Vaunted Army defense holds firm again as Black Knights win Independence Bowl

Army’s vaunted offense draws a lot of attention but it was the Black Knights’ defense which came up big more often than not.

Army beat Louisiana Tech 27-6 in the Independence Bowl late Saturday night. It marked the third time the Black Knights held its opponent without a touchdown this season, joining winning efforts against Air Force and North Texas. You can also throw in single-TD efforts against Lehigh, Florida Atlantic, Tulsa and Alabama Birmingham.

Headed into the final weeks of the postseason, Army ranks No. 5 in points allowed (15.5); No. 9 in total yards allowed (297.9); No. 16 in rushing yards allowed (112.0); and, No. 26 in passing yards allowed (185.9).

The Army Black Knights celebrate a 27-6 win against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs to capture the 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium on Dec. 28, 2024.

The Black Knights forced Louisiana Tech into three punts and two field-goal tries through three quarters of play. The Bulldogs failed to produce more than 4 yards on a carry until early in the third. The fourth period netted an interception in the end zone by Jaydan Mayes and two fourth-down stops.

Louisiana Tech managed its first foray deep into Army territory at the end of the first quarter. Max DiDomenico put a halt to it on a third-down stop, prompting a field goal. The Bulldogs had the ball at the Army 37 late in the second before Deshontez Gray and Kalib Fortner produced consecutive sacks.

There were two big stands in the third. Justin Weaver tackled a receiver for a 4-yard loss, leading to the second field goal. A video review call that didn’t go the Bulldogs’ way denied a 28-yard touchdown play by Tru Edwards; called out at the 2, Army put up a fierce goal-line stop. Elo Modozie and Gray stopped a run to the right side for no gain; Weaver popped the ball loose on a…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/vaunted-army-defense-holds-firm-234551740.html

Author : Times Herald-Record

Publish date : 2024-12-29 23:45:00

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