It stings, doesn't it? That final whistle echoing across the stadium as the scoreboard glared: Army 31, Rice 28. Another valiant effort from the Owls, another heartbreaker against the relentless, ground-churning attack of Army's triple option. This wasn't a game where Rice was blown out; it was a tightly contested battle, a seesaw affair ultimately decided by Army's unwavering commitment to their unique offensive philosophy.
For much of the game, Rice looked like they had the answers. Their offense, whether through the air or on the ground, moved the ball effectively. Quarterback Warner showed flashes of brilliance, making key throws and extending drives. The running game, spearheaded by Dean Connors, found seams and kept the Black Knights' defense honest.
The scoreline reflected the back-and-forth nature of the contest. Rice would answer an Army score with one of their own, the tension palpable with each snap. The crowd, a mix of hopeful Owls faithful and the disciplined cadence of the Army contingent, held their breath as the clock ticked down.
But the triple option, as it so often does, proved to be the ultimate difference-maker. Army's precision blocking, the quarterback's calculated reads, and the relentless dive, pitch, and keep options wore down the Rice defense. It's a style of play that demands immense discipline and constant vigilance, and even momentary lapses can be exploited for crucial yardage and, ultimately, points.
The clock, seemingly an enemy to every team facing the triple option, became Army's ally in the fourth quarter. Sustained drives, chewing up valuable minutes, kept Rice's offense on the sideline and their defense on the field, battling the constant barrage of cut blocks and deceptive handoffs.
Despite the loss, there are positives to take away for Rice. The offense showed it can score against a tough opponent. The fight and resilience displayed throughout the game are hallmarks of a team that refuses to quit. However, this game serves as a stark reminder of the unique challenge posed by the triple option and the need for unwavering focus and execution on defense.
The sting of this loss will linger, no doubt. But the season is a marathon, not a sprint. Rice will have opportunities to learn from this game, to shore up their defense against option attacks, and to continue building on the offensive progress they've shown. The road ahead won't be easy, but the grit and determination displayed against Army suggest that these Owls are ready to keep fighting. On to the next one.
In a tightly contested battle on the road, the Army Black Knights edged out the Rice Owls 31–28, relying heavily on their trademark ground game and a timely defensive performance.
Quarterback Bryson Daily was the engine of the Army offense, rushing for an impressive 223 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries. Despite attempting just two passes all game—completing one for a loss of one yard—Daily’s running ability proved to be more than enough to keep the chains moving and the scoreboard ticking. The Black Knights, as a team, totaled 282 rushing yards on 50 attempts, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and finding the end zone three times on the ground. Their air game was almost nonexistent, finishing with -1 total passing yard, but it hardly mattered given their effectiveness on the ground.
Defensively, Army stepped up when it counted most. The unit recorded three interceptions and five pass deflections, helping to stall Rice’s comeback efforts. Donavon Platt led the team with 11 tackles and an interception, while Jaydan Mayes and Chance Keith also added picks of their own. Mayes was especially active in the secondary, contributing two deflections and disrupting Rice’s rhythm through the air. Despite not recording a sack, the Army defense held strong enough to secure the win.
Special teams also played a key role. Kicker Trey Gronotte was perfect on the night, converting his lone field goal attempt from 23 yards and nailing all four extra points. Punter James Wagenseller handled his duties well, booting four punts for 220 yards, including one inside the 20-yard line.
Army’s ability to control the clock, limit mistakes, and capitalize on defensive opportunities made the difference in a game where each possession mattered. While their passing game was all but absent, the Black Knights’ commitment to the run and solid execution on both defense and special teams carried them to victory. With the win, Army moves forward in Season 32 with momentum and confidence in their ground-and-pound identity.
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