Here is an Army guy. We get our hopes up every year for the last several years and then get our butts kicked. I don’t know what Army has to do to get competitive with Navy again. It must have something to do with the recruitment of Cadet Vs. Midshipmen candidates. They also seem to have a little better coaching. Army will never compete again like they did back in the 40’s, but they need to get serious about competing with the other services.
I think Navy had a greatly coach in Johnson (now doing great things at Ga Tech) and he really set up Navy and from what I saw was a great recruiter (Ricky Dobbs, the star Navy quarterback who graduated last year, wanted to leave Navy for Ga Tech after Johnson went there) while Army had a coaching revolving door as they kept going through guys who wanted to force a pro offense on Army. I think Ellerson is making the right moves for Army in his three years (what Academy fan can argue against a over .500 season and Bowl win?) and losing so many seniors did hurt us. Navy hasn’t had a good year since losing Dobbs (only 4 wins after 8 years of Bowl games) so I think this is our chance. I’ll always be excited for the game every year.
Also, the “new” Navy coach (Ken Niumatalolo) has been playing with Johnson recruits. I believe the last ones graduated last year or will this year.
Hate to say it but I believe you have a shot this year.