Which team will win the battle of third-down conversions, and how will it affect the outcome of the game? Navy has converted 56 percent of its third-down tries (31-of-55) and ranks seventh in the country. Air Force has converted 50 percent of its third downs (36-of-72) and ranks 14th. In turn, both teams rank in the top 10 nationally in time of possession.
Will Air Force’s defense continue to chalk up the advantage in turnover margin? In the past two games against New Mexico and San Diego State, the Falcons have enjoyed a 10-1 margin in turnovers. Air Force (15 gained, two lost) is second only to Arizona State nationally in turnover margin.
Quarterbacks Tim Jefferson (Air Force) and Ricky Dobbs (Navy) played against each other in high school in Georgia. Who will have the upper hand in their first meeting in college? Dobbs’ teams had the upper hand over Jefferson’s teams in football and basketball.
Irv Moss, The Denver Post
