Quick thoughts: Kansas State

There’s nothing in college football quite like the Army locker room after a big win.

Army’s victory at Kansas State was program-defining enough that coach Jeff Monken brought out the “I’m gunna fight until I can’t fight no more” rallying cry. Players followed singing “On Brave Old Army Team.”

Can argue that the 24-21 thriller was Monken’s biggest non-Commander-in-Chief’s, regular-season win in his 12 seasons at West Point. Viewed an Instagram story that showed Monken on one knee after the final whistle with senior Noah Short there to support him. Not if emotion was getting a breakthrough win over a legitimate Power Four program or the happiness of bouncing back from the season-opening loss to Tarleton State. Maybe, both.

For 60 minutes at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, the Black Knights played quintessential Army football – ball control, 0 turnovers, minimal penalties.

Can’t say enough about quarterback Cale Hellums’ effort and performance in his first career start at a Power Four school. Some Army fans are already calling Hellums “Bryson Daily 2.0” for his bruising running style and ability to gain yards after contact. Hellums executed Army’s game plan of owning time of possession to near perfection. Army’s scoring drives were 16, 14, 13 and 14 plays. Hellums, leading Army on a “two-minute” touchdown drive that ended with a fourth-down pass to finish the first half, defined the junior and the type of competitor that he is. In my opinion, Hellums turned in the best first start by a quarterback in the Jeff Monken era just ahead of Tyhier Tyler-Cade Ballard (UTSA, 2020) and Dewayne Coleman (Air Force, 2024) from recent memory.

Talked before the season how Army always seems to have a first-year starting defensive senior step up and play at a high level, this year, so far, that player is Collin Matteson. Matteson’s final defensive series of an interception and three pass breakups is a season for some defensive backs. Great to see Matteson receive national recognition for his efforts being named Nagurski Trophy, Lott Impact Trophy and.PFF College player of the week. PFF College graded Matteson the best FBS safety of Week 2.

The bounce back says a lot about the leadership on this team from captains Kalib Fortner and Andon Thomas to seniors Noah Short, Will Jeffcoat, Casey Larkin and the entire firstie class. The effort level was off the charts and what you expect from an Army football team. 

Army’s defense set the tone from the start, holding Kansas State to a field goal on opening drive. Fortner, Thomas and Larkin made big hits and critical tackles early in the first half, showing Army wasn’t backing down from the challenge of a Power Four team on the road. The Black Knights gave ONE touchdown on defense and that was on a 4th-and-goal from the 32. Just a great defensive effort when the unit was on the field.

Special teams redeemed itself after giving up a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown. Anderson Britton executed the squib kick off a Kansas State player to perfection, catching the Wildcats completely off guard. So much that there was a host of Army players were around the ball to recover with Cole Searight securing it.

What a difference a week makes for Army’s offensive line. Center Brady Small said earlier in the week that the O-line was “locked in” and had a fire during practice. The line didn’t just talk about improving. It brought that to the game. Army had success running between the tackles against a defense that was allowing 102 rushing yards in its first two games. Guard Paolo Gennarelli was able to get to second level with some key blocks. 

Give Army’s coaching staff credit for stepping up its game. Offensive coordinator Cody Worley’s play-calling was next level. The Black Knights put on a clinic in ball control in the second half, running 47 plays to Kansas State’s 13. The Wildcats had only TWO offensive possessions after halftime and six for the game.

Worley kept Kansas State thinking enough, mixing inside and outside runs. Army’s play design on Hellums’ TD pass to Anderson was on point with Noah Short’s route drawing out Anderson’s coverage.

Defensive coordinator Nate Woody’s gameplan contained Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson from using his legs to beat the Black Knights.

Special teams coordinator Sean Saturnio’s squib call was well-timed, executed and epic.

Crazy stats: Cale Hellums’ 41 rushes set Army single-game record previous held by Gerald Walker (1981) and Lynn Moore (1969).

Short, a slotback, led Army in passing yards with 52 yards on an option completion to Brady Anderson

Unsung heroes: Jacob Tuioti was called on to start for nose tackle Kody Harris-Miller, who was injured, and more than held his own.

Carson Smith and Briggs Bartosh, Army’s third and fourth fullbacks, stepped up when called on. With starting fullback Hayden Reed banged up in the third quarter and Jake Rendina injured in the first half, Smith and Bartosh combined for 34 yards on 12 carries in their first extended action.