Navy travels to Air Force this Saturday for the first leg of the 2024 Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy series, one of college football’s most prestigious prizes. Since 1972, Army, Air Force, and Navy have battled annually for the CIC Trophy, awarded to the service academy with the best record against its counterparts.
Recent History and Rivalry
Navy last claimed the CIC Trophy in 2019, while Air Force won it in 2022 during its third 10-win season in four years. The rivalry between Navy and Air Force dates back further, with their first meeting in Baltimore in 1960. This weekend marks the 57th all-time clash, with Air Force leading the series 34-22, bolstered by a recent four-game winning streak where they outscored Navy 93-26 and allowed just 169 yards per game.
Navy has managed to defeat the Falcons only twice since 2016, with their last victory occurring in the 2019 season. Additionally, the Midshipmen haven’t won in Colorado since 2012.
A Shift in Momentum
However, the atmosphere surrounding this matchup feels different. Navy boasts a 4-0 record in its second year under head coach Brian Newberry, while Air Force struggles with a disappointing 1-3 record, lacking a win against any FBS opponent.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, Oct. 5
Time: Noon ET
Location: Falcon Stadium, Air Force Academy, Colorado
TV: CBS
Live Stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free), Paramount+ with Showtime (Try It Free)
Key Storylines
Navy’s Air Attack:
While Navy continues to rely on its traditional triple option offense, they have incorporated quarterback Blake Horvath’s passing abilities to catch opponents off guard. Horvath made headlines by throwing touchdown passes of 77 and 74 yards in a recent win against UAB, marking him as the only FBS quarterback this season to achieve two 70-yard touchdown throws in a single game. The Midshipmen average 178.8 passing yards per game—an impressive feat for them since joining the American Athletic Conference nearly a decade ago. This offensive versatility contributes to their average of 46 points per game, their highest early-season scoring average in 106 years.
Air Force’s Struggles:
In stark contrast, Air Force’s offense has faced considerable challenges this season. With an average of just 12.5 points per game (131st in FBS) and 243 total yards per game (131st), they are experiencing one of their toughest stretches in recent memory. The Falcons have not thrown a passing touchdown all season and are struggling with their lowest rushing average since 1981 at 176.8 yards per game. Since starting 2023 with an 8-0 record and earning their first College Football Playoff ranking, Air Force has stumbled to a 1-7 record in their last eight games against FBS opponents.
Importance of the Game
A loss does not eliminate either team from CIC contention, but there’s significant pressure on both sides. Navy has lost its last four games combined against Army and Air Force, marking its longest skid in the series in 30 years. Conversely, Air Force has not been swept in the CIC series since 2017. Both Navy and Army are off to 4-0 starts for the first time since 1945, making them formidable opponents in the race for the trophy.
Prediction
Although history may not favor Navy, they enter this game with strong momentum and a significantly better record compared to Air Force. The Falcons have lost each of their three games against FBS opponents by at least two possessions and have struggled both offensively and defensively. Given Navy’s ability to score, leading the AAC with 46 points per game, I predict they will win decisively.
Pick: Navy -9.5 (-113)