So, What Did I Miss?

First off, thanks to everyone who watched the video feed. While the production value on my end was pretty 'LOL' I was pleased to see so many people find and watch the stream. I'm counting on the rest of Army's games to be available on more mainstream sources, so I doubt I'll be doing many more broadcasts this year.

The game was a barnburner, opening weekend for college ball is a hell of a time to get involved with family moving to nearby Portland... and all things considered I was lucky enough to catch the two games I really wanted to see. Army's improvement on offense was palpable, but defensively there were way to many miscues and lapses.

Scoring 4 touchdowns is a pretty noticeable step in the right direction for the Black Knights' offense, but capping the game off with a 78 yard scoring drive for the win should give Army a reason for optimism as the season progresses.

We should all appreciate this win and enjoy the win, but looking back at this game, for every reason Army fans have to be optimistic about 2010 there are two or three items that log as true reality checks for this season. The win was costly as the defense lost both Steve Erzinger and Nate Combs. I'm still looking for a report on those players' injuries, plus the status of fellow LB Sean Westphal, but I am not encouraged by what I have heard to this point.

Sure Army scored TDs and finished the game with a clutch drive- but it is clear that Army's schedule is a lot tougher than anyone thought it would be. Eastern Michigan showed life and made for a competitive road trip. Up next is Hawaii, who gave USC some serious trouble before falling at home. The good news is that Hawaii travels all the way to West Point, but brace yourselves as the Warriors are a good looking team with the ability to score a lot of points.

It will be easy for me to forget how Army struggled with what is considered one of the weakest div.1 teams, but it will be harder for the team to move on as they lost those key players from the defense. Really, though getting the win on the road was big - Army will have to compete in and win every road game in order to qualify for a bowl. Just squeaking this one out in the first game goes a long way toward the season's goal of a postseason invite. 


Here's your Army/EMU story, stats and "highlights".