Army Black Knights vs. Navy Midshipmen Betting Odds, Analysis, College Football

The Navy Midshipmen have ruled the recent service academy rivalry with the Black Knights of Army, winning the last 12 meetings in a row and going 8-4 against the spread in the process. The Middies shoot to extend their series-record winning streak to a baker's dozen when the teams meet Saturday afternoon in Baltimore.

 Point spread: Midshipmen opened as 15-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 32.4-18.6 Midshipmen

Why the Army Black Knights can cover the spread

The Cadets had lost three games in a row both straight up and against the spread, but they're 2-1 SU and ATS over their last three contests, so perhaps they're getting better as their first season under Jeff Monken (a former Navy assistant) progresses.

One month ago Army upset Connecticut 35-21 as a four-point underdog, and two weeks ago the Cadets beat Fordham 42-31, again as four-point dogs. The Knights outrushed the Huskies by 156 yards, and the Rams by 292 yards, and have now outrushed all but three opponents this season.

Why the Navy Midshipmen can cover the spread

Since losing three in a row both SU and ATS back in midseason, the Middies are 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS, clinching a third-straight bowl bid. The only loss during that span was a 49-39 decision against Notre Dame, a game Navy led through three quarters 31-28.

Last time out the Midshipmen spotted South Alabama an early 17-7 lead then scored 28 of the game's next 31 points to take over. Navy, as a seven-point favorite, had the spread covered until it gave up a touchdown with 30 seconds to go. The Middies have outgained all but four opponents this season and outrushed all but one.

Smart Pick

Navy has beaten Army 12 times in a row, several times in blowout fashion, but the Cadets are tired of hearing about that streak and would love to do something about it. And Monken, who picked up the option from former Middies and current Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson, might have a trick or two up his sleeve.

So the smart money in this spot appears to reside with the Black Knights plus the points.

Betting Trends

• The total has gone over in five of Army's last six games
• Navy is 5-0 SU in its last five games when playing Army

All point spread and lines data courtesy of OddsShark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.