The 2018 Armed Forces Bowl will pit the American Athletic Conference and a team from the Independent ranks against each other this season. Houston will face Army on Dec. 22 (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). Here is the 2018 Armed Forces Bowl preview:
The news surrounding Houston is about who will not be playing rather than who will. Star defensive lineman Ed Oliver’s decision to skip this game and prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft should not be a surprise.
Photo by sportingnews.com
Not having Oliver makes stopping Army’s triple-option much tougher. And twice in the last three games, the Cougars allowed more than 50 points. It also remains to be seen how safe coach Major Applewhite’s job really is.
Offensively, Houston can still pile up the points despite the absence of injured quarterback D’Eriq King. Freshman Clayton Tune threw five touchdowns over the last two games, while receivers Keith Corbin and Marquez Stevenson have combined for 19 touchdowns in 2018.
Houston has won three in a row versus Army, but this will be the teams’ first meeting since 2004.
It’s been another solid season for Army, which can set the program record for single-season victories by winning this contest. The Cadets are making their second straight appearance in the Armed Forces Bowl, while looking for a fourth consecutive bowl win.
Photo by nytimes.com
Army is also 8-0 since losing at then-No. 5 Oklahoma in overtime on Sept. 22. While the option attack led by quarterback Kelvin Hopkins Jr. that ranks in the country averaging 296.3 rushing yards per game gets most of the attention, the Knights defense should not be overlooked.
That unit enters the bowl season ranked ninth nationally allowing 293.5 yards per contest and has yielded an average of 12.8 points over the last four games. It’s no wonder defensive coordinator Jay Bateman left the platoon to become co-DC at North Carolina.
Head coach Jeff Monken, meanwhile, appears to be set at Army for the time being.
The absence of Oliver is obviously a major loss for the Cougars, but also the fans of college football. He’s a likely top 10-pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and is fun to watch take on opposing linemen and greet doomed ball-carriers. His absence potentially opens the door for Army to ride the option for a big day.
Army 34, Houston 28
Make sure to check out our college football page for more updates and rankings.
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