Army linebacker and co-captain Kalib Fortner preached discipline and execution during preparation leading up to the UAB game.
Getting off to back-to-back 21-0 holes needed to be put in the past. Army’s defense needed to be right from the start Saturday.
And, the Black Knights responded on UAB’s opening drive. Cole Searight’s first career sack slowed down the Blazers, forcing a field goal.
Jack Bousum’s blocked field goal was an early turning point. Army coach Jeff Monken said Jacob Tuioti initially tipped the field goal attempt during his Tuesday press conference.
Army’s defense, which allowed only seven points, might have only recorded one sack (Searight) but the Black Knights made Jalen Kitna uncomfortable. Jack Latore and Dillon Stowers led the push up front. Defensive coordinator Nate Woody dialed up some timely blitzes including cornerback Jabril Williams off the edge.
Army should have picked Kitna off twice in the first half and were inches from breaking up his longest completion that led to UAB’s only touchdown before halftime.
Not a fan of rotating quarterbacks but it worked in the first half. Dewayne Coleman, who started his third game of the season, orchestrated Army’s 18-play, 10-minute and 34-second opening drive that finished with Hayden Reed’s touchdown run.
CONGRATS TO @ArmyWP_Football FOR THE LONGEST SCORING DRIVE OF THE WEEK – TIME OF POSSESSION
Hellums moved the Black Knights down field on a two-minute drill that ended with Dawson Jones’ 45-yard field goal. Coleman opened the second half and Army went 3-and-out. Hellums was back for the next drive and played until Army’s kneel down in the final seconds. The
Gavin Shields’ first career interception was ultra timely in the second half and came after Army failed on what I think was a pop-pass play call on 4th-and-3 in long field-goal range (the tight end was covered and Hellums rolled out and threw ball away).
Anderson Britton deserved a nomination for American Conference special teams player of the week. It’s not often that a kicker recovers a fumble. Britton alertly fell on the ball, forced by Elijah Walton.
Slot back Samari Howard is emerging as a reliable receiving option. Howard’s 41-yard catch and run from Hellums was Army’s longest play of the day and a great call by offensive coordinator Cody Worley and great execution. Howard’s hurdle over a UAB defender will make Army’s season-ending highlight video. Howard is on pace for more than 20 catches this season with nine catches through five games.
Good to see linebacker Bryson Banks, nickel back Zane Tallman and cornerback Julian Porter – all freshman – received snaps with second-team defense in the late stages. Quarterback Zach Mundell also took his first snaps of the season – taking two kneel downs to finish the win.
Still somewhat concerned over minimal amount of big plays from Army’s offense. Army has 14 plays of 20 or more yards through five games. Six of those plays were in the Black Knights’ opener against Tarleton State. Crazy that Army’s had only one play or 20 or more yards in each of its two wins.
