Army has emerged as one of the most exciting stories in the 2024 NCAA football season. After finishing the 2023 campaign with four straight victories, the Black Knights have stormed into the upper tier of the FBS rankings. With their impressive performance, they find themselves ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25, nestled between SMU and Washington State. This marks Army’s first appearance in the rankings since 2020, and they stand out as the only military academy in the poll with an undefeated record through seven games.
Bryson Daily’s Impact on Army Football
At the heart of Army’s success is quarterback Bryson Daily, who has been nothing short of sensational this season. Daily’s remarkable ability has propelled him to set single-season records for total touchdowns (26) and rushing touchdowns (19) in just seven games. His most recent outing was a jaw-dropping six-touchdown performance in a 45-28 victory against East Carolina on October 19, where he rushed for five touchdowns and threw for another. With his dynamic playmaking, Daily has become a key figure in Army’s quest for a College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance as the Group of 5 representative.
However, as the team gears up for a crucial Week 10 matchup against Air Force, the Black Knights face a significant setback. Unfortunately, Daily will be sidelined due to an undisclosed injury or illness, as confirmed by Army officials. This news has sent ripples of concern through the fanbase, as his absence could have major implications for the team’s championship aspirations.
Understanding Daily’s Injury
While there is currently no timeline for Daily’s return, ESPN reports that it is not expected to be a “season-ending setback.” This is a glimmer of hope for Army, but losing their star quarterback is undeniably a major blow. Daily’s leadership and skill on the field are irreplaceable, especially as the team aims to maintain their momentum in the latter half of the season.
As the Black Knights prepare to face their long-standing rivals, the Air Force Falcons, the pressure is on for the next man up. Junior Dewayne Coleman will take the reins as the starting quarterback, making his first career start. Coleman has seen limited action in previous games, but he has shown flashes of potential that could be crucial in this pivotal matchup.
Dewayne Coleman steps up
Coleman has been preparing for this moment, and his performance against Air Force will be a significant test. In his first start, he led Army to a solid 20-3 victory over the Falcons. Coleman managed to orchestrate a scoring drive in each quarter, showcasing his ability to manage the game effectively. Although he primarily facilitated field-goal series in the first half, he found rhythm in the second half, combining with running back Kanye Udoh for an impressive 200 rushing yards on 38 carries.
Udoh was instrumental in the victory, scoring two touchdowns in the second half as Army’s defense held strong against Air Force’s struggling offense. With this win, the Black Knights improved to 8-0, demonstrating their resilience even in the face of adversity.
Daily’s Performance Before Injury
Before his injury, Daily’s contributions were monumental. His six-touchdown performance against East Carolina was a testament to his talent and determination. With 909 rushing yards and leading the nation with 19 rushing touchdowns, Daily had firmly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs made him a dual-threat nightmare for opposing defenses.
As Army navigates the rest of the season, the question remains: Can they maintain their winning ways without their star quarterback? Coleman has shown promise, but he will need to elevate his game to keep Army’s CFP hopes alive.
Army’s Quarterback Depth Chart
The depth chart at quarterback now features Coleman stepping into the spotlight. Behind him is sophomore Cale Hellums, who has a notable high school career, throwing for over 8,000 yards and 83 touchdowns. While Hellums is a talented player, the immediate focus is on Coleman and how he can lead the team in Daily’s absence.
Here’s a look at the current quarterback depth chart:
| QB1 | Bryson Daily |
| QB2 | Dewayne Coleman |
| QB3 | Cale Hellums |
Looking Ahead: Army’s Future
As Army heads into the next phase of the season, the stakes are higher than ever. With a perfect record and aspirations for a CFP berth, the Black Knights must rally around Coleman and adapt to the changes. The team’s resilience and determination will be tested, but if they can harness the energy of their recent successes, there is no telling how far they can go.
In the world of college football, surprises are always around the corner, and Army’s journey this season is a testament to that. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Black Knights respond to this challenge and whether they can continue their remarkable run in 2024. The excitement is palpable, and the future looks bright for Army football!
