Army fields one of the AAC’s best defenses, allowing just 22.5 points per game, while Navy ranks sixth in the conference at 27.4 (ppg). Both stop units excel at controlling field position, limiting explosive plays, and forcing mistakes, which is exactly how Army-Navy games historically unfold.
Navy’s defense has been vulnerable at times, but Army hasn’t consistently shown the offensive versatility to overcome weaker stop units. Horvath’s dual-threat capabilities and Navy’s ability to extend drives while slowing Army’s potent rushing attack should allow the Middies to cover the spread.