Army/Duke Wrap Up

Well, well, well. The Black Knights returned from North Carolina with a triumphant 35-21 victory @ Duke.
I really wish I could have watched this one, but it was not to be.

Prior to the game Trent Steelman was profiled in a piece from his hometown Bowling Green Daily News. What a time for a spotlight as #8 led the team in offense with 18 carries for 62 yards and 4/6 passing for a season high 85 pass yards.

“We set four goals before the start of the season,” he explained. “No. 1 was to lead the nation in turnover margin. That’s a big part both offensively and defensively (Army is tied for 16th at 1.33). No. 2 was, of course, to win a bowl game (Army needs to win four of its final eight games against FBS opponents to be bowl eligible). No. 3 was to be the least penalized team in the nation - or top five, preferably No. 1 (Army is tied for 19th at 4.67 penalties per game). And No. 4 was to win the CiC - the Commander in Chief trophy (the Black Nights play Air Force on Nov. 6 and Navy on Dec. 11). Those are our four goals we set our eyes on and we think it’s very, very accomplishable.”

Army simply ate Duke's lunch this time around, and didn't give the Blue Devils room to breathe from the opening kickoff until the game was out of hand.

Coach Ellerson's efforts to lead the nation in turnover margin is paying off, as the Black Knights had five takeaways which they turned into 28 points.


It was a solid game by Army, which were helped by an early lead and Duke miscues throughout the game. It should be mentioned that Duke did everything it could to take themselves out of the contest - but credit Army for doing what they had to do with the lead they were given.

Army dominated the clock, possessing the ball for 39 minutes and 57 seconds. The Black Knights ran 18 more plays than Duke.

Opinions of the Army program are rising and rightfully so; the team is 3-1 and Army's bowl hopes are alive and well. With this light schedule, it will be tough to gauge exactly how good this Army team is, but next week's game against Temple should provide a true test of Army's football playing ability.


Here's your Army/Duke story and stats.