Army West Point’s Black Knights Win Football’s First Conference Title

The Black Knights of Army West Point are the conference winners. Those were the first words ever said on Friday night.

In subfreezing temperatures, the Black Knights defeated the Tulane Green Wave 35–14 at Michie Stadium after putting together a strong first half.

After finishing 11-1, Army won its first conference title since the program’s inception in 1891. For seven years, the Black Knights were solely a part of Conference USA. Army never won more than two league games in a season over the seven seasons.

Army earned the right to host the game against the Green Wave (9-4), who had won the 2022 title and were vying for the 2023 crown, by going undefeated in league play during their maiden season in the American.

The Green Wave had a terrible start, mishandled a field goal, missed another, and committed two turnovers before the Black Knights scored a touchdown late in the second quarter.

Otherwise, the Army was faultless in carrying out its offence.

The Black Knights finished with 352 total yards after rushing for 335 yards and only needing to throw the ball twice.

Once again, quarterback Bryson Daily was outstanding. For the Black Knights, he ran for 126 yards and scored four touchdowns. For 17 yards, he only needed to throw two passes, both of which he completed. Compared to the 190 throwing yards he need the previous week, that was a huge improvement.

By no means did Daily do it alone. With an incredible 71-yard run in the second quarter, running back Kanye Udoh set up one of Daily’s scores. He exceeded 1,000 rushing yards for the season and finished with 158 yards and a touchdown. His fourth-quarter goal put a cap on a surge that lasted almost eleven minutes.

Returning by running Noah Short received one of Daily’s passes after sprinting for fifty yards.

The other pass was intercepted by Casey Reynolds, resulting in a fourth down.

Another of Daily’s TDs was made possible by an interception by Army linebacker Andon Thomas. Tommy Zitiello recovered after Black Knights kicker Trey Gronotte made a fumble during a kickoff.

The Black Knights, however, ended the game with their first drive of the third quarter, which lasted over six minutes and resulted with Daily’s fourth goal.

In addition to throwing for 210 yards, Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah also had two touchdowns and an interception. Makhi Hughes, an All-AAC running back, ran for only 66 yards. Williams had 109 yards and a touchdown after catching six receptions. One of his three receptions, the other score, was caught by tight end Alex Bauman.

Under first-year coach Jon Sumrall, Tulane was participating in its third consecutive AAC championship game.

Next Saturday, Army and Navy will play their yearly rivalry game in Landover, Maryland. By Sunday, the Black Knights will know their bowl matchup. Army still has the chance to achieve the most victories in a season.