Army 2-6

Rough way to go out against Air Force. Army played a strong first half defensively and it looked like they could keep it close solely on the mojo of the defense. I probably don't stand alone in saying it felt like it was a question of 'not if but when' Army's defense would falter. There have been lapses on defense in every game and while the defense was stout early - the close nature of the game magnified Air Force's big plays.

On the other side of the ball the complete ineffectiveness of Army's offense plowed under any hope to pull the game out in the second half and the blame sits firmly on the offense for not being able to move the football - even a little bit. 1 for 12 on 3rd down simply doesn't cut it. It was like Air Force started with 2 D linemen bracketing Angel Santiago upon every snap. I think it's amazing that Army had a chance to make it a game through the 3rd quarter, but defensively, Army came to play. Offensively, no they did not. 

It was just one of those growing games that you get with a first year coaching staff. 8 games in, I don't think anyone imagined Army would be sitting here with just two wins, and that's a lot of what stings about where the team is at right now. Phil Steele's prediction that Army would flirt with bowl eligibility is now in the ash heap of history - but don't let that bring you down. There are positives to be taken from every game and the young guys who have stepped in this year and filled in for injuries are the seeds planted for this program to grow.

Army is years away from where they need to be, but the way they will come around is with that familiar one game at a time ethos. Stick with them, they will get better, they will beat teams, they will win games, and it all starts this week against Connecticut.


Story stats and highlights



_