Army Hosts Tulane for AAC Title In Friday Night Battle at Michie Stadium
By John ChuhranCaMMVets Media
West Point, N.Y. – Toughness will be on display Friday night at Michie Stadium.
With temperatures expected to be below freezing by kickoff and a formidable foe motivated after an unexpected loss on Thanksgiving night that created the chance for Army to host this week’s game, the Black Knights (10-1, 8-0) will be tested in their match up with the Tulane Green Wave (9-3, 7-1) for the American Athletic Conference Championship Game (8 PM, ABC network TV).
“I can't believe we're hosting the conference game here on Friday night,” said Army Head Coach Jeff Monken. “It's just incredible to be able to share West Point with the American people on national TV. We're just incredibly proud of this University and what it means to our nation and show the nation what this is – it's an institution that builds and educates, trains and inspires the next generation of Army leaders for America. We're proud to do that. I'm happy for our team. I'm proud of what they've done to position themselves to be here in the championship game.”
Last Saturday, No. 24 Army was coming off a crushing 49-14 loss to No.4 Notre Dame. The Black Knights rebounded strongly – taking an early lead, falling behind in the second half, and making big plays (including two fourth-quarter interceptions in the end zone) to grab a 29-24 win over the University of Texas at San Antonio. There were a few mistakes along the way, but disciplined and unified effort ultimately sealed the win and clinched home field for the championship battle.
Tulane, which claimed the 2022 AAC crown and will be making its third straight appearance in the championship game, is coming off a 34-24 loss to Memphis (10-2, 6-2), which treated the game as an unofficial playoff game; though logging more total victories, the Tigers had a pair of regular-season conference losses to rank behind Tulane. The Green Wave had a disastrous trio of drive-killing plays in the Red Zone, fumbling twice and yielding an interception that combined to be the difference in the outcome.
With former Head Coach Willie Fritz heading to the University of Houston this year, Tulane quickly adapted to the leadership of Jon Sumrall and the Green Wave continues to excel. Tulane leads the AAC in scoring (39.1 points per game) and total offense (429.3 ypg. ) and is third in rushing (312.5 ypg.), combining to rank sixth among all 133 FBS teams. Sophomore running back Makhi Hughes leads the Green Wave with 1,306 rushing yards (second in the AAC to Army’s Bryson Daily) with 15 touchdowns. He has seven games of at least 100 yards on the ground this year, but he left the game against Memphis after 9 carries due to injury. If he cannot play, the Tulane running attack will be limited; the Green Wave had three other runners, but they combined for just nine carries and 42 yards.
“They play together and they're tough and physical,” Monken said. “I really admire their team and Coach Sumrall and their staff. They're athletic, they're fast – just a really impressive football team. Offensively, they’ve got a lot of weapons. They’ve got a great quarterback, they're really athletic up front on the offensive line. I’m really impressed with that unit. They're just a complete team – they wouldn't be in this position if they weren't. I think coach Sumrall is one of the best coaches in the country – his teams at Troy just destroyed that league for two years in a row. They beat us in back-to-back seasons and now he’s at Tulane, the top team in the American (Conference) so they're a complete unit and it’s going to be very challenging.” Freshman Quarterback Darian Mensah (172 completions in 262 attempts for 2,514 yards and 20 TD) has been brilliant with only a few youthful mistakes. Mensah has thrown five interceptions, the most recent being last week when he made a horrible decision to throw deep into a defense-heavy group near the end zone. The ball was intercepted and started a drive that resulted in a Memphis TD. The 14-point shift was crucial to causing the Tulane loss.
Mensah’s favorite target is Junior Wide Receiver Mario Williams (48 receptions for 831 yards and 4 TD). Junior Tight End Alex Bauman (15 catches for 171 yards and 6 TD) is another threat, especially when Tulane is looking for a shorter-yardage gain. Defensively, Tulane has been stingy, holding the opposition to just 18.4 points (second in the AAC) and 304.2 total offensive yards (fourth) per game. The Green Wave’s leading defender is Senior Linebacker Tyler Grubbs (53 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions, and an interception return for a touchdown). Sharing the load is Linebacker Sam Howard (43 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, 1 int.). Monken also pointed out how the Tulane Defensive Coaches could give Green Wave an advantage.“The Defensive Coordinator, Greg Gasparato ,was on our staff here,” Monken said, “so he and Coach (Nate) Woody (the Army Defensive Coordinator) worked closely together here. That wasn't the first time that they had worked together, so we know just how good of a coach he is and how well prepared they will be on defense to face us.” Army features the top rushing attack in the country (312.5 ypg) and is led by Quarterback Bryson Daily, who found success last week (10 for 17 passing for 190 yards and a TD, 147 yards rushing with 2 TD) after being contained the week before by the strong and quick Notre Dame defense. He has scored at least two rushing touchdowns in his last eight games, and rushed for over 100 yards in his last nine contests. His average of 134.8 rushing yards per game and his 25 rushing touchdowns in 2024 (second among all FBS players) both top the Army record book. He leads the AAC with 1,354 rushing yards this year and one more rushing TD will give him the all-time AAC single season record).
By John ChuhranCaMMVets Media
West Point, N.Y. – Toughness will be on display Friday night at Michie Stadium.
With temperatures expected to be below freezing by kickoff and a formidable foe motivated after an unexpected loss on Thanksgiving night that created the chance for Army to host this week’s game, the Black Knights (10-1, 8-0) will be tested in their match up with the Tulane Green Wave (9-3, 7-1) for the American Athletic Conference Championship Game (8 PM, ABC network TV).
“I can't believe we're hosting the conference game here on Friday night,” said Army Head Coach Jeff Monken. “It's just incredible to be able to share West Point with the American people on national TV. We're just incredibly proud of this University and what it means to our nation and show the nation what this is – it's an institution that builds and educates, trains and inspires the next generation of Army leaders for America. We're proud to do that. I'm happy for our team. I'm proud of what they've done to position themselves to be here in the championship game.”
Last Saturday, No. 24 Army was coming off a crushing 49-14 loss to No.4 Notre Dame. The Black Knights rebounded strongly – taking an early lead, falling behind in the second half, and making big plays (including two fourth-quarter interceptions in the end zone) to grab a 29-24 win over the University of Texas at San Antonio. There were a few mistakes along the way, but disciplined and unified effort ultimately sealed the win and clinched home field for the championship battle.
Tulane, which claimed the 2022 AAC crown and will be making its third straight appearance in the championship game, is coming off a 34-24 loss to Memphis (10-2, 6-2), which treated the game as an unofficial playoff game; though logging more total victories, the Tigers had a pair of regular-season conference losses to rank behind Tulane. The Green Wave had a disastrous trio of drive-killing plays in the Red Zone, fumbling twice and yielding an interception that combined to be the difference in the outcome.
With former Head Coach Willie Fritz heading to the University of Houston this year, Tulane quickly adapted to the leadership of Jon Sumrall and the Green Wave continues to excel. Tulane leads the AAC in scoring (39.1 points per game) and total offense (429.3 ypg. ) and is third in rushing (312.5 ypg.), combining to rank sixth among all 133 FBS teams. Sophomore running back Makhi Hughes leads the Green Wave with 1,306 rushing yards (second in the AAC to Army’s Bryson Daily) with 15 touchdowns. He has seven games of at least 100 yards on the ground this year, but he left the game against Memphis after 9 carries due to injury. If he cannot play, the Tulane running attack will be limited; the Green Wave had three other runners, but they combined for just nine carries and 42 yards.
“They play together and they're tough and physical,” Monken said. “I really admire their team and Coach Sumrall and their staff. They're athletic, they're fast – just a really impressive football team. Offensively, they’ve got a lot of weapons. They’ve got a great quarterback, they're really athletic up front on the offensive line. I’m really impressed with that unit. They're just a complete team – they wouldn't be in this position if they weren't. I think coach Sumrall is one of the best coaches in the country – his teams at Troy just destroyed that league for two years in a row. They beat us in back-to-back seasons and now he’s at Tulane, the top team in the American (Conference) so they're a complete unit and it’s going to be very challenging.” Freshman Quarterback Darian Mensah (172 completions in 262 attempts for 2,514 yards and 20 TD) has been brilliant with only a few youthful mistakes. Mensah has thrown five interceptions, the most recent being last week when he made a horrible decision to throw deep into a defense-heavy group near the end zone. The ball was intercepted and started a drive that resulted in a Memphis TD. The 14-point shift was crucial to causing the Tulane loss.
Mensah’s favorite target is Junior Wide Receiver Mario Williams (48 receptions for 831 yards and 4 TD). Junior Tight End Alex Bauman (15 catches for 171 yards and 6 TD) is another threat, especially when Tulane is looking for a shorter-yardage gain. Defensively, Tulane has been stingy, holding the opposition to just 18.4 points (second in the AAC) and 304.2 total offensive yards (fourth) per game. The Green Wave’s leading defender is Senior Linebacker Tyler Grubbs (53 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions, and an interception return for a touchdown). Sharing the load is Linebacker Sam Howard (43 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, 1 int.). Monken also pointed out how the Tulane Defensive Coaches could give Green Wave an advantage.“The Defensive Coordinator, Greg Gasparato ,was on our staff here,” Monken said, “so he and Coach (Nate) Woody (the Army Defensive Coordinator) worked closely together here. That wasn't the first time that they had worked together, so we know just how good of a coach he is and how well prepared they will be on defense to face us.” Army features the top rushing attack in the country (312.5 ypg) and is led by Quarterback Bryson Daily, who found success last week (10 for 17 passing for 190 yards and a TD, 147 yards rushing with 2 TD) after being contained the week before by the strong and quick Notre Dame defense. He has scored at least two rushing touchdowns in his last eight games, and rushed for over 100 yards in his last nine contests. His average of 134.8 rushing yards per game and his 25 rushing touchdowns in 2024 (second among all FBS players) both top the Army record book. He leads the AAC with 1,354 rushing yards this year and one more rushing TD will give him the all-time AAC single season record).
Kanye Udoh (145 carries for 906 yards and 9 TD) will be looking for the 94 yards needed to reach the 1,000-yard milestone. Slot back Noah Short (57 carries for 483 yards (a whopping 8.5 yards per carry) and 2 TD, 15 receptions for 305 yards and 3 TD) will explore any opportunities that develop. Casey Reynolds (17 catches for 417 yards and 3 TD) is expected to be the top target when Daily tries to use his right arm. The cold weather may limit the passing game – a situation that could favor Army’s strong running unit.
Defensively, Army leads the AAC in points allowed (15.1 ppg.), total defense (295.5 ypg.), rush defense (103 ypg.), and in Red Zone defense (58.6 percent scoring probability). Andon Thomas (80 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss, .5 of a QB sack, 1 int, 2 pass break ups, 1 QB hurry, 1 fumble recovery) has been everywhere while Kalib Fortner (62, 8.5 tfl, 1 QB sack, 1 pbu, 2 qbh), Max DiDomenico (47, 1 tfl, 2 int, 1 qbh), and Casey Larkin (40, 5.5 tfl, 4 int) all play major roles in stopping the opposition helping army lead the nation in time of possession (35:49).
This week, the AAC announced that Monken had been named AAC Coach of Year and Daily was named AAC Offensive Player of the Year. A dozen Black Knights were also recognized All-AAC players: on the first team were QB Daily, C Brady Small, LG Bill Katsigiannis and S DiDomencio; on the second team were LT Connor Finucane, RT Lucas Scott, RG Paolo Gennarelli, RB Udoh and DL Kyle Lewis; and on the third team were ILB Thomas and OLB Elo Modozie. ILB Kalib Fortner was named an honorable mention. Tulane had 18 players awarded All-AAC honors (4 on the first team, 8 on the second team, five on the third team and 1 honorable mention).
Given the weather, the recent performances of both teams, and the talent of players and coaches on both teams, consider this one a toss-up. Monken knows it won't be easy.
“We haven't won anything yet,” Monken said. “We've won some games along the way this year and it's been a lot of fun. We've got a great group of guys that I love, but you know the accomplishments that we could be proud of are still out there. One of those is Friday night to play for a championship. It's going to be really challenging. We're going to have to play our very best football of the season to even be competitive with this team – they're so talented and well coached. This is a game they've played in. They've got people that have been a part of the Conference Championship Game. This is our first time and so this is a new experience for our guys and it's exciting. We're going to have to play very good football if we're going to have a chance to win. I know it'll be a great night at West Point.”
(-CaMMVets-)
Defensively, Army leads the AAC in points allowed (15.1 ppg.), total defense (295.5 ypg.), rush defense (103 ypg.), and in Red Zone defense (58.6 percent scoring probability). Andon Thomas (80 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss, .5 of a QB sack, 1 int, 2 pass break ups, 1 QB hurry, 1 fumble recovery) has been everywhere while Kalib Fortner (62, 8.5 tfl, 1 QB sack, 1 pbu, 2 qbh), Max DiDomenico (47, 1 tfl, 2 int, 1 qbh), and Casey Larkin (40, 5.5 tfl, 4 int) all play major roles in stopping the opposition helping army lead the nation in time of possession (35:49).
This week, the AAC announced that Monken had been named AAC Coach of Year and Daily was named AAC Offensive Player of the Year. A dozen Black Knights were also recognized All-AAC players: on the first team were QB Daily, C Brady Small, LG Bill Katsigiannis and S DiDomencio; on the second team were LT Connor Finucane, RT Lucas Scott, RG Paolo Gennarelli, RB Udoh and DL Kyle Lewis; and on the third team were ILB Thomas and OLB Elo Modozie. ILB Kalib Fortner was named an honorable mention. Tulane had 18 players awarded All-AAC honors (4 on the first team, 8 on the second team, five on the third team and 1 honorable mention).
Given the weather, the recent performances of both teams, and the talent of players and coaches on both teams, consider this one a toss-up. Monken knows it won't be easy.
“We haven't won anything yet,” Monken said. “We've won some games along the way this year and it's been a lot of fun. We've got a great group of guys that I love, but you know the accomplishments that we could be proud of are still out there. One of those is Friday night to play for a championship. It's going to be really challenging. We're going to have to play our very best football of the season to even be competitive with this team – they're so talented and well coached. This is a game they've played in. They've got people that have been a part of the Conference Championship Game. This is our first time and so this is a new experience for our guys and it's exciting. We're going to have to play very good football if we're going to have a chance to win. I know it'll be a great night at West Point.”
(-CaMMVets-)