Vegas Play of the Day: Army vs. Navy

By Case Keefer (contact)

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 | 2 a.m.

We’ve entered the fourth season of the annual South Point-lined Play of the Day competition, effective July 1.

Starting bankrolls have reset to $10,000, with the maximum bet being to win $1,000 and the minimum wager $300. Ray Brewer won back-to-back titles in the 2015-2016 and 2016-17 seasons, after Taylor Bern prevailed in 2014-2015.

Army vs. Navy over 46 points: $440 to win $440

This total has dropped from as high as 54 points at offshore sports books with forecasts of snow hitting Philadelphia, where the Midshipmen and Cadets will contest their annual rivalry game. The betting market always reacts to weather reports, and sometimes it goes way too far.

This looks like one of those times. There’s no concrete evidence that snow suppresses scoring.

It certainly enhances the chances for turnovers, but turnovers often turn into points easier anyway. And both of these teams can score points.

This is one of the better Army vs. Navy rivalry games in years on paper because of their offensive efficiency. Army is No. 26 nationally in offense by S&P ratings, while Navy is No. 32.

Defense is where they’re both flawed, with their ranks at No. 101 and No. 81, respectively. Both teams’ defenses could use the snow’s help.

I’m just not sure they’re going to get it.

Current Standings: Granger (10-9, $11,975), Keefer (15-15-1, $9,881), Brewer (17-16, $9,230), Grimala (8-9, $8,205)

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.