> 01:07:06,320 Uh to put that one last cross across the face. It's a little fi 885 01:07:06,760 --> 01:07:13,639 to see. I see and take on the trophy, Steve. So becty 886 01:07:13,679 --> 01:07:17,039 over is what Steve Anderson says. Yeah, so, and look, you're 887 01:07:17,079 --> 01:07:21,960 almost guaranteed to win with the under and I think, you know, I 888 01:07:21,960 --> 01:07:26,119 gotta feeling that the Vegas guys are gonna go with me on this one. 889 01:07:27,000 --> 01:07:30,719 Steve. I've never wanted to strap on the pads more than I have right 890 01:07:30,760 --> 01:07:33,119 now. Dude, you have Nobody has fired me up for a free game 891 01:07:33,280 --> 01:07:38,039 like this, I think in history. Dude, I'm ready for Saturday right 892 01:07:38,039 --> 01:07:40,840 now. Man, we cannot of course, we can't thank you enough man 893 01:07:40,880 --> 01:07:43,360 for spending a few minutes with us. We know you got a ton going 894 01:07:43,400 --> 01:07:46,960 on with work. Just appreciate you cramming a few minutes in to talk about 895 01:07:47,000 --> 01:07:50,159 I know one of your favorite topics. We did have an arm twist too 896 01:07:50,159 --> 01:07:53,880 hard, But man, just thank you so much and have fun on half 897 01:07:53,880 --> 01:07:57,599 fun on Saturday. Yeah, Man, go on and beat lady, all 898 01:07:57,679 --> 01:08:00,559 right, that was Steve Anderson again. You could he here. I mean 899 01:08:00,599 --> 01:08:05,880 it's bubbling over Steve Carney. I mean, Steve was foaming at the mouth, 900 01:08:06,079 --> 01:08:11,400 ready to run through the wall, ready for kickoff. I'm just glad 901 01:08:11,440 --> 01:08:14,480 he didn't have a human around him because I think he would have gotten a 902 01:08:14,519 --> 01:08:18,640 three point stance. As he was on his AirPods talking to us. He 903 01:08:18,720 --> 01:08:23,359 was he was as he was as ready as a tomato, like he like 904 01:08:23,439 --> 01:08:27,760 you really like like the intensity. This is one of those times where I 905 01:08:27,800 --> 01:08:31,439 wish we did video for this, for this podcast that we were able to 906 01:08:31,439 --> 01:08:35,439 put out because he was he was just so like see then, like I 907 01:08:35,520 --> 01:08:42,760 was expecting him to start like g non at his shoulder like a dog like 908 01:08:42,359 --> 01:08:45,560 he was awesome. I love having Oh my goodness, that was I mean, 909 01:08:45,600 --> 01:08:49,279 that was intensity. That was intense. Steve is ready. He's gotten 910 01:08:49,279 --> 01:08:55,600 me ready. I hope he got everybody listening ready because it's getting closer here 911 01:08:55,720 --> 01:09:00,119 Saturday kickoff at three o'clock at one hundred and twenty fourth Army Navy game. 912 01:09:00,239 --> 01:09:03,600 We are ready. Appreciate Steve for joining us this week. When we come 913 01:09:03,640 --> 01:09:08,520 back, We've got our Travis Manion Foundation Honor Roll Honoring a fallen Hero of 914 01:09:08,600 --> 01:09:12,399 This is your first time listening to the Arg and Stripes we honor a fallen 915 01:09:12,439 --> 01:09:15,399 Hero and our Travis Manning Foundation Honor Roll segment every single week because we all 916 01:09:15,439 --> 01:09:20,359 know freedom is never and is not free, So we want to thank all 917 01:09:20,439 --> 01:09:26,600 our Armed Forces members, but those especially their families of ones have given the 918 01:09:26,680 --> 01:09:31,119 ultimate sacrifices. The Travis Manning Foundation is helping keep their legacy a commitment alive 919 01:09:31,279 --> 01:09:36,800 in communities around the country. You can check out more online at Travismannon dot 920 01:09:36,880 --> 01:09:41,159 org. We will come back with our TMF Honor Roll and then after that 921 01:09:41,279 --> 01:09:44,840 we will talk a little bit about the Armed Forces. Bowl Air Force is 922 01:09:44,920 --> 01:09:47,319 going to be taking the field again later this month, and we'll give you 923 01:09:47,359 --> 01:09:50,960 our picks here on our Army Navy Preview special. This is yarg and Stripes 924 01:09:51,000 --> 01:09:54,560 with my man Steve Carney. I'm Bryce Akinson. We'll be right back. 925 01:09:55,840 --> 01:09:59,439 In two thousand and seven, Mareen First Lieutenant Travis Manion was killed in Iraq 926 01:09:59,479 --> 01:10:02,800 after save his wooted teammates. Travis's legacy lives on through the words he spoke 927 01:10:02,880 --> 01:10:08,319 before his final deployment. If not me, then who words that today fuel 928 01:10:08,319 --> 01:10:12,239 the spirit of Travis Manion Foundation, and through TMF, these words can live 929 01:10:12,279 --> 01:10:15,720 in you too. Show the world what you're made of. Because character is 930 01:10:15,760 --> 01:10:18,840 invisible until it's not. Find out how you can strengthen the character of your 931 01:10:18,840 --> 01:10:25,279 community alongside empowered veterans, families of the fallen, and inspired civilians at Travismanion 932 01:10:25,359 --> 01:10:30,279 dot org. Welcome back in the Yards and Stripes, your home for service 933 01:10:30,319 --> 01:10:36,319 Academy football and our Army Navy preview special continues on here with our Travismanian Foundation 934 01:10:36,439 --> 01:10:42,399 Honor Roll segment and we appreciate once again TMF for partnering with us this year 935 01:10:42,479 --> 01:10:46,279 to remember our fallen heroes that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and 936 01:10:46,319 --> 01:10:51,960 for our freedoms. And you can check out Travismanion Foundation online at Travismanion dot 937 01:10:53,079 --> 01:10:57,920 org and you can sign up to register for their tailgate outside a Foxboro and 938 01:10:57,960 --> 01:11:01,600 Jillette Stadium on Saturday. Just go to Travismannian dot org where you can sign 939 01:11:01,720 --> 01:11:05,239 up. At the festivities began to Believe at ten am, all kinds of 940 01:11:05,279 --> 01:11:12,039 giveaways, food trucks. It's gonna be a blast with TMF there on Saturday 941 01:11:12,119 --> 01:11:15,239 leading up to kick off at three o'clock. But check that out online in 942 01:11:15,279 --> 01:11:19,119 ways that you can support Travis Mannon online at Travismanion dot org. As we 943 01:11:19,279 --> 01:11:23,920 on this segment, if you haven't listened to tra Yards and Stripes before, 944 01:11:24,000 --> 01:11:27,239 you know that this is time where we honor a fallen hero, and this 945 01:11:27,239 --> 01:11:30,560 week we're gonna honor remember Jared Day. He was a petty officer in the 946 01:11:30,680 --> 01:11:38,600 United States Navy. Jared Day gave the ultimate sacrifice on August the sixth, 947 01:11:38,680 --> 01:11:43,760 twenty eleven, when he was one of thirty one service members who died in 948 01:11:43,800 --> 01:11:49,359 a Chudnook helicopter crash in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan. The Taylorsville, Utah 949 01:11:49,520 --> 01:11:54,560 native was just twenty four years old at the time of his death. He 950 01:11:54,680 --> 01:11:58,319 listened in the Navy in two thousand and two, and over his decade of 951 01:11:58,399 --> 01:12:02,880 service he earned several awards, including a Joye Service Commendation Medal with valor. 952 01:12:04,600 --> 01:12:13,119 He was a Petty Officer first Class Expeditionary Warfare Specialists, and his family said 953 01:12:13,199 --> 01:12:16,279 quote in the service of his country, Jared deployed numerous times to Africa, 954 01:12:16,520 --> 01:12:20,720 Asia, and the Middle East, earning many personal awards and decorations for valor, 955 01:12:20,960 --> 01:12:28,800 combat and meritorious service. Jared was an Information technician first class. Jared's 956 01:12:28,800 --> 01:12:33,119 skill and expertise led to selection as an elite member of Naval Special Warfare Development 957 01:12:33,159 --> 01:12:38,600 Group, where he was a tactical communicator. He was truly special not only 958 01:12:38,640 --> 01:12:42,960 to our family, but to this country that was the Day family. To 959 01:12:43,079 --> 01:12:48,600 Salt TV Network, Travis Mannon Foundation honored Jared W. Day and the thirty 960 01:12:48,640 --> 01:12:57,359 other heroes that perished in the Chinook helicopter crash on August the sixth, twenty 961 01:12:57,399 --> 01:13:01,239 eleven. They honored these heroes through their Characters Does Matter Program at the Westover 962 01:13:01,319 --> 01:13:08,520 School in Middlebury, Connecticut on January eighteenth, twenty thirteen. And you can 963 01:13:08,560 --> 01:13:13,159 honor Jared in the many others that have given the ultimate sacrifice by going to 964 01:13:13,199 --> 01:13:17,079 Travismanion dot org and continue on the legacy of commitment and service that our fig 965 01:13:17,199 --> 01:13:24,560 and heroes have left in places in communities around our nation. Again Travismanion dot 966 01:13:24,720 --> 01:13:29,840 org. Travis Mallon Foundation's nine to eleven Heroes run five Kray series units communities 967 01:13:29,840 --> 01:13:32,840 across the country and around the world to honor the sacrifices of September eleventh and 968 01:13:32,880 --> 01:13:36,800 the war since. Join your community this September and register to run, walk 969 01:13:36,920 --> 01:13:42,640 or rock by visiting nine to eleven Heroes run dot org. The latest with 970 01:13:42,840 --> 01:13:48,439 Navy, Army and Air Force on Yards and Stripes Service Academy Football. We're 971 01:13:48,479 --> 01:13:54,159 coming down the stretch on Army Navy Preview Special Yards and Stripes your home for 972 01:13:54,319 --> 01:13:58,119 Service Academy Football. He is Steve Carney, I am Price Atkinson, and 973 01:13:58,159 --> 01:14:01,720 we are thrilled that you are with us this week. Appreciate if you're stopping 974 01:14:01,760 --> 01:14:04,840 by for the first time. I hope you'll hit that subscribe button as we're 975 01:14:04,880 --> 01:14:09,560 part of the College grid Iron, Coast to Coast podcast network on Apple Podcasts, 976 01:14:09,560 --> 01:14:13,840 Spreaker, Spotify, wherever it is you get your podcasts, that is 977 01:14:13,840 --> 01:14:17,119 where you can get Yards and Stripes. And this, once again is our 978 01:14:17,239 --> 01:14:21,239 Army Navy Preview Special. As we're closing up shop here, we've talked all 979 01:14:21,279 --> 01:14:26,640 about both these teams, broken it down. You've heard from Bill Wagner, 980 01:14:26,640 --> 01:14:30,840 you've heard from Steve Anderson. But real quick, before we give you our 981 01:14:30,960 --> 01:14:34,840 picks, how about the Air Force Falcon Steve, because they are going bowling 982 01:14:35,399 --> 01:14:40,039 the number excuse me, the eight and four air Force Falcons. They're going 983 01:14:40,119 --> 01:14:43,600 to take on number twenty four, James Madison, eleven and one out of 984 01:14:43,640 --> 01:14:47,399 the fun belt. They will do battle in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl 985 01:14:47,600 --> 01:14:50,840 in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, December the twenty third, a 986 01:14:50,920 --> 01:14:57,439 three thirty Eastern Standard time kickoff there on ABC. James Madison obviously is a 987 01:14:57,520 --> 01:15:00,560 talk a lot of the college football world steve until last month and because there 988 01:15:00,560 --> 01:15:05,359 weren't enough slots filled by bowl eligible teams, Well, James Madison is going 989 01:15:05,439 --> 01:15:09,720 to get a chance to play in a bowl game after all. Yeah, 990 01:15:09,760 --> 01:15:13,239 they won the New Year's Day six, as did Air Force and many other 991 01:15:13,279 --> 01:15:16,600 teams, but nonetheless they will get into the bowl game. But air Force 992 01:15:16,720 --> 01:15:23,479 recording its record seventh appearance in the Armed Forces Bowl their thirtieth all time Bowl 993 01:15:23,520 --> 01:15:28,560 appearance for the Falcons regardless, it's just great. I know that season did 994 01:15:28,600 --> 01:15:31,520 not finish any way you put it. You've got to about three weeks a 995 01:15:31,520 --> 01:15:34,880 little over a month to kind of pivot, get the taste out of your 996 01:15:34,880 --> 01:15:38,840 mouth of what's going on the last you know, you know, last four 997 01:15:38,920 --> 01:15:43,159 games of the season that you lost, especially taking on a very talented James 998 01:15:43,239 --> 01:15:45,560 Madison team out of the Sun Belt. But Troy Calhoun's gonna have time to 999 01:15:45,600 --> 01:15:48,560 get his team ready because they've had success in bowl games over the last few 1000 01:15:48,640 --> 01:15:53,800 years. Steve, Yeah, You're absolutely right. And the fact of the 1001 01:15:53,840 --> 01:16:00,239 matter is that you know, JMU was able to finish their seed is in 1002 01:16:00,479 --> 01:16:04,279 the way that they wanted to uh with with another victory. Uh. So 1003 01:16:04,319 --> 01:16:10,359 they end up finishing eleven and one after the loss uh to app State. 1004 01:16:10,920 --> 01:16:16,039 So I I just look at what the Dukes uh have been able to do 1005 01:16:16,640 --> 01:16:20,680 and some of the things that that they're that they're I don't I think they're 1006 01:16:20,680 --> 01:16:25,079 gonna have a hard time uh in this game. Uh, you know, 1007 01:16:25,159 --> 01:16:29,439 because there's not a team in the Sun Belt that plays the way that air 1008 01:16:29,479 --> 01:16:32,119 Force does. And you know, you look at you look at that sun 1009 01:16:32,319 --> 01:16:39,079 that Sun Belt group and the teams that are that are going through in it. 1010 01:16:39,159 --> 01:16:44,199 I mean, app Stay Coastal. You know, maybe maybe they took 1011 01:16:44,199 --> 01:16:47,920 a look at some of the some of the film between Coastal and Army to 1012 01:16:48,119 --> 01:16:51,000 kind of go, okay, this is kind of what the triple option looks 1013 01:16:51,119 --> 01:16:57,399 like. But you know, air Force doesn't run that offense, uh, 1014 01:16:57,479 --> 01:17:01,439 the same offense that Army. Does you know you look at some of these 1015 01:17:01,479 --> 01:17:06,319 other teams, Uh, you know, none of them, I don't think. 1016 01:17:06,399 --> 01:17:11,199 I don't think any of them played Army this year. I know they 1017 01:17:11,239 --> 01:17:15,039 certainly didn't play play Davy and none of and none of them played air Force 1018 01:17:15,119 --> 01:17:18,880 either, so uh, you know, there's there's no film for them to 1019 01:17:18,960 --> 01:17:24,960 go back and look at, uh, you know, taking on a conference 1020 01:17:25,000 --> 01:17:29,640 opponent, so or you know, want another team in the sunboat. So 1021 01:17:30,159 --> 01:17:36,640 uh, I unless you go all the way back to no, it's it's 1022 01:17:38,359 --> 01:17:43,920 well lame O is not in that conference though, so so I was thinking, 1023 01:17:43,960 --> 01:17:45,439 I was like, I was like, guess the that you gotta they 1024 01:17:45,520 --> 01:17:49,039 gotta you gotta go all the way back to that game, and and that 1025 01:17:49,119 --> 01:17:55,399 game is you know, so completely different. Uh you know Army, Army 1026 01:17:55,479 --> 01:17:59,640 is gonna look our air Force looks completely different than than that. So you 1027 01:17:59,680 --> 01:18:02,399 know you're gonna watch them play Coastal, You're gonna watch them play Lameo. 1028 01:18:02,960 --> 01:18:06,319 But it's still Army, you know, it's not air Force. Air Force 1029 01:18:06,359 --> 01:18:13,239 didn't play any of these teams, so we'll see James Madison has outscored its 1030 01:18:13,239 --> 01:18:16,359 opponents four hundred and twenty two to two hundred and twenty two this season, 1031 01:18:16,920 --> 01:18:20,359 and they lead the country in rushing defense, giving up to sixty one and 1032 01:18:20,439 --> 01:18:26,680 a half yards per game and also yards per rush allowed at two point one. 1033 01:18:27,439 --> 01:18:30,279 The Dukes are one of the nation's top twenty five and both scoring offense 1034 01:18:30,319 --> 01:18:34,680 and defense, averaging thirty five points per game and giving up just eighteen and 1035 01:18:34,760 --> 01:18:39,880 a half. So this is gonna be a tough one for for Troy Calhoun's 1036 01:18:40,199 --> 01:18:45,159 Air Force falconses. They have had success. Obviously it's a different year, 1037 01:18:45,239 --> 01:18:47,319 we know that, but especially when they've been matched up against some of these 1038 01:18:47,359 --> 01:18:51,000 Power five opponents over the last few years. Steve Louisville, Baylor, I 1039 01:18:51,039 --> 01:18:55,640 mean in recent memory, you know, air Force comes to play in these 1040 01:18:55,680 --> 01:19:00,239 bowl games. Yeah, and they want to win this game. There's there's 1041 01:19:00,279 --> 01:19:05,399 there's a big difference between a team that feels like they should have had an 1042 01:19:05,399 --> 01:19:10,800 opportunity at a New Year six uh, you know, and and obviously jam 1043 01:19:10,920 --> 01:19:15,239 you feels that way. There's there's a couple of teams that that certainly feel 1044 01:19:15,239 --> 01:19:18,720 that way. Uh, whether it's JAMU, whether it's s m U. 1045 01:19:19,039 --> 01:19:25,960 Because that New Year sixth game ended up going to Liberty, who played who 1046 01:19:25,960 --> 01:19:32,159 played nobody this year. But that's that we will allowed to get into really 1047 01:19:32,159 --> 01:19:36,039 bad college football podcast. If we're gonna have to, we're gonna go that 1048 01:19:36,199 --> 01:19:42,000 route. But uh, but I I really do think that that James Madison 1049 01:19:42,119 --> 01:19:45,600 is probably while they're excited to be in a bowl game, I I bet 1050 01:19:45,640 --> 01:19:51,680 the Dukes probably think that they are more deserving of of a more recognizable ball 1051 01:19:51,760 --> 01:19:57,560 game. And I think that's where air Force can can kind of catch them 1052 01:19:57,600 --> 01:20:01,520 unawares, if if if if that makes sense, Yeah, yeah, absolutely, 1053 01:20:01,760 --> 01:20:04,199 But I think at the end of the day, you know, both 1054 01:20:04,239 --> 01:20:06,840 these teams do want to be there, you know, especially air Force. 1055 01:20:06,920 --> 01:20:10,640 This is you know, their seniors. This is gonna be their last chance, 1056 01:20:10,760 --> 01:20:13,279 you know, to step on the field, and you know they have 1057 01:20:13,439 --> 01:20:15,560 been, you know, very good in the postseason over the last several years. 1058 01:20:15,560 --> 01:20:19,680 So I think this will be one of the better and certainly more entertaining 1059 01:20:19,720 --> 01:20:25,960 Bowl games without a doubt of that. Entire day again, December the twenty 1060 01:20:26,000 --> 01:20:30,800 third, Saturday at three thirty is ABC National Kickoff there from AM and G. 1061 01:20:30,920 --> 01:20:34,399 Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. James Madison a field goal favorite 1062 01:20:34,399 --> 01:20:38,880 over under a forty one and a half we will break it down more as 1063 01:20:38,920 --> 01:20:43,199 we get ready for that bowl game, and our you know bowl game preview 1064 01:20:43,640 --> 01:20:45,520 that we break down the game and talk a lot more about it. But 1065 01:20:45,960 --> 01:20:49,800 this is our Army Navy preview special, Steve. We've had our guest, 1066 01:20:49,960 --> 01:20:54,720 We've had Bill Wagner give us picks, We've had Steve Anderson give his pick. 1067 01:20:55,399 --> 01:20:59,800 We got to give our picks right now, and once again, Army, 1068 01:20:59,800 --> 01:21:02,039 at least as of this recording, is a two and a half point 1069 01:21:02,079 --> 01:21:05,399 favorite over under twenty seven and a half. Steve, correct me if I'm 1070 01:21:05,439 --> 01:21:09,399 wrong, if you've seen anything different as of right now. I'm sure it 1071 01:21:09,399 --> 01:21:12,840 could fluctu eight, maybe at two points some places, maybe over under at 1072 01:21:12,840 --> 01:21:16,079 twenty seven or twenty eight. But last I've seen two and a half points, 1073 01:21:16,159 --> 01:21:21,159 twenty seven and a half is the over under? Is it gonna be 1074 01:21:21,159 --> 01:21:25,960 a clean sweep? Bill and Steve both went with Army. Which way? 1075 01:21:26,079 --> 01:21:28,680 What kind of score are you gonna go with in this one? Buddy? 1076 01:21:29,119 --> 01:21:35,359 Well, As a maybe veteran, you know, I find that I tend 1077 01:21:35,399 --> 01:21:42,000 to give a little bit more of the benefit of the doubt toward the midshipment. 1078 01:21:43,159 --> 01:21:47,239 Do I think that Army should be a two and a half point favorite 1079 01:21:47,279 --> 01:21:51,560 in this game. If you had told me four weeks ago or five weeks 1080 01:21:51,560 --> 01:21:56,239 ago that that Army was gonna be a two and a half point favorite in 1081 01:21:56,319 --> 01:22:00,399 this game, I would have laughed you off of this podcast. I'd been 1082 01:22:00,479 --> 01:22:03,600 like, no way, this is going to be Navy plus or maybe minus 1083 01:22:03,800 --> 01:22:10,960 four or minus five. You know, there was no way that Army was 1084 01:22:11,000 --> 01:22:14,520 going to be favored in this game. Yeah, Army deserves to be favored 1085 01:22:14,560 --> 01:22:16,800 in this game. And the reason Army deserves to be favored in this game 1086 01:22:17,319 --> 01:22:25,439 is because Army is going to win this game and it's going to be I 1087 01:22:25,520 --> 01:22:30,039 mentioned earlier, Quinn Moretzky is going to be a big reason why Army wins 1088 01:22:30,079 --> 01:22:40,279 this game. Army wins fifteen fourteen on five count them five Quinn Maretzky field 1089 01:22:40,279 --> 01:22:46,520 goals Army fifteen to fourteen. Oh Man talk about going off the beaten path. 1090 01:22:47,319 --> 01:22:50,119 I love it, I love it mixing it up. I knew you 1091 01:22:50,199 --> 01:22:56,359 had something special for this Army Navy previous special. I'm with you, though, 1092 01:22:56,720 --> 01:22:59,359 you know I like Army. If you had said, you know, 1093 01:23:00,079 --> 01:23:02,800 three weeks ago that Army would be favored in this game after getting you know, 1094 01:23:03,680 --> 01:23:06,560 and you get boat raced during that five game losing streak. You know, 1095 01:23:08,000 --> 01:23:10,680 I think if you look back on it, the UMAs game is probably 1096 01:23:10,720 --> 01:23:13,600 the one they wish they had back. You know, maybe even say that 1097 01:23:13,640 --> 01:23:16,439 both about the Syracuse and Boston College games, because they thoroughly outplayed Syracuse in 1098 01:23:16,479 --> 01:23:19,920 that first half. But then you know, Deno Babers team brought it in 1099 01:23:20,000 --> 01:23:23,560 the second half, and you know, it was a nip and tuck game 1100 01:23:23,600 --> 01:23:27,359 against Boston College the whole way. So you know, there are a lot 1101 01:23:27,359 --> 01:23:29,920 of moments you can always look back on, and that's not what we're here 1102 01:23:29,920 --> 01:23:31,760 to do. We're here to look forward to Saturday, and you know, 1103 01:23:31,880 --> 01:23:35,239 I'm looking ahead and I think that Army is just a little bit better. 1104 01:23:36,000 --> 01:23:41,279 I think defensively, obviously Navy's got the edge, but I just think Army 1105 01:23:41,560 --> 01:23:46,079 offensively, they've got more playmakers. Bryce and day Is battle test had gone 1106 01:23:46,079 --> 01:23:49,920 the entire way this year. He's tough as nails, one of the toughest 1107 01:23:50,039 --> 01:23:55,800 Army quarterbacks I've seen in several years. And so he's gonna take some licks 1108 01:23:55,800 --> 01:23:58,960 and keep on ticking. But as you said, Quinn Meretzky could be the 1109 01:23:59,159 --> 01:24:02,560 X factor in this game. I think special teams could be a little bit 1110 01:24:02,600 --> 01:24:08,760 there in Armies favor in Moretzky, who hasn't missed in a Service Academy see 1111 01:24:08,960 --> 01:24:12,319 IC matchup. I think this is going to be again a time to shine. 1112 01:24:12,479 --> 01:24:15,279 Kicked the game winner last year in double overtime. I think it's gonna 1113 01:24:15,279 --> 01:24:19,520 be his time on Saturday. I'm going Army seventeen to thirteen. Army to 1114 01:24:19,600 --> 01:24:26,239 cover and hit the over with twenty points, so we are going clean sweep. 1115 01:24:26,319 --> 01:24:30,000 All four of us are going with Army. And because we did that, 1116 01:24:30,000 --> 01:24:32,880 Steve, watch Navy's gonna pull off a chakra because you remember the last 1117 01:24:32,880 --> 01:24:38,439 time this game wonderful, absolutely, I mean the last time we watched an 1118 01:24:38,479 --> 01:24:41,760 Academy matchup, you know, in out in Denver, November. What the 1119 01:24:41,800 --> 01:24:45,039 fourth we were all left with our jaws on the floor. Could it be 1120 01:24:45,159 --> 01:24:49,119 again? That's why the rivalry games, and that's why there's so much fun, 1121 01:24:49,199 --> 01:24:53,479 Steve. But it's been a ton of fun here getting to do this 1122 01:24:53,560 --> 01:24:57,560 with you to you know today, all season long. Like you said, 1123 01:24:57,600 --> 01:25:00,119 I think you nailed it at the outset. This is what we do the 1124 01:25:00,319 --> 01:25:03,680 entire season. Four is this Saturday. Yeah, and it's gonna it's gonna 1125 01:25:03,680 --> 01:25:06,359 be a blast. It's gonna be a blast. It's been a blast, 1126 01:25:08,239 --> 01:25:13,960 and all season has been just a wonderful time being able to spend time with 1127 01:25:14,000 --> 01:25:19,520 you every week to talk service academy football and and really bring the love of 1128 01:25:20,399 --> 01:25:28,800 true collegiate football to college football fans. It's so much fun. Absolutely couldn't 1129 01:25:28,800 --> 01:25:30,640 have said it better. It's just as pure as it gets on Saturday. 1130 01:25:30,640 --> 01:25:38,199 But the one fourth twenty fourth Army Navy Game presented by USAA three o'clock kickoff 1131 01:25:38,279 --> 01:25:42,920 on CBS Army five and six, Navy five and six. Who will it 1132 01:25:42,960 --> 01:25:45,960 be? We will be back next week to talk all about it. But 1133 01:25:45,119 --> 01:25:51,840 we appreciate Steve Anderson, appreciate Bill Wagner, appreciate Sal Ordonado because we did 1134 01:25:51,880 --> 01:25:57,319 talk with him, but that interview it went to put So that's all I'll 1135 01:25:57,359 --> 01:26:01,319 say on that one Steven. But things happen. Those things do happen. 1136 01:26:01,399 --> 01:26:04,600 But just once again, we thank all our listeners, thank the College grid 1137 01:26:04,640 --> 01:26:09,439 Are on Coast to Coast Podcast Network for the opportune opportunity to be a part 1138 01:26:09,880 --> 01:26:15,479 of some great college podcast on talking college football. Whether it's acc get off 1139 01:26:15,479 --> 01:26:19,399 my Pylon Florida football Insiders. Steve, you do a great job putting everything 1140 01:26:19,439 --> 01:26:25,039 together, which you can find on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, But 1141 01:26:25,199 --> 01:26:29,520 Steve until next week, enjoy the game, have a great week, have 1142 01:26:29,600 --> 01:26:32,439 a great weekend. Thanks to everybody for downloading, listening, subscribing, and 1143 01:26:32,439 --> 01:26:35,560 we will do it again next week here on Yards and Stripes your own for 1144 01:26:35,920 --> 01:26:44,119 Service Academy Football. Join us again next time for yards and strikes Service Academy 1145 01:26:44,119 --> 01:26:47,199 Football. To get more on all things Service Academy Football, like Yards and 1146 01:26:47,239 --> 01:26:53,199 Stripes on Facebook and follow them on Twitter at yards and Stripes and make sure 1147 01:26:53,239 --> 01:26:59,279 that you're subscribing to the College Gridiron Coast to Coast podcast feed on Apple Podcasts, 1148 01:26:59,399 --> 01:27:08,399 Spotify, Google and wherever you get your podcasts. H