WEST POINT, NY. – That brave old Army team keeps on rolling and the train doesn’t look to stop any time soon.
Army defeated East Carolina University (ECU) 45-28 in a matchup that underscored Army’s dominant running game. Army quarterback Bryson Daily was the star of the game, rushing for five touchdowns and setting a new Army program record for single-season rushing touchdowns.
His performance not only sealed the victory for the undefeated Black Knights but also earned him national recognition as the Associated Press College Football Player of the Week.
National honor for Bryson 🫡
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) October 21, 2024
Daily named @AP National Player of the Week 👏
→ https://t.co/AkWmFIIwfH pic.twitter.com/HOnRxNfgFK
The game began with ECU showing resilience on both sides of the ball. East Carolina’s defense, which had previously held opponents to an average of 3.5 yards per carry, struggled against Army’s triple-option attack, allowing over five yards per carry. Army’s offensive line consistently opened up gaps for the run game, and Bryson Daily took full advantage. The Black Knights executed their plays efficiently, building an early lead that ECU found difficult to close. Despite ECU’s defensive efforts and their preparation for Army’s run-heavy offense, they couldn’t stop Daily’s record-setting rushes.
Defensively, Army also stood strong, limiting ECU’s offensive opportunities. East Carolina quarterback Mason Garcia and the Pirates tried to match Army’s scoring with some success but were ultimately outpaced. Though ECU managed to score 28 points, their defense was overwhelmed by Army’s consistent ground game.
This game was crucial for Army, marking another victory in their undefeated season and extending their hold over the American Athletic Conference where they still share the top spot with Navy as the lone undefeated teams in the conference. It was not just a win for the team but also a breakout moment for Bryson Daily, whose stellar performance added him to the national conversation. His Heisman odds were discussed more seriously after this game, highlighting just how impactful he has been throughout the season.
The Rivalry That Means More
In the broader context of college football, the 2024 season marks a historic moment for both Army and Navy, as both teams are ranked in the Associated Press Poll for the first time since 1960. Army, riding high on its undefeated record, continues to rise in national prominence. Navy has also enjoyed a strong season, making the upcoming Army-Navy game even more highly anticipated than usual. This achievement underscores the resurgence of the service academies in college football, marking a period of success that both programs have worked hard to achieve.
This also adds greater stakes to the AAC Championship, there very well could be a possibility of there being two back-to-back Army-Navy games in the same season, and this could have major implications on the Group of Five playoff spot in the College Football Playoffs.
For Army, their success this season has been defined by their signature triple-option offense, a powerful rushing attack, and a defense that consistently holds opponents in check. Navy, similarly, has found success with their disciplined style of play, focusing on teamwork and physicality. The rankings serve as a testament to the programs’ efforts, discipline, and commitment to excellence on and off the field.
The Army-Navy rivalry, which has always been one of the most storied traditions in college football, takes on added significance this year. With both teams ranked, the stakes will be higher than ever as they prepare to clash later in the season. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting this matchup, as it promises to be one of the most competitive games in recent memory between the two academies.
Bryson Dailey – America’s Quarterback
Bryson Daily’s standout performance against ECU has not only been celebrated by Army fans but has also garnered national attention.
As the Associated Press College Football Player of the Week, Daily’s record-setting five rushing touchdowns put him in the spotlight, highlighting his importance to Army’s success. His ability to lead the team on the ground while also managing the offense has been critical to the Black Knights’ undefeated run.
Daily’s leadership on the field has been one of the key factors in Army’s historic season.
His dual-threat capability rushing and passing has kept defenses on their heels, and his toughness and decision-making have earned him widespread praise. In a system that relies heavily on the quarterback’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions, Daily has excelled.
His historic season is drawing comparisons to some of Army’s greatest players, and with the Black Knights continuing to perform at a high level, Daily’s stock is only rising. His inclusion in Heisman conversations, while still early, speaks to how impactful he has been. Should Army continue their undefeated streak, Daily could cement himself as one of the most celebrated players in Army football history.
The Long Road Ahead
As the season progresses, Army will face more challenges, but their performance thus far indicates that they are well-equipped to handle them. With an undefeated record, a ranked position in the AP Poll, and a quarterback in Bryson Daily playing at an elite level, the Black Knights are poised to make a significant run this season.
This weekend stands as a needed bye week for the Black Knights as they find themselves gearing up for their first game of the Commanders Cup Series against Air Force in two weeks.
Air Force already faced off against Navy earlier in the season and lost but an upset win over Army could put them back in the conversation to potentially bring the Commanders Cup to Colorado.
Army, who currently posses the Commanders Cup, would love to keep it in New York for another season by beating Air Force and then defeating Navy in December.
This Army-Navy game is shaping up to be one of the most important matchups in recent history. Both teams are ranked, and the game will carry significant weight not only for their respective programs but also for the college football landscape as a whole. The rivalry has always been intense, but this year, with both teams performing at such a high level, it promises to be even more thrilling.
For now, Army can celebrate their recent victories, including the dominant win over East Carolina. Their focus, however, will remain on the games ahead as they seek to maintain their undefeated record and continue their climb in the national rankings. With Bryson Daily leading the way and a defense that has consistently performed, the Black Knights are poised for a memorable season that could end in one of the best records in the program’s history.
Army football is experiencing a season of historic significance and a potential program revival after being on the short end of things the past couple of seasons and even missing out on bowl eligibility last season. The victory over East Carolina solidified their status as a top team in the nation, and Bryson Daily’s record-setting performance has catapulted him into the national spotlight. As both Army and Navy enjoy success this season, their upcoming rivalry game takes on new importance, promising to be a clash for the ages. With a ranked team, a standout quarterback, and a program that is firing on all cylinders, Army is in the midst of one of its most exciting seasons in recent memory.