SHREVEPORT, LA. – In a game that symbolized resilience and excellence, the No. 22 Army Black Knights capped a historic season with a commanding 27-6 victory over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the 48th annual Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
The win at Independence Stadium marked Army’s 12th victory of the season, setting a program record for the most wins in a single campaign.
Senior quarterback Bryson Daily cemented his place in college football lore by setting the single-season FBS record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, eclipsing Navy’s Keenan Reynolds’ 2013 mark of 31.
Dominance from the Start
Under clear skies with temperatures dipping into the mid-50s, Army (12-2) wasted no time establishing its dominance. The Black Knights’ relentless triple-option offense overwhelmed Louisiana Tech (5-8), as Army marched 80 yards on each of its first two drives. Daily capped the opening drive with an 8-yard touchdown run and added a second score shortly after to give Army an early 14-0 lead. By halftime, the Black Knights were in full control, up 21-3, thanks in part to a grueling 21-play, 75-yard drive that drained 12:21 off the clock.
“It felt like we were out there forever,” said fullback Hayden Reed, who had a career night with 114 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. “Drives like that show what this team is all about—toughness and determination.”
A Record-Setting Performance
Bryson Daily’s performance was nothing short of historic. The senior quarterback rushed 27 times for 127 yards and three touchdowns, bringing his season total to 32 rushing scores. In doing so, Daily surpassed the previous FBS record for a quarterback set by Navy’s Reynolds. Despite a limited passing attack—Daily completed just 2 of 9 passes for 65 yards—his 52-yard strike to tight end David Crossan set up his record-breaking touchdown in the fourth quarter. Remarkably, the catch was the first of Crossan’s career.
“I’m really proud of this senior class, the way we came together to have this season,” Daily said. “To have two six-win seasons in a row, to turn it around and get 12, just extremely proud of the guys.”
A Historic Program Milestone
Army’s 12-win season is its first in program history, further solidifying the resurgence of Black Knights football under head coach Jeff Monken. Army’s ground game, which led the nation with an average of 298.9 rushing yards per game, was once again the cornerstone of their success, racking up 321 rushing yards on 64 carries. The Black Knights controlled the tempo throughout, holding the ball for over 40 minutes and converting four of five fourth-down attempts.
“They responded from a very emotional and difficult loss to Navy two weeks ago with a great effort,” Monken said. “This senior class will be remembered for their resilience and for setting a new standard for Army Football.”
Louisiana Tech Struggles to Keep Pace
The Bulldogs entered the game as a replacement for Sun Belt champion Marshall, who opted out due to a wave of players entering the transfer portal. Despite their challenges, Louisiana Tech showed determination, particularly from standout players like senior wide receiver Tru Edwards, who had eight receptions for 92 yards despite entering the transfer portal. Freshman quarterback Evan Bullock completed 14 of 28 passes for 169 yards but was unable to find the end zone. The Bulldogs’ ground game was stifled, managing just 49 rushing yards on 22 attempts.
“I’m disappointed with the outcome,” said Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie. “But I hope this experience motivates our team to work harder and get back to postseason play.”
Louisiana Tech’s defense, which was short-handed due to transfer portal departures, struggled to contain Army’s option attack. Linebackers Jacob Fields and Zach Zimos led the Bulldogs with 10 tackles each, but the unit could not stop Army’s methodical drives.
Turning Point: The 21-Play Drive
Perhaps the defining moment of the game came in the second quarter when Army orchestrated a 21-play, 75-yard drive that consumed over 12 minutes of game time. The drive included two third-down conversions and three fourth-down conversions, epitomizing Army’s discipline and physicality. Daily’s 8-yard touchdown run at the end of the drive gave the Black Knights a 21-3 lead and effectively sealed the game.
“That drive was a statement,” said Monken. “It’s the kind of football we pride ourselves on—hard-nosed, disciplined, and relentless.”
Redemption After Navy Loss
The victory was particularly sweet for Army, coming just two weeks after a bitter 31-13 loss to Navy in which the Black Knights surrendered the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. The loss had cast a shadow over an otherwise stellar season, but the Independence Bowl win provided a sense of redemption.
“This win means everything,” said senior defensive back Jaydan Mayes, who sealed the victory with an interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter. “It’s a reminder of why we do what we do, and it’s a fitting way to end my career here.”
The Bigger Picture
Army’s success this season has been a testament to the program’s growth under Monken, who has led the Black Knights to eight bowl appearances and an 8-3 postseason record during his tenure. The team’s performance has also garnered national attention, with more than nine million viewers tuning in for the Army-Navy game and another two million watching Army’s American Conference Championship victory on ABC.
Unsung Heroes Shine
While Daily and Reed garnered much of the spotlight, several unsung heroes stepped up for the Black Knights. Slotback Tyrell Robinson, who struggled in his last bowl appearance in 2021, delivered a strong performance, averaging six yards per carry. Senior slotback Miles Stewart, who had only three carries all season, also saw action, showcasing the depth and selflessness of the team.
A Celebration of Bowl Season
The Independence Bowl’s lively atmosphere reflected the significance of the occasion. With an announced attendance that made it the most well-attended Independence Bowl since 2014, fans from both schools brought energy and enthusiasm. Monken and Cumbie both praised the hospitality of Shreveport, with Monken expressing his admiration for the bowl’s rich history.
“It’s an honor to play in a bowl with so much tradition,” Monken said. “This game was about more than just football; it was a celebration of what makes college sports special.”
Looking Ahead
As the Black Knights turn their attention to 2025, the future looks bright. While the team will lose key contributors like Daily and Robinson, the foundation laid by this year’s senior class ensures that Army Football will remain a force to be reckoned with. The emergence of players like Reed and the potential of integrating tight ends more effectively into the passing game provide hope for an even more dynamic offense next season.
Final Thoughts
Army’s 27-6 victory over Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl was a fitting conclusion to a season filled with milestones and memorable moments. From Daily’s record-breaking performance to the team’s historic 12th win, the Black Knights have set a new standard for success. As fans reflect on this season, they can take pride in a program that exemplifies discipline, resilience, and excellence—values that resonate far beyond the football field.