WEST POINT, NY. – They say no one’s perfect, unless you’re Army Football in the American Athletic Conference, then you might as well be perfect.
In a season of firsts, the Army Black Knights added another historic chapter to their legacy with a dramatic 29-24 victory over the UTSA Roadrunners at Michie Stadium on Saturday. The win not only secured Army’s spot in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship Game in their inaugural season in the league, but it also ensured that the title game would be hosted at one of college football’s most iconic venues.
With the victory, No. 25 Army improved to 10-1 overall and completed a perfect 8-0 record in conference play. The Black Knights will now face Tulane (9-3, 7-1 AAC) in the championship on Friday, December 6, at 8 p.m. ET at Michie Stadium, a distinction earned by their flawless conference record.
Bryson Daily’s Heroics
Quarterback Bryson Daily once again showcased why he’s one of the most dynamic players in the AAC. Daily threw for a season-high 186 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 147 yards and two scores. His performance tied the AAC single-season record for touchdowns with 25, further cementing his status as the engine of Army’s offense. Additionally, his 147 rushing yards marked his ninth consecutive 100-yard rushing game, a new academy record.
Daily’s day started with a bang, leading the Black Knights on a 13-play, 75-yard opening drive capped by a 41-yard touchdown pass to running back Tyrell Robinson. The score was Robinson’s first of the season and the 14th of his career. Army converted three fourth downs during the drive, including a critical six-yard reception by Noah Short, who also contributed a four-yard rush to keep the chains moving.
A Tale of Two Halves
The opening half was a back-and-forth battle between Army’s methodical offense and UTSA’s ability to capitalize on opportunities. After Robinson’s touchdown, UTSA responded with a 10-yard rushing score from Brandon High, capping a 53-yard drive to tie the game at 7-7.
Army kicker Trey Gronotte played a pivotal role, connecting on three field goals, including a 35-yarder as time expired in the first half to give the Black Knights a 13-10 lead. Gronotte’s consistency under pressure was crucial in a game where every point mattered.
UTSA took their first lead of the game early in the third quarter when quarterback Owen McCown found receiver Devin McCuin for a 23-yard touchdown on a fourth-down conversion. The score put the Roadrunners ahead 17-13 with 10:13 left in the third quarter, but it would be their final lead of the day.
Army’s Dominant Fourth Quarter
The turning point came on the first play of the fourth quarter when Army’s defense stopped UTSA’s Brandon High just short of the first-down marker on 4th-and-1 at the Roadrunners’ 16-yard line. Army capitalized five plays later as Daily punched in a one-yard rushing touchdown, his 24th of the season, to give the Black Knights a 22-17 lead.
The momentum continued to swing in Army’s favor when safety Collin Matteson intercepted McCown at the UTSA 41-yard line with 11:17 remaining. Two plays later, Daily broke free for a 42-yard rushing touchdown, extending Army’s lead to 29-17 and tying the AAC single-season touchdown record.
Although UTSA fought back, with McCown connecting on a 54-yard pass to McCuin to set up a six-yard touchdown run by High, Army’s defense held firm when it mattered most. Senior safety Casey Larkin sealed the victory with a game-clinching interception at Army’s 10-yard line with 1:14 remaining.
Dominating the Details
Army’s ability to control the clock and dictate the pace of the game was a critical factor in the win. The Black Knights held possession for an astounding 40 minutes and 26 seconds, more than double UTSA’s time of possession. Their relentless ground attack, which amassed 221 rushing yards, coupled with timely defensive stops, proved to be the difference.
The defense delivered key plays throughout the game, including Matteson’s first career interception and combined stops from Kalib Fortner and Chance Keith, which thwarted UTSA’s fourth-down conversion attempt in the fourth quarter.
A Historic Season
With Saturday’s win, Army completed its regular-season home schedule with a perfect 6-0 record at Michie Stadium, reinforcing the venue’s reputation as one of the most formidable environments in college football. The victory also marked UTSA’s sixth consecutive road loss, as the Roadrunners finished 0-6 away from the Alamodome.
Army’s success in its first year as an AAC member is nothing short of remarkable. After years of operating as an independent program, the Black Knights have seamlessly adapted to conference competition, outlasting perennial AAC contenders like UTSA and Tulane.
Looking Ahead
Next week, Army will face a familiar foe in Tulane, a team they’ve met 23 times since their series began in 1953. The Green Wave holds a 13-9-1 advantage in the all-time series and has won the last four meetings, including a decisive 38-12 victory in New Orleans in 2020. However, this Army team, fueled by its record-breaking quarterback and a relentless defense, is vastly different from the squads Tulane has dominated in recent years.
The 2024 AAC Championship Game, set for Friday, December 6, will be broadcast live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. Pre-game coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on ESPN+. The title game marks a historic moment for Michie Stadium, which will host a conference championship game for the first time in its illustrious history.
UTSA’s Next Steps
For UTSA, the season isn’t over yet. The Roadrunners finished 6-6 and will now await a bowl invitation. Despite a challenging season that included the absence of leading rusher Robert Henry due to an undisclosed injury, the Roadrunners showed resilience and promise, particularly from players like McCown and McCuin, who connected for two critical touchdowns on Saturday.
Conclusion
Army’s victory over UTSA was a testament to the team’s discipline, resilience, and ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes moments. With Bryson Daily leading the charge and a defense capable of making game-changing plays, the Black Knights are well-positioned to cap their historic season with an AAC Championship.
As the team prepares to take on Tulane, the atmosphere at Michie Stadium is sure to be electric. For Army, this season represents not only a leap forward in its football program but also a celebration of the enduring legacy of one of college football’s most revered institutions.