Recent Play Details

3% Army (12:00 ET): Even though they are currently on a 5-0 SU/ATS run, this is not a great spot for Coastal Carolina, who will be stepping out of the Sun Belt to face the triple option attack of Army. With a visit from unbeaten James Madison on deck next week, this could be a real “flat spot” for the Chanticleers, who have been without starting QB Grayson McCall the L3 games. You know Army is going to be prepared, especially since they need to win their final two regular season games (this and Navy) to get bowl eligible. Taking the points here is the right move. 

Two Saturdays ago, Army was a VERY nice winner for yours truly as they went out to Colorado and stunned previously undefeated Air Force 23-3 as 18-point underdogs. Now turnover margin certainly (+6!) certainly aided the Black Knights in that upset, but - as I discussed in the analysis - this was a team due for some breaks to go their way. Last week, the Cadets won ugly again, this time 17-14 over Holy Cross. While beating a FCS opponent by just a field goal isn’t very inspiring, the defense pitched a shutout for three quarters and it was 17-7 until the final 2 minutes. Looking at the last five games, Army’s defense has surrendered 21 points or less four times, the exception coming when they were clearly overmatched against LSU. 

The Black Knights won’t be overmatched here, especially if Coastal is without McCall. The Chanticleers haven’t necessarily been winning by margin of late; they beat Old Dominion by only 4 and Texas State by just 8 points. The defense gave up 173 and 199 yards rushing in those two games, which is ominous when going to face an opponent that you know is going to run the ball. Also, in that game against ODU, Coastal trailed by as many as 15 and was still down with less than a minute to go when they got the go ahead TD. 3% Army (Play to +3.5)