WEST POINT, N.Y. — Bryson Daily made history on Friday night as he rushed for four touchdowns, equaling the American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship game record, leading No. 24 Army to a decisive 35-14 victory over Tulane. This triumph marked a remarkable achievement for Army, culminating in a flawless inaugural season within the AAC, where they concluded with an impressive 11-1 record.
Daily’s outstanding performance earned him the title of Mike Aresco Most Outstanding Player. This season, he set a new AAC record with a total of 29 rushing touchdowns, surpassing the previous record of 25 held by Navy’s quarterback Will Worth in 2016. His impressive stats included 126 rushing yards in the championship game, bolstered by support from Kanye Udoh, who contributed 158 yards and a key 72-yard run that set up one of Daily’s touchdowns.
The Black Knights showcased their powerful, time-consuming rushing strategy throughout the season, leading to their first-ever conference title in their 134-year history. Daily’s scoring runs were from distances of 5, 3, 4, and 7 yards, demonstrating his relentless ability to find the end zone. Notably, he has rushed for multiple touchdowns in ten straight games, solidifying his status as the conference’s Player of the Year.
Transitioning to conference play has proven beneficial for Army, as they had been competing as independents since 1890, with a brief period in Conference USA from 1998 to 2004. Coach Jeff Monken emphasized the necessity for Army to join a conference to create pathways for playoff opportunities in college football’s evolving landscape.
Tulane, with its third consecutive appearance in the AAC championship game, struggled against the Black Knights. The Green Wave, who entered with aspirations of hosting the game, stumbled following a Thanksgiving night loss to Memphis that snapped their 17-game conference winning streak. On Friday, they faced a series of mishaps, including missed field goals, a fumbled kickoff, and an interception in their own territory.
This remarkable victory not only highlights Army’s growth and potential but also serves as a testament to the rewards of strategic decision-making in collegiate sports.
Summary: Army’s Bryson Daily set an AAC championship record with four rushing touchdowns, leading the Black Knights to a 35-14 victory over Tulane and securing their first conference title in history. The team’s strong performance highlights the successful transition to the AAC, marking a bright future for Army football.