Army Football Achieves Historic Victory in Independence Bowl

News Summary

The Army West Point football team celebrated a historic victory over Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl, clinching their 12th win of the season. This milestone marks the first time the Black Knights have won 12 games in a single season, concluding with a strong 12-2 record. Led by standout performances, including quarterback Bryson Daily’s record-breaking rushing touchdowns, Army showcased their offensive and defensive prowess. The victory furthers Army’s impressive bowl game record and sets a positive outlook for the future of the program.

Army Football Celebrates a Historic Independence Bowl Victory

Shreveport, Louisiana, is buzzing with excitement after the Army West Point football team scored a 27-6 victory over Louisiana Tech in the *Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl* on December 28, 2024. This win is more than just another notch on the scoreboard; it marks a historic milestone for the Black Knights as they clinched their 12th victory of the season, wrapping up with an impressive 12-2 record.

A Season to Remember

This victory is not only significant for the game but also for the team’s future. The Black Knights have made history by becoming the first team in the program’s history to win 12 games in a single season. In fact, this win catapulted them to a respectable No. 19 ranking in the Associated Press final rankings, which is quite an achievement! The team’s only defeats this season came at the hands of powerhouse teams: Notre Dame and Navy.

Record-Breaking Performances

The Independence Bowl showcased several record-breaking performances, delighting fans and players alike. The game featured a remarkable 21-play offensive drive in the second quarter, which covered 75 yards and took a whopping 12:21 off the clock, setting a new benchmark for the longest drive in the history of the Independence Bowl. This offensive effort highlighted Army’s *strategic prowess* and timeout management.

Another milestone was achieved by Army’s star quarterback, Bryson Daily. His performance in this game was a standout moment, as he rushed for three touchdowns and amassed 127 yards on the ground. With this performance, Daily set a new NCAA record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, bringing his total this season to 32, surpassing the previous record of 31 held by Navy’s Keenan Reynolds since 2013. Adding to the excitement, Daily also threw for an additional 65 yards, showcasing his versatility on the field.

Rushing Power and Defensive Dominance

Army’s offense was firing on all cylinders during this game, showcasing a powerful running game with a total of 321 rushing yards. This not only reflects the team’s offensive strength but also highlights their dominance in terms of time of possession, holding the ball for 38:56 compared to Louisiana Tech’s 19:52.

Replacing the transferred running back Kanye Udoh, Hayden Reed stepped up big time, contributing significantly with 114 rushing yards on 20 carries. His efforts were a crucial part of the team’s success in this bowl game.

A Tough Day for Louisiana Tech

On the other side of the field, Louisiana Tech came into this game with a 5-8 record and faced a tough challenge after being a late addition to the bowl when Marshall withdrew due to an exodus of players via the transfer portal. The Bulldogs struggled to find their rhythm, managing to gain only 49 rushing yards throughout the game and experiencing their third scoreless game of the season.

Defensive Stars Shine

The Army defense also proved to be a significant factor in their victory. The team’s strong defensive effort was led by linebacker Kalib Fortner, who was recognized as the *defensive player of the game*, contributing to an outstanding team performance that kept Louisiana Tech from finding the end zone.

Looking Ahead

This bowl victory continues Army’s impressive record in bowl games, now improving their all-time bowl performance to 8-3, with five of those wins coming under the guidance of head coach Jeff Monken. The season also capped off on a high note, with Army winning its first-ever conference championship, setting a positive tone for the future of the program.

With Bryson Daily’s exceptional ability to rush for over 1,000 yards (1,659) and throw for over 1,000 yards (1,007) in the same season, he has etched his name in Army’s football history. His hard work and commitment, along with his teammates’, reflects the brotherhood fostered at West Point. Armed with these achievements and history, the Black Knights eagerly anticipate what the next season has in store.