In a dominant display on December 6, the Army Black Knights overwhelmed the Tulane Green Wave 28-21. Army’s win was defined by their relentless rushing attack and an inspired performance by quarterback Bryson Daily, while Tulane was plagued by mistakes that fueled the Black Knights’ victory.
Army’s Ground-and-Pound Offense
Army’s offensive identity was on full display, running the ball on 76% of their plays. Bryson Daily was pivotal, amassing 87 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns on the ground. His tenacity was apparent in critical moments, converting multiple fourth downs and making tough runs to sustain drives. Army’s physicality at the line of scrimmage allowed them to dictate the game’s pace, grinding down the Tulane defense while controlling possession.
Tulane’s Offensive Struggles
Tulane, led by quarterback Donovan Mensah, had flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Mensah connected on a 42-yard touchdown to Mario Williams late in the first half and added another score in the fourth quarter. However, turnovers hampered Tulane’s efforts, including a costly interception that set up one of Army’s touchdowns. Despite some promising moments, Tulane couldn’t establish a rhythm against Army’s disciplined defense.
Turnovers and Defense: Which Played the Bigger Role?
Tulane entered the game with 20 turnovers this season, ranking among the bottom 30 in the FBS, and they added two more in this matchup. Army, boasting a top-20 defense in forcing turnovers this year, capitalized with opportunistic plays, including a critical interception in the second quarter. While Tulane’s mistakes were self-inflicted at times, Army’s defensive discipline and aggression were undeniable.
A Gritty Victory
Army’s ability to execute its game plan with precision and exploit Tulane’s miscues earned them a well-deserved win. Bryson Daily’s tough-as-nails performance epitomized Army’s grit, leaving college football fans with no doubt about their physicality and determination.
For Tulane, the loss underscores the importance of ball security, as turnovers once again proved costly in a season where they often beat themselves. Army’s performance, however, showed that their defense could pressure opponents into mistakes, a critical factor in their success this season.