Army Meets Mizzou in Armed Forces Bowl – Latest Odds, Picks and Analysis

Last week Army coach Jeff Monken warned that losing to Navy would “ruin” the year.  Unfortunately for Monken, the Black Knights’ 2021 campaign is ruined.  Navy stunned the Black Knights in “America’s Game.” Most frustrating for fans and gamblers was how disoriented the Black Knights were all game.  Navy was coming off one of its worst College football betting seasons in memory and was a touchdown underdog.   Yet Navy played like the team that should have been favored.  Army sang first and departed in sorrow.

2021 Armed Forces Bowl CashBet Odds Analysis

On this occasion, Army will get most of the sportsbook support.  Despite their loss to Navy the Black Knights remain a respected betting brand.  Missouri is a team that has no credibility with sharps or squares.

Defenseless Missouri Limps In

Missouri lost at Arkansas 34-17 as 14.5-point road dogs in their regular-season finale.  The game went under a total of 64.  As a result, Mizzou is 6-6 straight up, 3-9 against the spread, and 7-5 over/under.  Overall, the Tigers rank 59^th for total offense and 55^th for scoring offense.  Mizzou has CFB metrics of 110th overall and 116th for points allowed on defense.

On the whole, this was a disappointing Betting on college football season for Mizzou.  Eli Drinkwitz remains a relatively popular coach with fans.  Recruiting has improved, and that potentially means better days are ahead.  But for now, this is a team with a terrible defense.  Especially against the rush.  That does not bode well in a matchup against Army.

Army Machine Stalled Against Navy

As mentioned earlier Army was upset by Navy 17-13 as 7-point favorites.  The game went under the total of 35.5.  Now Army is 8-4 straight up, 6-6 against the spread, and 5-7 over/under.  CFB metrics show the Black Knights rank 82^nd for total offense and 27^th for scoring offense.  Defensively, Army ranks 15^th overall and 36^th for points allowed.

At the onset, Navy was 3-8 entering their game against Army.  Few experts gave the Midshipmen a chance to win.  Yet Navy controlled the game defensively.   Army could never get into an offensive rhythm.  Offensively, Navy did just enough to get by.  Throughout the game, Navy was resourceful and aggressive.  Further, the Midshipmen were eager for revenge.  The Black Knights have had the edge in one of college football’s biggest rivalries in recent years.

Specifically, Navy quarterback Tai Lavatai ran for two touchdowns.  And then Navy’s defense limited Army to 57 second-half yards.  Also, Army totaled a season-low 232 yards overall.  Following an early Army touchdown, the Black Knights were flat the rest of the day.

In sum, Navy outgained Army 278 yards to 232, including 196-124 on the ground.  Army entered the game with the nation’s second-ranked rushing offense.  Also, the Midshipmen held the ball for 34:25 and converted three big plays.  Including a fourth-down, accidental fake punt in the fourth quarter.

On the fake punt, Diego Fagot made an adjustment line call in punt formation. But center Ethan Nguyen mistook it for a fake call.  Subsequently, Fagot got the first down despite being hit in the facemask with the snap.  And it proved to be the bet on NCAAF difference in the game.

Army Black Knights vs. Missouri Tigers Against the Spread

Overall, Missouri has covered only three of its last 14 games.  Mizzou is 10-5 over the total in its previous 15 games.  In December, the Tigers are 0-7 vs. the odds.  And as an underdog, Mizzou is 1-4 under the total.  Meanwhile, Army is 1-4 under the total in its previous five games.  The Black Knights are 1-4 to the under in December action.

2021 Armed Forces Bowl CashBet Free Pick  

As mentioned earlier, Mizzou has a major Betting on NCAAF disadvantage with their defense.  Army should roll.

2021 Armed Forces Bowl CashBet Best Bet: 

Army Black Knights