Bo Nicolas-Paul steps up game in Air Force win

Bo Nicolas-Paul walked off Empower Field with an immense sense of pride Saturday in Denver.

Nicolas-Paul had just sang second in front of the Corps of Cadets following Army’s historic win over Air Force.

Army’s cornerback wished everyone could experience the “surreal” moment.

“We did it,” Nicolas-Paul said to the Army athletic communications cameras. “I’m proud of this team. I love this team. It’s a special feeling.

“I go to the best academy in the country. There’s so much history and so much love behind this game. At the end of the day, we are brothers in arms. But, it’s a beautiful game, man.”

Nicolas-Paul saved one of his best college football performances for one of the season’s biggest games. Army’s defense turned No. 17 Air Force over six times in the 23-3 victory, the Black Knights’ first win over an AP-ranked opponent since 1972. And, Nicolas-Paul had a hand in three of the takeaways with two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

College Football Network named Nicolas-Paul to the their team of the week for his efforts. Nicolas-Paul is the first Army player to have multiple interceptions in a game since current Steelers safety Elijah Riley picked off two passes in the 2016 Heart of Dallas Bowl against North Texas. He leads Army with three interceptions.

Nicolas-Paul had a Pick Six in the Black Knights’ opener at Louisiana-Monroe. The last Army player to pick off more than three passes in a season was Josh Jenkins (4) in 2014.