Army Black Knights achieved a historic milestone by clinching their first-ever conference title in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), defeating Tulane 35-14. The standout player of the match was Bryson Daily, who matched the AAC championship game record with four rushing touchdowns, bringing his season total to a record-breaking 29 touchdowns. Daily’s remarkable performance earned him the title of Mike Aresco Most Outstanding Player.
In addition to Daily, teammate Kanye Udoh shone with an impressive 158 rushing yards, which included a significant 72-yard run that set up another touchdown. Together, their potent rushing attack overwhelmed Tulane, a strategy that has defined Army’s successful season.
This victory is particularly special for Army, as the Black Knights completed an 11-1 season and established their dominance in the AAC after years of competition as an independent team. Coach Jeff Monken acknowledged the need for conference affiliation to secure a clearer path to the college football postseason, and this victory reinforces that decision.
On the other hand, Tulane faced challenges during the game, marked by mistakes that hindered their performance, such as botched field goal attempts and turnovers. Despite being in their third consecutive AAC championship game, the Green Wave’s hopes for victory were dashed.
Overall, Army’s triumph not only symbolizes their hard work throughout the season but also heralds a new era for the program as they begin a promising chapter within a conference. As they look toward the future, fans can feel optimistic about the potential that lies ahead for this team.
Summary: Army Black Knights won their first AAC championship by defeating Tulane 35-14, with Bryson Daily scoring four touchdowns to set a new conference record of 29 touchdowns in a season. This victory marked a significant milestone, indicating a bright future for the program within its new conference affiliation.