AutoZone Liberty Bowl 2020 – West Virginia Mountaineers vs Army Black Knights

Our West Virginia vs Army pick 2020 for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl is the third of three bowl games being played on New Year’s Eve. In the first game, #24 Tulsa Golden Hurricane and the Mississippi State Bulldogs were featured in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. The Offerpad Arizona Bowl  is the second game. The Ball State Cardinals and the San Jose State Spartans are featured in it. That next-to-last bowl game of 2020 kicks off at 2:00 pm ET.

The West Virginia Mountaineers, who finished sixth in the Big 12, recorded a 4-4 conference mark. Their overall record was 5-4. The FBS Independent Army Black Knights, who were 8-0 at home, finished the season at 9-2. The Mountaineers finished the season by going 2-3 for their last five games. That included a 42-6 loss in their final regular-season game to #9 ISU. Army won four of their last five contests. The finished the season on a three-game winning streak that included victories over Navy and Air Force.

The Black Knights are the underdogs at +10.0 (-105), while the Mountaineers are the favorite at -9.5 (-120). The total for this game comes in at 41.0 (-114) for the under with the over bet being 39.5 (-120).

The AutoZone Liberty Bowl will be played on Thursday, December 31. The kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm ET with the game being played at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, TN. The weather is predicted to be cloudy with a temperature of 41-degrees. Probability of precipitation is 59% and winds will be 13 MPH from the NE.

West Virginia vs Army Pick 2020 – Statistics

Our West Virginia vs Army pick 2020 observes that the Mountaineers averaged 26.8 PPG. They generated 422.7 YPG of offense with 277.2 YPG coming from passing. On the other hand, concerning the Black Knights 324.9 YPG of offense a total of 281.3 yards came from rushing. Army averaged 27.3 PPG. Although these two teams were close in terms of points scored, their defensive stats are quite different. Notably, the Mountaineers allowed opponents 20.4 PPG. Of course, that’s solid D. However, Army’s defense was tougher, as opposing teams averaged just 14.0 PPG. Still, West Virginia allowed opponents merely 126.2 YPG rushing. At the same time, Army limited opponents to 149.9 YPG in passing and 121.2 YPG in rushing. Defensively, Army is statistically superior. Thus, we can expect them to hamper WVU’s offense.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl – Offense and Defense

The Mountaineers have a fine offense that effectively utilizes air and ground attacks. Their defense is good. However, they’ll have their hands full with the Army ground attack. It is unrelenting. Plus, the Black Knights triple-option is tough to defend against. Army will utilize its staunch defense in this contest.

Mountaineers and Black Knights – Offenses

WVU quarterback Jarret Doege has passed for 2,428 yards, completing 64.2% of his passes and tossing 13 TDs and 3 INTs. He’s been sacked 18 times. Four different receivers have two or more TD catches. Winston Wright Jr. is the team’s top pass catcher with 45 receptions. RB Leddie Brown leads the Mountaineers in rushing with 179 carries, 945 yards, and nine touchdowns.

Of note, the triple-option Army offense is run by QBs Tyhier Tyler (502 YDs) and Christian Anderson (401 YDs). Tyler has scored two rushing touchdowns and Anderson four. RB Sandon McCoy is the leading scorer for the Black Knights. Going into this game, he has scored 10 touchdowns.

West Virginia vs Army Pick 2020 – Defenses

For West Virginia, LB Tony Fields II, the team’s leading defender, has opted out. As a result, Fields, who recorded 34 solo and 88 total tackles, is a major force and anchor on D. Consequently, he will be missed, especially in this game against Army. In terms of stats, the Mountaineer defense has 22 sacks, 10 INTs, and 32 PD. Also, they have forced seven fumbles and recovered two. They also have one pick six. Safety Tykee Smith (33 TCKs, 61 TOT, 2 INTs, 5 PD) and corner Alonzo Addae (33 TCKs, 61 TOT, 2 INTs, 5 PD) are fine defenders.

The Black Knights have 13 interceptions, 27 PD, and 15 sacks. Impressively, Army defenders have scored twice off interceptions. Also, they’ve forced seven fumbles, recovering five. DBs Jabari Moore (3 INT, 1 PD) and Marquel Broughton (2 INTs, 3 PD) are top secondary players. Additionally, LBs Jon Rhattigan (33 TCKs, 78 TOT, 1.5 SCKs, 2 INTs, 2 FR) and Arik Smith (28 TCKs, 71 TOT, 3.5 SCKs, 1 INT) are game-changers.

West Virginia vs Army Pick 2020 – Final Word

Our West Virginia vs Army pick 2020 finds that the Black Knight defense will be a major factor in this game. Plus, the Black Knight rush attack will likely wear down the WVU defense. Thus, we’re taking Army at +10. Also, we are selecting the over at 39.5.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl 2020 – Summary

Point Spread – Army Black Knights at +10.0 (-105)
Totals – Over 39.5 (-120)