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Army 2-7
Monday, November 9, 2015
So many words about Army West Point in this piece... it is nice that this character finally got to watch a full game of Army football this season. I hope he enjoyed it.
It is clear the defense is not where it needs to be to play winning football and I can think of a number of things that I don't like about Coach Monken's offensive schemes. In fact I think there is a clear need for improvement in some of the things Army does to move the ball.
With that said, I have zero questions about punting on 4th and 1 from midfield. Keeping the game close is a virtue on the road, so is playing smart field position. Army chased the first down in past games and got smacked for it. There is zero argument in favor of gambling in that situation on your own side of the field. In this sport, faith in your methods has nothing to do with showing off your balls and a whole lot more to do with making and taking advantages.
4th and 1 from midfield is a no, and 4th & 2 from the Air Force 37... that's a punt too. Scenario A... the answer was punt and scenario B, the answer is a punt.
Seriously though... 4th and 2 from the 47 and the result of the punt was Air Force backed up at their own 4 yard line. HOW IS THAT A BAD IDEA?!?!
Go ahead and look at the play by play. You don't even have to look at each play... you can see it was a field position game. I have no problem with either of Army's first 2 punts except that the second one should have been sent out of bounds at the 10 yard line.
Do you give Grochowski a shot from the 37? probably not. Do you line em up and keep running plays? Absolutely not. The Army offense I've been watching all year has required an extended feeling out process against pretty much every single opponent. Is that a good thing? From my perspective, no. I wish the Cadets had built in size and skill advantages and could score at will, but they don't. So you get rid of the football.
Anyway, another loss. Losing to another service academy always stings and lately these academy contests have become very tiring. I am becoming aware that whereas Navy has Notre Dame as its dragon to slay, Air force is likewise Army's dragon.
Here are the Army/Air Force story, stats and some 'highlights'.
Up next is a return to Michie for the feel-good rivalry game with Tulane. It's time to start winning.
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