The 2024 AAC Championship game unfolded at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, where the No. 24 Army Black Knights faced off against the Tulane Green Wave. This matchup marked the 24th meeting between the two teams, with Tulane having secured victory in their last encounter back in 2020. However, this time, the Black Knights were determined to turn the tables.
Game Summary: Army’s Dominance
From the opening whistle, the Army Black Knights showcased their strength with a relentless ground attack and efficient offensive plays. They built a commanding 14-point lead by halftime and never looked back, ultimately winning the game with a convincing score of 35-14.
In the first quarter, Army struck first with a 5-yard touchdown run by Bryson Daily, capping an impressive 11-play, 72-yard drive. The score was 7-0 in favor of the Black Knights. As the second quarter unfolded, Daily continued his dominance, adding two more rushing touchdowns. The first was a 3-yard run following a quick 3-play, 80-yard drive, and the second was a 4-yard score after a short 5-play, 21-yard drive. Tulane managed to respond just before halftime, with Darian Mensah connecting with Mario Williams for a 42-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 21-7 at the break.
Second Half Action
The second half saw Army maintain their momentum. Daily notched his fourth rushing touchdown of the day with a 7-yard run, extending the lead to 28-7. In the fourth quarter, Kanye Udoh added a 1-yard touchdown run, completing a lengthy 16-play, 84-yard drive that consumed over 10 minutes of the clock. Tulane’s Mensah managed to throw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Alex Bauman, but it was too little, too late. The final score stood at 35-14, solidifying Army’s championship victory.
Tulane vs Army: Box Score
| Team | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Final |
|——–|————-|————-|————-|————-|——-|
| Tulane | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| Army | 7 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 35 |
Key Performers: Army Black Knights
Bryson Daily was undoubtedly the star of the game, dominating the field with four rushing touchdowns. His ability to find the end zone repeatedly showcased his skill and determination. Kanye Udoh also made significant contributions with a touchdown that capped off a lengthy drive, emphasizing Army’s control of the game.
Tulane Green Wave Stats
Despite the loss, Tulane’s Darian Mensah managed to account for both of the Green Wave’s touchdowns. He completed 17 of 25 passes for 209 yards and threw for two touchdowns, demonstrating his potential even in a challenging game. However, the team’s inability to keep pace with Army’s ground game proved decisive.
| Player | Completions | Attempts | Interceptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|——————-|————-|———-|—————|——-|————|
| Darian Mensah | 17 | 25 | 1 | 209 | 2 |
Army Black Knights Stats
Army’s ground game was the backbone of their offensive strategy, with a total of 335 rushing yards. Bryson Daily led the charge with 126 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while Kanye Udoh added 158 yards and a touchdown to the mix. This powerful performance on the ground allowed Army to control the clock and dictate the pace of the game.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Touchdowns |
|——————-|———|——-|————|
| Bryson Daily | 25 | 126 | 4 |
| Kanye Udoh | 20 | 158 | 1 |
Defensive Highlights
While the offense stole the spotlight, the Army defense also played a crucial role in the victory. They limited Tulane to just 14 points and consistently pressured Mensah, forcing him into tough situations. The Black Knights’ ability to contain the Green Wave’s offense was key to their success.
Looking Forward
With this victory, the Army Black Knights not only claimed the AAC Championship but also solidified their position as a formidable force in college football. As they look ahead to future matchups, the team will aim to build on this momentum and continue their winning ways. Tulane, on the other hand, will need to regroup and reassess their strategies to bounce back in the upcoming season.
In the world of college football, every game is a story waiting to be told. This championship clash between Army and Tulane was no exception, filled with thrilling moments and standout performances that will be remembered by fans for years to come. As the season progresses, fans can only anticipate what other exciting matchups lie ahead.
