In a dazzling display of rushing prowess, Army quarterback Bryson Daily rewrote the FBS record books, propelling the No. 19 Black Knights to a resounding 27-6 victory over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the Independence Bowl. Daily’s three rushing touchdowns on the night not only secured the win but also saw him surpass Navy’s Keenan Reynolds for the most rushing scores by a quarterback in a single season, with an astonishing 32 touchdowns.
Daily’s Historic Performance Fuels Army’s Offense
Bryson Daily’s record-breaking night was the driving force behind Army’s offensive onslaught. The dynamic quarterback gashed the Louisiana Tech defense for 127 yards on 27 carries, finding the end zone three times to etch his name in the annals of college football history. Daily’s ability to run the triple-option offense with precision and power proved too much for the Bulldogs to handle.
Breaking the single-season rushing touchdown record for a quarterback is a testament to Bryson’s incredible talent and work ethic. He’s been the heart and soul of our offense all year, and tonight, he showed why he’s one of the best to ever do it at the quarterback position.
— Army head coach Jeff Monken
Black Knights’ Ground Game Dominates
Army’s patented rushing attack, which entered the game leading the nation with 298.9 yards per contest, proved to be Louisiana Tech’s undoing. The Black Knights pounded the rock relentlessly, with Daily and running back Hayden Reed combining for 241 yards on the ground. Reed contributed 114 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, providing the perfect complement to Daily’s record-setting performance.
- Army amassed 387 rushing yards, controlling the clock and keeping the ball out of Louisiana Tech’s hands
- The Black Knights’ 21-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter set an Independence Bowl record
Bulldogs’ Offense Stifled by Stingy Army Defense
While Army’s offense stole the show, the Black Knights’ defense proved equally impressive, holding Louisiana Tech to a mere six points. The Bulldogs struggled to find any rhythm against Army’s disciplined and physical defensive unit, managing just 223 total yards. Louisiana Tech’s lone bright spot came in the form of wide receiver Tru Edwards, who hauled in eight catches for 92 yards in his final game before entering the transfer portal.
Army Secures Program-Record 12th Win
The resounding victory not only showcased Daily’s individual brilliance but also marked a historic milestone for the Army football program. The win was the Black Knights’ 12th of the season, setting a new school record for single-season victories. After falling to archrival Navy two weeks prior, Army’s emphatic performance in the Independence Bowl served as a fitting conclusion to a remarkable campaign.
This team has been through so much this season, and to cap it off with a record-setting win in the Independence Bowl is a testament to their resilience and determination. I couldn’t be more proud of these young men and what they’ve accomplished.
— Army head coach Jeff Monken
Looking Ahead: Army’s Future Remains Bright
As the Black Knights celebrate their historic victory and bid farewell to a talented senior class, the future of Army football appears bright. With a strong returning core and a proven system in place, the Black Knights will look to build upon their success in the coming years. While replacing a record-setting quarterback like Bryson Daily is no easy task, Army’s commitment to the ground game and its disciplined approach to the game bode well for continued success at West Point.
For Louisiana Tech, the loss marks the end of a challenging season that saw the Bulldogs finish with a 5-8 record. However, with the hiring of new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin and the potential for a fresh start, the Bulldogs will aim to regroup and compete for a bowl berth in the future.
As the college football season draws to a close, Army’s record-setting performance in the Independence Bowl serves as a reminder of the unique brand of football played by the service academies. With their unwavering dedication to the ground game and a commitment to discipline and toughness, the Black Knights have once again proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.
