The Army Black Knights delivered a powerhouse performance on Saturday, steamrolling the Rice Owls with a decisive 37-14 victory at Michie Stadium. With a combination of relentless rushing, strategic defense, and key plays, Army maintained its unbeaten streak and showcased the strength of their disciplined approach.
From the first whistle, Army set the tone of the game. Quarterback Bryson Daily led the charge, engineering a 5-play, 70-yard drive that culminated in a 41-yard touchdown pass to Noah Short just minutes into the first quarter. The drive, which consumed only 2 minutes and 52 seconds, was a clear indication of Army’s intent to dominate the game from the outset.
Rice struggled to find its footing in the first half, unable to put any points on the board. Meanwhile, Army continued to capitalize on their momentum. Daily, a dual-threat quarterback, was the star of the game, rushing for 145 yards on 23 carries and scoring three rushing touchdowns. His first came in the second quarter on a 7-yard run after a marathon 17-play drive that covered 90 yards and took nearly 11 minutes off the clock.
The Black Knights’ defense was equally impressive, stifling Rice’s offense and forcing them into unfavorable positions. Army’s defense forced a safety early in the third quarter, adding two more points to their already commanding lead. This play was followed by a 16-yard touchdown pass from Rice quarterback E.J. Warner to Matt Sykes, but it proved to be too little too late.
Army continued to pile on the pressure. Following the safety, Daily led another successful drive, this time covering 75 yards in 9 plays, which he capped with a 1-yard touchdown run as the third quarter came to a close. This extended Army’s lead to 37-7, leaving Rice with little hope of a comeback.
In the fourth quarter, Rice managed to score another touchdown with Christian Francisco catching a 5-yard pass from Warner, but the outcome was already sealed. Army’s defense held strong, preventing any further Rice advances and securing their victory with a final score of 37-14.
Throughout the game, Army dominated the ground game, rushing for an impressive 288 yards compared to Rice’s meager 41. Daily’s performance was complemented by a solid effort from his supporting cast, including running backs Samari Howard and Jake Rendina, who contributed key yards at crucial moments.
The win marks Army’s third straight victory of the season, solidifying their reputation as a formidable force this year. Their disciplined play, strategic execution, and unwavering focus on both sides of the ball were on full display, leaving Rice unable to mount any significant challenge.
As Army looks ahead to the rest of their season, they do so with confidence, having demonstrated their ability to control the pace of the game and capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses. Saturday’s victory was not just a win—it was a statement that the Black Knights are a team to be reckoned with in 2024.
