Army Dominates Tulane to Win First-Ever Conference Title, Eyes Navy Showdown
WEST POINT, N.Y. — History was made under the cold December skies at Michie Stadium on Friday night, and the Army Black Knights weren’t about to let the moment pass without a celebration. For the first time in their 134-year history, the Black Knights hoisted a conference championship trophy, defeating Tulane 35-14 to claim the American Athletic Conference (AAC) title. But if you thought the party would last long, think again. Army quarterback Bryson Daily had other plans.
“Beat Navy,” Daily said, keeping his focus razor-sharp on the next challenge. The Black Knights have one more regular-season game, and it’s the one that matters most: the annual showdown against the Navy Midshipmen next Saturday in Landover, Maryland, with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy on the line.
Daily and his teammates have every reason to feel confident heading into that matchup. The No. 24-ranked Black Knights (11-1) capped off a perfect first season in the AAC with a performance that showcased their signature bruising, clock-eating rushing attack. Daily rushed for four touchdowns, tying the AAC championship game record, and added 126 yards on the ground. Running back Kanye Udoh was equally electric, racking up 158 rushing yards, including a jaw-dropping 72-yard run that set up one of Daily’s scores.
Army’s Ground Game Crushes Tulane
Army’s dominance on the ground was nothing short of spectacular. The Black Knights entered the game leading the nation with an average of 312.5 rushing yards per game, and they didn’t disappoint. They piled up 335 rushing yards against Tulane, converting four of five fourth-down attempts and controlling the clock with long, punishing drives. In the second half alone, Army orchestrated touchdown drives of 11 and 16 plays, leaving Tulane scrambling for answers.
“Now we’ve got the biggest game of the year coming up in eight days, and we’re looking forward to that,” Army head coach Jeff Monken said, already shifting his focus to the Navy game.
Daily’s four rushing touchdowns brought his season total to 29, breaking the AAC record of 25 set by Navy quarterback Will Worth in 2016. The conference player of the year has been a scoring machine, rushing for multiple touchdowns in 10 consecutive games. His ability to lead Army’s triple-option offense has been nothing short of remarkable, and his performance Friday night cemented his place in the program’s history books.
Tulane Stumbles in the Spotlight
For Tulane (9-4), the night was a frustrating one. The Green Wave, playing in their third straight AAC championship game, struggled to find their rhythm. They botched field goal attempts on their first two drives, fumbled a kickoff, and threw an interception deep in their own territory. By the time they found the end zone late in the first half, Army had already built a commanding 21-0 lead.
Quarterback Darian Mensah threw two touchdown passes for Tulane, including a 42-yard strike to Mario Williams just before halftime. But the Green Wave couldn’t sustain any momentum in the second half, as Army’s relentless rushing attack kept the ball out of their hands. Tulane’s hopes of hosting the championship game were dashed on Thanksgiving night when they lost at home to Memphis, ending a 17-game conference winning streak. Friday’s loss marked their second straight defeat in the AAC title game.
Cold Weather, Hot Performance
The game was played in frigid conditions, with the temperature at kickoff hovering around 29 degrees. It was just the third December game in the 101-season history of Michie Stadium, and the weather seemed to favor Army’s run-heavy offense. Tulane, on the other hand, struggled to adapt. A botched snap on a field goal attempt and a missed 38-yard kick in the first quarter set the tone for a rough night.
Army capitalized on Tulane’s mistakes, marching 72 yards in 11 plays for Daily’s first touchdown. By the time Daily punched in his fourth score of the night, the game was all but over. The Black Knights’ ability to execute in the cold, combined with their physical style of play, proved to be the difference.
What’s Next for Army?
With the AAC title in hand, Army now turns its attention to the Navy game. The Black Knights have been ranked in the AP Top 25 for nine consecutive weeks, their longest stretch since 1958, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into one of college football’s most storied rivalries. A win over Navy would secure the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy and cap off a dream season for Monken’s squad.
For Army fans, this season has been nothing short of magical. After years of playing as an independent, the decision to join the AAC has already paid dividends. Monken said earlier this week that being in a conference gives Army a clearer path to college football’s expanded postseason, and Friday’s victory only reinforced that belief. As cadets stormed the field to celebrate with the players, it was clear that this was a moment they’ll never forget.
But for Daily, Monken, and the rest of the Black Knights, the job isn’t done yet. Next Saturday, they’ll face their biggest challenge of the season. And if Friday’s performance is any indication, they’ll be ready.
- Key Stats: Army rushed for 335 yards and went 4-for-5 on fourth down.
- Record Breaker: Bryson Daily’s 29 rushing touchdowns this season set a new AAC record.
- What’s Next: Army faces Navy on Dec. 14 in Landover, Maryland.
As the Black Knights prepare for their showdown with Navy, one thing is clear: this team is built to win, and they’re not done making history yet.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
