Bowl season, just like this unprecedented college football season, is bound to be unique and unlike anything seen before in the sport’s history.
The West Virginia football team had originally been scheduled to play against the Tennessee Volunteers in this year’s Liberty Bowl. Unfortunately, due to several positive COVID-19 cases, the SEC school had to cancel their participation.
Due to multiple teams choosing not to participate, Army had their bowl game canceled, and as a result, the Mountaineers will now be facing them.
Unless there are further changes, the Liberty Bowl between WVU and Army is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 31, at 4 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN and will be held at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.
WVU vs. Army preview
To end their season, the Mountaineers will go head-to-head with an extraordinary adversary on New Year’s Eve. Instead of initially scheduled to compete against a Tennessee team with only three wins, they will now face the challenging Army side.
In 2020, the Black Knights of Army achieved a commendable 9-2 record despite facing less formidable opponents. Being an independent team, Army operates without any conference affiliations.
Having said that, it suffered only two defeats against two accomplished teams that also made it to the bowl season.
With an impeccable 9-0 record, Cincinnati holds the 8th position in the national rankings. The Bearcats have been actively discussed for a spot in the College Football Playoff and are now set to face Georgia in the highly anticipated Peach Bowl.
At their home, they emerged victorious over Army with a narrow lead of only 14 points.
Tulane dealt a more significant blow to the Black Knights, resulting in their second loss of the season. Their overall record for the year stood at 6-6, including a disappointing 11-point defeat in the bowl game against Nevada.
Army emerged victorious in nine additional regular-season matches, including triumphant conquests over Navy and Air Force, as well as a triumphant encounter against the bowl-bound teams Georgia Southern and UTSA.
Army not only demonstrates its success as a winning program, but also distinguishes itself from most college football teams with its unique style of play. The team’s offense revolves around the triple option and heavily relies on running plays.
During their previous match against Air Force, the Knights made a mere two pass attempts. However, even if they choose to adopt a more expansive strategy in the upcoming bowl game, it will still differ significantly from anything WVU’s defense has encountered in the Big 12.
Throughout the season, Army made a mere 70 passing attempts, accumulating 480 yards. In stark contrast, the team focused on running the ball, with over 650 attempts, resulting in an impressive 3,000+ yards gained.
It can be confidently stated that the WVU secondary will have minimal involvement in this particular game.
College football betting odds at WV sportsbooks
The betting odds across the nation can often be influenced by the playing style of Army’s offense, and this is no different for West Virginia sportsbooks. When Army is on the field, games tend to be faster as their minimal passing game helps keep the clock running continuously.
This could potentially result in reduced point differences and lower overall scores.
Next week’s Liberty Bowl has WVU as the favored team by approximately a touchdown. The exact margin may differ depending on the online sports betting app used. The total score expected for the game is around 44 points.
The Mountaineers have a favorable outlook for securing a victory, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. They are estimated to have a 73% likelihood of winning this game.
Players to watch in the Liberty Bowl
Army, with its traditional offensive strategy, boasts numerous remarkable players on offense and defense.
Tyhier Tyler, a sophomore quarterback, has emerged as the top rusher for the team this season, amassing over 500 yards. He maintained an impressive average of 4.4 yards per carry and achieved two touchdowns on the ground.
In total, the Army football team boasts a remarkable count of seven players who have surpassed the 200-yard rushing mark.
In terms of rushing, Tyrell Robinson, a freshman running back, emerged as the leader of this group by averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. Throughout the season, he accumulated a total of 424 yards, carrying the ball only 60 times.
Senior running back Sandon McCoy led the Knights with ten touchdowns, while sophomore Jakobi Buchanan contributed six.
Christian Anderson, the top passer for the Army team, secured third place in rushing with a total of 158 passing yards and an impressive 401 yards on the ground.
As previously stated, the absence of a strong passing game will result in limited excitement for WVU on the outside. Anticipate the presence of more linebackers on the field and the safeties moving closer to the line of scrimmage prior to the snap.
In the event that Army manages to run effectively, the Mountaineers can anticipate a prolonged and challenging game.
The Knights typically pass to either Michael Roberts or Tyrell Robinson, as they accounted for 13 out of the team’s 31 total receptions. Additionally, Roberts and Robinson are the only players who have surpassed 100 yards receiving this year.
The Army defense is led by senior linebacker Jon Rhattigan, who is accompanied by junior Arik Smith. Rhattigan has recorded an impressive 78 tackles this season, making him the team’s top tackler. Additionally, Smith has contributed 71 tackles and leads the Knights in sacks with 3.5.
In addition, there were three interceptions contributed by them collectively, although they were not the sole contributors. This season, a total of five defensive backs have recorded at least one interception, with Jabari Moore leading the pack with three interceptions.
WVU notes
Junior running back Leddie Brown will be heavily relied upon by WVU on offense. He was on track to achieve his first 1,000-yard campaign if the Oklahoma game had not been canceled.
The Mountaineers are in a good position if he maintains his year-long average of 5.3 yards per carry.
Jarret Doege, the quarterback, displays remarkable efficiency and benefits from a multitude of talented players on the outside, who provide valuable assistance to him.
WVU’s defense boasts multiple standout players, with senior linebacker Tony Fields II leading the pack in tackles and earning the title of Defensive Newcomer of the Year in the Big 12.
In addition to him, another Mountaineer, Senior defensive tackle Darius Stills, was recognized as the Defensive Lineman of the Year in the conference.
Both of them, along with Brown as a running back, were selected for the All-Big 12 First Team.
Receiver Winston Wright Jr., offensive lineman Michael Brown, defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor, and corner Alonzo Addae were among the four others chosen for the second team.
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