In the kickoff of their second season, Army football finds itself in a challenging position. With a bowl game no longer within reach, the Black Knights must win every remaining game to secure a .500 season and the coveted Commander-in-Chief's Trophy.
Army's journey begins with a formidable obstacle - a matchup against surging Air Force in Denver, Colorado. The Falcons boast an impressive 8-0 record and recently earned a spot on the College Football Playoff listings at No. 25, ranking No. 17 by the Associated Press.
Coach Jeff Monken expressed his excitement about the historic rivalry between the two academies, known for producing intense and memorable football battles. Recent encounters between Army and Air Force have been closely contested, with Army winning three of the last five meetings. In 2021, Army triumphed over Air Force in an overtime thriller.
The upcoming game promises to be another nail-biter, with Army considered a 17.5-point underdog. The matchup will take place at Empower Field at Mile High, home to the NFL's Denver Broncos, marking the sixth neutral field meeting between the two academies.
This game is part of the Commander-in-Chief series, with Air Force recently claiming victory over Navy. The academy that secures two wins will seize the coveted trophy, initially established in 1972. Air Force holds the trophy with 21 wins, while Army has claimed it nine times, most recently in 2020. Navy secured the trophy in 2019, last winning it in 2015.
Air Force's success can be attributed to their dominant rushing game, leading the nation with an average of 300.4 rushing yards per game. Their second-ranked rushing defense allows only 65.8 yards per game, enabling them to utilize effective passing plays.
Army faces two pressing questions on the offensive front: the starting quarterback, with junior Bryson Daily and freshman Champ Harris in contention, and their effectiveness. The team's performance in the recent loss to Massachusetts left room for improvement, with turnovers becoming a concern for Coach Monken.
Monken emphasized the importance of making every opportunity count, as Army's offensive success hinges on minimizing errors. He acknowledged that the coaching staff needs to put the players in a better position to win, but execution remains crucial.
Despite the challenging stretch of games, Monken praised the dedication of his players, their hard work in practice, and their quest for victory.
Additional Notes:
- Army welcomes back tight end Josh Lingenfelter to the lineup.
- The last time Army defeated an AP Top-25 team was in 1972 against No. 19 Air Force.
- Senior Jabari Moore is set to establish the career games played record with 55 games, breaking a tie with Greg McGlasker.
- Linebacker Leo Lowin is a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the Academic Heisman.
Post a Comment