If anyone told you going into the 2024 season that the Army Black Knights would win 12 games, a conference championship, and a blowout victory in their bowl game, you would think that individual had lost their mind. To the surprise of millions of college football fans, however, every single one of those things did happen. Not only did the Black Knights finish the season with 12 wins, they did the unthinkable by winning the American Athletic Conference Championship. Besides their brief period in Conference USA from 1998 to 2004, Army had been an Independent program since they first took the field all the way back in 1890. In just their first season in the American Athletic Conference, and for the first time in their 134-year history, the Army Black Knights could finally call themselves conference champions. On Saturday night, they put the final cherry on top of their incredible season.
Also Read: Army And Navy College Football: Finding Unprecedented Success With Less In 2024
Going Out In Style
Army capped off their historic season by blowing out the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the Independence Bowl, 27-6. Superstar quarterback Bryson Daily rushed for 127 yards and three touchdowns, finishing his remarkable collegiate career on a high note. Daily was not only named MVP of the bowl game, he also scored his 32nd rushing touchdown of the season, breaking the FBS record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season. Daily has been the driving force behind Army’s hellacious ground game all season long. Daily is so strong and so physical that he has given opposing defenses and defensive coordinators nightmares. Not only did the Bulldogs have to deal with Daily and his 27 carries, they also had to deal with Army running back Hayden Reed.
Reed came out of nowhere to rush for 114 yards on 20 carries, adding another punishing attack on the Louisiana Tech defense. Reed and Daily’s performance embodies what the Black Knights have been about all year long. Army is tough, hard-nosed, and very difficult to handle for 60 minutes. With their victory in the Independence Bowl, this season could not have ended on a higher note for Army, a team not known as being a traditional football power. Of course, that wasn’t the case back in the 1940s when they won a couple of national championships, but that was decades ago. The Army teams of the last 70 years have been less than memorable, but the 2024 Army Black Knights have changed all that.
What Happens Next For Army
With the 2024 season coming to an end, it is already time to look ahead to 2025 for the Black Knights. How in the world are they going to top what happened in 2024? An undefeated season in 2025? A college football playoff appearance? Let’s not jump to any conclusions just yet, although it’s nice to look ahead. Bryson Daily will no longer be behind center for the Black Knights, so that will be major shoes to fill for Army’s next quarterback. Replacing a leader like Daily, who also happens to be their best player, will be a major challenge for the Black Knights coaching staff. He presence will be missed not just on the field, but off the field as well.
For now, the Black Knights can go into the offseason and appreciate what they have accomplished in 2024. Winning their first conference title in 134 years will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives. I’m sure the team wishes it could have a rematch with Notre Dame and Navy, their two losses this season, but 12 wins and an AAC title will do just fine. With everything the Army football program has gone through, after years of losing seasons and limited expectations, the Army Black Knights may finally be a football power once again.
For More Great Football Content
To read more of our articles and to keep up to date with the hottest news stories in College Football and the NFL visit our website.
Our Partners
