After being an independent program for the previous 19 seasons, Army has joined the American Athletic Conference for football only. It is the first time Army is a member of a football conference since 2003 when the Black Knights competed in Conference USA.
Army has gone 6-6 in each of the past two seasons, but the Black Knights did not earn a bowl bid either year.
The key will be improving an offense that struggled last year but returns some key skill position players. The Black Knights averaged just 20.5 points per game, which was 111th among FBS schools. Army was 77th in third down conversions (37.8%), so the offense must perform better.
Army Football’s AAC Title Odds
Army’s odds to win the AAC are +2500, via BetMGM.
Army’s Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Army’s win total Over/Under is 6.5, with Under 6.5 at -130 and Over 6.5 at +110.
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Army Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/30 vs. Lehigh
9/7 at FAU
9/21 vs. Rice
9/26 at Temple
10/5 at Tulsa
10/12 vs. UAB
10/19 vs. East Carolina
11/2 vs. Air Force
11/9 at North Texas
11/23 vs. Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium
11/30 vs. UTSA
12/14 vs. Navy at Landover, MD
Bold indicates AAC contests
Key Army Football Returners
All-Independent Second Team
QB Bryson Daily
RB Kanye Udoh
CB Jabril Williams (Special Teams)
Army Experienced At The Skill Positions
Army has ample experience among its skill position players.
Senior Bryson Daily became only the second Army QB to rush and pass for at least 900 yards in a season. He rushed for 901 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns. Daily completed 60 of 120 passes for 913 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions. Army was seventh nationally in rushing, averaging 208 yards per game.
Sophomore running back Kanuve Udoh was named ECAC Division I FBS Rookie of the Year after rushing for 524 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and one score. Senior Tyrell Robinson added 187 yards rushing (4.8 yards per carry) and two scores in eight games. Junior Noah Short (18 receptions, 252 yards, 2 TDs) is the leading returning receiver.
Sophomore center Brady Small and senior guard Lucas Scott are the key members of a solid offensive line.
Army was 31st nationally in scoring defense, allowing 21.08 points per game.
The defense returns three starters, led by linebacker Kalib Fortner, who was second on the team with 68 tackles. Safety Max DiDomenico had 52 tackles and two interceptions. Up front will be the biggest question mark. Defensive lineman Kyle Lewis made 11 starts last season and recorded 25 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
2024 Army Football Season Prediction
I predict Army will have a winning record and return to a bowl game but won’t win the AAC. But due to the schedule, Army could surface as an outside AAC contender.
Head coach Jeff Monken’s team ended last season on a four-game win streak that began with a victory against Air Force and ended with a win over Navy, earning the Black Knights the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. That’s good momentum heading into this season.
Army will have to do a better job in the turnover department. The Black Knights were just 90th in turnover margin, causing 19 but committing 22 for a -0.3 average.
What helps is Army won’t play the two AAC teams considered the top contenders, Memphis and Tulane. The Black Knights also won’t face South Florida, another potential contender.
I’m predicting Army will win seven games. The toughest stretch will be the final three games (Notre Dame, UTSA, and Navy). Even if Army loses two of those games, the seven-win total will be realistic. The Black Knights must be more effective on offense and cut down on turnovers, and if that occurs, they should enjoy a successful first season in the AAC.
