College football is back! Army Black Knights kick off their historic season against Tarleton State. Will the Black Knights continue their winning streak at home, or can the Texans pull off a Week 1 upset after their dominant start? Don’t miss the breakdown!
The 2025 college football season kicks off with an intriguing Week 1 matchup as the formidable Army Black Knights host Tarleton State, a game highly anticipated by fans and bettors alike. This encounter at Michie Stadium promises to set the tone for both teams, particularly for an Army squad coming off a historic 12-win season and an American Athletic Conference championship.
Army enters this contest with significant momentum, having achieved an unprecedented 12 victories in 2024 and securing the American Athletic Conference title with an undefeated 8-0 record. Their impressive nine-game home winning streak, extending back to 2023, underscores the challenge Tarleton State faces on the road. The Black Knights’ recent dominance establishes them as clear favorites.
Tarleton State, fresh off a dominant 42-0 shutout victory against Portland State in Week 0, brings a confident, though less experienced, team to West Point. The Texans finished a strong second in the United Athletic Conference last season with a 6-2 record, going 10-4 overall. This game marks only their fifth encounter against an FBS opponent, representing a significant step up in competition.
Kickoff for this compelling inter-conference battle is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET at Army’s Michie Stadium in West Point, New York. Early college football odds position the Black Knights as substantial 14.5-point favorites, reflecting their recent success and home-field advantage. The over/under for total points in the game is set at 47.5, providing an additional layer for betting enthusiasts.
A key offensive weapon for Army is senior running back Max Reed, who demonstrated his capabilities last season. In nine games, Reed accumulated 207 rushing yards on 40 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt, and notched one touchdown. He also proved to be a versatile threat with six receptions for 63 yards and a score, including a standout 114-yard performance in the Independence Bowl.
Leading the charge for the Tarleton State Texans is senior quarterback Victor Gabalis. In their Week 0 win, Gabalis completed 14 of 24 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns, also showcasing his athleticism with a 33-yard rush. His extensive collegiate experience, spanning five seasons across various programs, provides a steady presence for the Texans’ offense.
Tarleton State’s redshirt freshman running back, Jalen Page, made an explosive debut in Week 0, rushing for 170 yards on 15 carries, including an 89-yard highlight run, and scoring two touchdowns. His performance continued a trend for the Texans, marking the eighth time in 15 games that a Tarleton State running back surpassed the 150-yard rushing mark, indicating a strong ground game.
SportsLine expert Eric Cohen, known for his nearly 60% success rate in college football predictions, has analyzed this matchup extensively. Cohen, who was 78-58 on his 136 picks in 2024, is leaning towards the Under on the total points for the game. He also identifies a critical “x-factor” that he believes will heavily influence the spread, suggesting a deeper strategic insight into the outcome.
