Saturday Open Thread: Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy up for grabs today

Today is remarkable in the recent history of the CIC trophy: For the first time since 1996, the Army Black Knights can take home the pride of the nation’s service academies. A few things converged to make this surprising run possible. First, Navy is a bowl team, but flirting with .500, which is underperforming given their recent history. Second, the Black Knights caught Air Force in much the same situation, and for just the fourth time in 20 years, beat the Falcons — on the road, no less. Third, the Midshipmen also beat the Falcons, setting up a doozie in Philadelphia. Finally, well, the Cadets don’t suck anymore. Jeff Monken has West Point on track, and, despite losing the CIC last season, is actually going for its second-straight victory over the Middies, after seeing Navy rattle off 14 straight previous wins in the series.

If you like running games, this is your jam. The two teams have combined to throw just 156 passes all season, and are the top two rushing attacks in the country: Army, 368.1 rushing yards per game; Navy 347.5 rushing YPG.

Army - Navy (-3) 3:00 EST, CBS Sports/CBSSports.com

If option football bores you, we invite you to go back to the Big 12 there is also excellent FCS Playoff quarterfinal action today. Last night, the No. 1-seed JMU Dukes held on for a 31-28 win over Weber State. That game went berzerk in the 4th.

No. 2 NDSU vs. Wofford 12:00 EST, ESPN2/WatchESPN

Today, No. 2 seed North Dakota State faces the 7th-seed Wofford Terriers. This will likely be the day’s least competitive affair, as no one has dented the Bison in the playoffs, and they’ve outscored their opponents 79-13.

Kennesaw State at No. 6 Sam Houston State 8:40 EST, ESPN/WatchESPN

This is a classic contrasting matchup between the defensive-minded KSU Owls and the high-flying Sam Houston State Bearkats (no, really...Bearkats.) I find it interesting how even in FCS the regional schism between aerial offenses and defense/running is reflected here as it is in the B12/SEC. Should be a fun game. Sentimentality for real football should lean you towards the teams from Georgia.

No. 5 South Dakota State Jacks vs. New Hampshire Wildcats 3:00 EST ESPN3

The Jackrabbits can play defense, but, like most teams in the Valley, they’re much more dangerous hitting you with a wide-open offense that’s just as lethal on the ground as it is in the air. This game is everything KSU-SHSU is, but elevated, particularly when New Hampshire doesn’t have the ball. The Wildcats may have the best defense in the playoffs. If the Jacks move the ball early, this one could get out of hand. If not, this may be the day’s best game...so of course you can only stream it :\