Even if the Crimson puts the points on the board, it will be along day at West Point if the defense cannot contain the bruising Army attack.

True to their occupation, the Cadets avoid the air and keep to the ground. Their wishbone offense includes three standard plays. Option. Option. And more option.

In 142 plays, Army has run the ball 135 times. Against North Carolina and Colgate, the Cadets threw the ball a mere seven times.

Quarterback Willie McMillian leads the Cadets' one-dimensional, but curiously potent, offense. In two games, he has carried the ball 50 times, collecting 308 yards and four touchdowns.

The Cadets, however, have been known to spice up their offense with the long pass. If Army does decide to go long, senior Edrian Oliver will most likely be the target. Oliver's one reception this year was a 30-yd. gain.

The Crimson has been gearing up for the Cadets by working exelusively on defending against the option and the big pass.

"We have to keep them from getting the big play," said leading tackler Greg Belsher. "We were overaggressive two years ago and that let them break it open. That really burst our bubble."