Navy overwhelms Army for 7th win in row over rival

PHILADELPHIA - Army entered yesterday's annual showdown against archrival Navy with new-found confidence. Buoyed by a switch to an option offense and defined by a hard-hitting defense, the Black Knights were vastly improved this season.

With three victories and three losses by nine points or less, Army was within reach of its first winning season since 1996. Perhaps more importantly, the Black Knights were certain they had closed the gap on the Midshipmen, who have set the standard for service academy football since 2003.

"I think that we'll be competitive and I believe we have the opportunity to win the game. Our...