Army vs. Air Force: Last Minute Spread Info, Line, BCS Impact and Predictions

The Army Black Knights will hit the road to take on the Air Force Falcons in a battle of two military schools. 

These two teams have played every year since 1969, and the Black Knights are losing the series 13-31. In fact, the Black Knights haven't beaten the Falcons since 2005. That was Army's first win over Air Force since 1996. 

Both teams have been mediocre this season, but a win on Saturday would greatly help their quest to be bowl eligible. 

With that said, let's take a look at some specifics of this military rivalry.  

When: Saturday, Nov. 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Falcon Stadium, United States Air Force AF ACA, CO

Watch: CBS

Spread

The Falcons are favored at minus-17, and rightfully so. They've dominated the the Black Knights for many years, and will continue to do so this weekend. The last time this was a close game was back in 2005 when Army won. 

Over/Under 

The over/under is set at 59, which may seem high, but both teams have proven they know how to put the ball in the end zone a lot. Army won last week by a score 55-0, and Air Force won its game by a score of 42-0. 

Key Injuries 

For Army, QB Trent Steelman (ankle) is doubtful, as he also missed the game last week. LB Steven Erzinger (hamstring) is probable.  

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

For Air Force, QB Tim Jefferson (nose) is probable, but DL Zach Payne (knee) and LB Ken Lamendola (hamstring) are questionable. DL Harry Kehs is out indefinitely after dislocating his shoulder last weekend.  

BCS/ Top 25 Implications 

Neither team is likely to end up in any of the Top 25 polls this season. At this point in the season, both teams are fighting to get to six wins so they'll be bowl eligible. 

Keys to Army Win 

The Black Knights will more than likely be without their best QB in Trent Steelman. He missed last week's game and Army didn't skip a beat, but now they face a much tougher opponent. Without Steelman, it's going to be very tough for the Black Knights to win. 

Army has the No. 1 rushing attack in the country, and in order for them to win they need to hang onto the ball and chew the clock. The Black Knights must also prevent Air Force from having the big plays, and creating turnovers always increases a team's chances of winning. 

Keys to Air Force Win 

The Falcons have the No. 3 rushing attack in the country right now, which means they too need to use their ground and pound to eat up the game clock. The Black Knights have been known to turn the ball over some, so creating turnovers is key.

Finding a way to shut down Army's run game won't be easy, but if the Falcons can limit the production up the middle, they will be able to control this game. Army loves to use its fullbacks and run straight up the gut, which means all Air Force has to do is take that away from them.

Prediction 

The Air Force Falcons will continue their win streak over the Black Knights, and they will do so in impressive fashion. Steelman probably won't play, which doesn't bode well for the Black Knights, especially since they're on the road. 

Both defenses will give up a few big plays, but in the end, the Falcons will prevail because they are the better team.

Falcons 42, Black Knights 21