2010 Army Football Predictions
Army was 5-5 with two games remaining in the season
, but was unable to grab a win against North Texas or Navy to secure a six win season and their first shot at making a bowl game since 1996. This year the Black Knights are looking to end the bowl game drought, as they have 16 starters back for the 2010 season. To help you get going on the upcoming season, here is a quick breakdown of what the Black Knights will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they finish overall this season.
Offense:
Army like the other service academies really puts all their focus on running the football, as they averaged 204 yards a game on the ground last season. The leading rusher for the Black Knights was freshman quarterback Tyler Steelman, who had 706 yards and five touchdowns. Steelman really didn't do a whole lot in the passing game, as he threw for just 637 yards and three scores.
The Black Knights welcome Air Force transfer Jared Hassin into the backfield this season as their new starting full back, and with the power Hassin brings to the table, he should be the leading rusher for the Black Knights this season. Also back in the running game are seniors Patrick Mealy and Jameson Carter, who combined for 911 yards and five touchdowns in 2009.
The Black Knights must replace both starting wide receivers, but for a team that attempted just 160 passes last year, this really doesn't make a big difference in how the offense will look this season. Juniors Davyd Brooks and Austin Barr are expected to step in and start, and will be used more for blocking than catching passes.
Army has four starters back on the offensive line, and that should really help this unit open up some nice holes in the running game this season. The open spot comes at left guard, where sophomore Frank Allen is expected to step in and start, and at 6-4 275 lbs, he should have no problem fitting in with this group.
Defense:
Army brings back eight starters on the defensive side of the ball, and that should really lead to some nice improvements to a defense that gave up just under 22 points a game in 2009. The defensive line should be pretty solid this season, as three seniors are expected to start, with defensive tackle Mike Gann and defensive end Josh McNary returning to their starting spots from last season. The Knights will also use sophomore Nate Combs at defensive end this season, as they plan on using him as a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker.
Army has all three starters back at linebacker this season, and this unit should be a big reason why the Black Knights really improve on this side of the ball. Junior outside linebacker Andrew Rodriguez led the team with 85 tackles, but senior middle linebacker Stephen Erzinger wasn't far behind with 83 tackles.
In the secondary the Knights also look to make some solid improvements, as they have three of four starters returning this season, including the starting safety duo of seniors Donovan Travis and Donnie Dixon. Also back is junior corner Antuan Aaron, who will likely be joined by senior Richard King.
2010 Prediction 7-5: I think Army has a great shot at not only reaching the bowl eligibility mark of six wins, but I think they pass that and get seven wins this season, as they should have a very strong running game and a defense that will keep them in games and allow them to run down the clock with the lead late.
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2010 Army Football Predictions
By: Jack Jones
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