This Year
So far in the 2015-2016 campaign, the Army West Point Black Knights have started with a 0-3 record before coming to Ypsilanti to take on the Eagles.
Last Week
The Black Knights hosted Wake Forest last week, and was narrowly defeated 17-14 in a class game.
Last Season
Army finished the 2014-2015 campaign with a record of 4-8.
Coach
Jeff Monken is currently in his second season at the helm of the Black Knights and holds a career record of 4-11 with Army.
Game Week Information
Eastern Michigan will host the Army West Point Black Knights on Saturday, September 26th, and kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.
The “Turn It Up Turn It Green” pep rally will begin at 3:30 p.m.
EMU will also be wearing commemorative American flag jerseys for this game only.
Returning Starters
The Black Knights have a total of 9 returning players on its roster for the 2015-2016 season. Some kept returning players are as followed: Offensive lineman Drew Hennessy, wide receiver Edgar Poe, running backs Joe Walker and Joe Kemper, linebacker Andrew King, safety Xavier Moss, and cornerback Chris Carnegie.
Army vs. Eastern Michigan History
Army leads the all-time series 5-1. The last meeting between EMU and Army came in 2013, where the Black Knights won 50-25, and Army running back Terry Baggett broke Army school records rushing for 304-yards. The Eagles last win over Army came in 2012, beating West Point 48-38.
Falling Short in Final Seconds
Army is coming into this game with a 0-3 record, but were close to starting the season 3-0, having lost its prior three games in the dying seconds of the match-up. Army fell short to Fordham 37-35, after scoring a touchdown and not being able to convert on the 2-point conversion to tie the game. In week two against University of Connecticut, Army throws an interception with six seconds remaining in the game, falling 22-17 to the Huskies. Then last week, Wake Forest made a 47-yard field goal to win the game 17-14. The Black Knights have lost by a combined nine points this season.
Array of Options
Army’s offense runs the triple option; the quarterback will lineup under center with a fullback directly behind him, and two running backs split in the backfield. Army will use between six or seven different rushers throughout the game. The option offense is a basic offense that can be tough to stop if not defended against correctly or if there are missed assignments on defense. Army will get in formation and check the play with their sideline before running the play. It does this to see if the coaching staff notices anything in the opponents defense that they think they could potentially be taken advantage of. The option allows the Black Knights to either hand the ball off up the middle to the fullback, go around the ends to either running back, or simply have the quarterback keep the ball.
Bradshaw Burns Defenses
Ahmad Bradshaw will be the one lined up under center for Army. Bradshaw leads the Black Knights in rushing and passing yards, which is to be expected when running the type of offense Army does. When the ball is in the hands of Bradshaw he averages close to 6-yards per carry. He has broke for many big runs including a 56-yard touchdown run against the University of Connecticut, and has scored four touchdowns on the ground this season.
Crown King On Defense
Army has an impressive defense that is talented, but the one name that jumps out is Andrew King. King is one of the most versatile players you may see in college football this year. He brings the Army defense to life as he can do anything from get to the quarterback or stop the run and the pass. He’s racked up three sacks this season, and seven tackles for loss, and leads the team in tackles. The presence he’s had this season has forced bad passes that have resulted in interceptions for the Black Knights.
