A Rivalry Renewed in the Rockies
The
Army Black Knights delivered a statement win over the
Air Force Falcons on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Colorado Springs, seizing a crucial edge in the race for the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. In a matchup defined by two of college football’s most relentless ground attacks, Army (now 4-4) outlasted Air Force (2-6) in a game that lived up to its billing as a classic service academy showdown.
Ground Game Takes Center Stage
Both teams entered the contest ranked among the nation’s top four in rushing yards per game, with Air Force averaging 283.7 and Army close behind at 275.6. The game unfolded as a bruising, run-heavy battle, with each side leaning on its signature option offense and disciplined, physical play.
Army’s offense, led by a committee of backs and a veteran offensive line, found consistent success against an Air Force defense that has struggled to contain the run all season. The Black Knights’ ability to control the clock—boasting the nation’s best average time of possession at 36:40—proved decisive, keeping the Falcons’ explosive attack off the field for long stretches.
Key Players and Turning Points
Senior linebacker
Andon Thomas anchored the Army defense, racking up tackles and providing leadership in critical moments. His presence was especially felt as the Black Knights stifled Air Force’s late-game drives, preserving a narrow lead in the fourth quarter.
On the other side, Air Force’s offense, which had averaged 6.2 yards per carry over its last two games, struggled to break off big plays against a disciplined Army front. Despite entering as slight favorites (-1.5), the Falcons couldn’t overcome Army’s defensive adjustments and timely turnovers.
Recent History and Series Context
This win marks Army’s fourth victory over Air Force in their last five meetings, a notable shift in a rivalry historically dominated by the Falcons, who still lead the all-time series 38-21-1. Army’s triumph in Colorado Springs is especially significant, as wins at Falcon Stadium have been rare for the Black Knights—their last coming in 2017.
The victory also puts Army in the driver’s seat for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, awarded annually to the service academy with the best record in head-to-head matchups.
Betting and Fan Insights
Sportsbooks had pegged Air Force as slight favorites, but Army’s 34-27 win (as predicted by several analysts) rewarded those who backed the Black Knights against the spread. The over/under of 48.5 was eclipsed in a game that saw both offenses find the end zone multiple times, but Army’s ability to finish drives and limit mistakes proved the difference.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With this win, Army keeps its postseason hopes alive and builds momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. For Air Force, the loss is a tough blow in a disappointing campaign, but the Falcons will look to regroup and salvage pride in their remaining games.
The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy race now tilts heavily in Army’s favor, setting up a dramatic finish as the Black Knights eye another piece of hardware for West Point.
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