Still not quite sure what to make of Army’s 24-7 win over Charlotte especially offensively.
Thought this would be a game where the Black Knights could build a substantial lead and empty their sideline. But, scoring was certainly more difficult than figured. Though the outcome was never really in jeopardy, just expected more from the offense.
The biggest news to come out of the victory was Cale Hellums cementing his place as Army’s No. 1 quarterback. Hellums has operated the Black Knights’ offense a higher level with each game and is protecting the football. The junior’s 50-yard quarterback counter was Army’s only run of 20 yards or more against Charlotte. He tracked across the field after a great lead block by pulling tackle Teddy Williams and nearly scored. For the second straight game, Hellums led Army on a late first-half field-goal drive.
Coach Jeff Monken said Monday on This Week in Army Football that Hellums would make his fourth start at Tulane Saturday. Hellums said he found out the Friday before the Charlotte game that he would be starting.
”You look at the plays that he’s had this season, overall, you are looking at six to eight plays that were negative,” Army offensive coordinator Cody Worley said Wednesday. “Other than that, I think he’s played really well. He gets better with every rep and every opportunity. I was proud with the performance (against Charlotte), still got a long. Way to go and he knows that. He’s certainly taken the next step to being our guy.”
Army’s 17-play, 85-yard drive, which ate up 10 minutes and 51 seconds and ended with Carson Smith’s 5-yard TD run, was a trademark possession. Methodical, grinding drives are certainly a part of Army’s culture. But, the offense continues to lack consistent big-play ability. Hellums’ 44-yard pass to Noah Short in the second half was the Black Knights’ only other play of 20 yards or more. Army has 10 plays of 20 yards or more in its last five games.
The Black Knights’ first-team defense continues to rise, shutting out Charlotte for three and a half quarters. Army’s first unit has allowed only one touchdown in its last 11 quarters.
Army’s field-goal team needs to take a step forward this week after two misses in the second half. The first was set up in the right hash. The second was blocked because of a missed blocking assignment on the edge.
Said in the press box: The ways things were going for Army’s offense with the running game was surprised that the Black Knights attempted a pass. Hellums completed two passes – a 6-yard sideline throw to Tobi Olawale (his first catch of the season) and the deep ball to Noah Short.
Fun fact: Junior safety Steve Nnadozie recovered a fumble forced by Kalib Fortner in the fourth quarter. Nnadozie has been a part of three (interception, forced fumble) of Army defense’s seven turnovers. Maybe need
