Army Preview Blue Ribbon

ESPN and Blue Ribbon college football yearbook team up to bring us this 2010 preview.


There's an overview of the team, offensive and defensive breakdowns, notes on special teams and impact newcomers and a 2010 season analysis. Let's cut to the chase:

BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS

Last year's 5-7 record proved Ellerson is making progress. The question, however, is if it's enough to make Army eligible for a bowl game. Offensively, the Black Knights should be better with a more experienced quarterback in Trent Steelman and a running game bolstered by the arrival of Jared Hassin. Although they'd like to have an improved passing game, it might be inconsequential.

Defensively, it will be difficult to repeat last year's performance, especially now that opponents are more accustomed to Ellerson's scheme. If the defense plays similar to the way it did last year, look for Army to earn its six wins and appear in a bowl game.

With games against Notre Dame, Rutgers and Temple, I agree the margin for error in 2010 will be slim, but I think Army is ahead of the curve considering the bulk of their schedule. I think the tendency is to look at the Black Knights as the "same old Army" team, which is a perception that will change as soon as Army jumps on an opponent for the first time in 2010.
DT Mike Gann's thoughts?..

"I know everybody says that this year is going to be different," Gann said. "But it [the atmosphere around the team] already feels more right. It feels like a good team's should feel.

"Obviously, we won't know [if it's more than a feeling] until we start stacking up the Ws."