Army-Navy Game 2015: Start Time and Predictions for Rivalry Game

The traditional Army-Navy game is set for Saturday as the 21st-ranked Midshipmen look to extend their rivalry winning streak. They have scored 13 consecutive victories over the Black Knights dating back to 2002 and have also taken over the series lead, 59-49-7.

Giving the game the national spotlight during a brief respite before the start of bowl season adds to the already terrific atmosphere when the military schools face off. Of course, a heavy dose of bragging rights comes along with getting the win as well.

Let's check out all of the important information for the 116th edition of the rivalry clash. That's followed by a game preview and a prediction for which team will come out on top this year.

Game Details

Where: Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia

When: Saturday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: CBS Sports Live

Preview

Navy enters the game with a 9-2 record, highlighted by a victory over Memphis. The only defeats came at the hands of Notre Dame and Houston, which are both ranked inside the Top 20. That's why it comes into the game as a 22-point favorite, according to Odds Shark.

Meanwhile, Army has endured a season on the opposite end of the spectrum at 2-9. A closer look reveals the record could have been a lot better with a couple of breaks along the way, though. Six of the team's nine losses came by a single score.

Ending the season on a high note by upsetting the Midshipmen would help wash away at least some of the lingering frustration from all of those close losses.

The biggest key to making that happen is slowing down Keenan Reynolds. The senior quarterback has attempted just 84 passes this season due to the team's triple-option attack, but he's still accumulated over 2,000 total yards and 25 touchdowns.

Army head coach Jeff Monken highlighted the problems Reynolds causes for opposing defenses, as noted by David Ginsburg of the Associated Press:

"

Trying to contain him is difficult. Every coach, every defensive staff they face will tell you the same. He has a great knack for finding the opening, finding the crease, and then wiggling his way through there and getting a lot of extra yards. That's a unique talent in itself. He's as valuable to his team as anybody in the country.

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The Black Knights could really use a couple of early defensive stops. That would both help set the tone for the game and give their offense, which ranks 111th in the nation, a chance to settle in. They certainly don't want to get caught up in a high-scoring shootout.

Another facet of the game that will surely generate plenty of attention is Navy's helmets. The Washington Post passed along a picture of the awesome designs:

Whether it's the look of the uniforms or the massive number of cadets in attendance, the atmosphere itself is what makes the rivalry so special. It's truly a situation where the final score tells only part of the overall story.

That said, Navy has been the better team throughout the season, and there's no reason to think that will change Saturday afternoon. The Midshipmen should be able to wear Army down with their well-oiled attack and pull away in the second half for their 14th straight win in the rivalry.

Prediction: Navy 35, Army 17