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Coming into Friday’s season opener at Michie Stadium, the Army Black Knights faced visiting Tarleton State (1-0) with plenty of questions hanging in the air. Chief among them: What would the offense look like without 2024 graduate Bryson Daily at QB and with senior Dewayne Coleman stepping into the starting role? Army’s first offensive possession […]

Army Black Knights head coach Jeff Monken congratulates Tarleton State Texans head coach Todd Whitten after the Texans’ double-overtime win at Michie Stadium (Photo Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images)

Coming into Friday’s season opener at Michie Stadium, the Army Black Knights faced visiting Tarleton State (1-0) with plenty of questions hanging in the air. Chief among them: What would the offense look like without 2024 graduate Bryson Daily at QB and with senior Dewayne Coleman stepping into the starting role?

Army’s first offensive possession was a quick four-and-out, but Coleman showed early poise and confidence under center. On Tarleton State’s opening drive, it looked like the Texans might strike first with a touchdown, but three pass breakups by cornerback Jaydan Mayes kept them out of the end zone. Still, Tarleton State converted a field goal to take a 3-0 lead.

Army responded quickly. Slotback Noah Short was featured heavily, and Coleman broke loose for an impressive 26-yard run, bouncing off a key tackle before reaching the end zone. The Black Knights went up 7-3 with 4:25 left in the first quarter.

Black Knights running back Noah Short (15) runs with the ball against the Texans during the first half at Michie Stadium (Photo Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images)

In the second quarter, Tarleton State answered with a grueling 12-play, 90-yard drive (9:43 time of possession) to reclaim the lead, 10-7. Army countered with a drive highlighted by a 35-yard grab from WR Brady Anderson, but had to settle for a field goal to even things up at 10-10.

Momentum swung again when Army’s defense forced a stop and Lloyd Benson provided a impressive punt return. Inside the red zone, Cale Hellums subbed in for Coleman and punched it in on 4th & inches at the goal line, giving Army a 17-10 edge heading into halftime.

3rd Quarter

The Black Knights extended their lead midway through the third quarter when Hayden Reed broke free for a 38-yard touchdown run up the middle, pushing the score to 24-10.

But Tarleton State refused to go away.

4th Quarter

Costly miscues by the Army offense opened the door for the Texans, who capitalized and stormed back to tie the game at 24-24 with 9:00 remaining.

Army had multiple chances to close it out in regulation, but history was looming—the last time the Black Knights lost to an FCS opponent was back in September 2015 vs. Fordham.

This one would need extra time.

Overtime

After trading chances, the contest stretched into double overtime. On 4th & 5, Tarleton kicker Brad Larson drilled a 37-yard field goal, sealing a hard-fought 30-27 victory for the Texans.

SCORING SUMMARY

Qtr Time Scoring Play V-H

1st 08:05 Tarl – #46 B.Larson 30 yd FG, 12-65, 05:02 3-0
1st 04:08 Army – #10 D.Coleman 26 yd rush (#95 D.Jones kick), 7-75, 03:57 3-7
2nd 09:43 Tarl – #0 T.Page III 10 yd rush (#46 B.Larson kick), 12-90, 04:29 10-7
2nd 01:47 Army – #95 D.Jones 24 yd FG, 15-67, 07:49 10-10
2nd 00:15 Army – #3 C.Hellums 1 yd rush (#95 D.Jones kick), 5-39, 00:45 10-17
3rd 08:14 Army – #8 H.Reed 37 yd rush (#95 D.Jones kick), 6-65, 02:53 10-24
3rd 05:15 Tarl – #6 C.Lewis 6 yd rush (#46 B.Larson kick), 7-75, 02:59 17-24
4th 09:05 Tarl – #88 D.Hearne 15 yd pass from #11 V.Gabalis (#46 B.Larson kick), 3-20, 00:50 24-24
OT1 00:00 Tarl – #46 B.Larson 28 yd FG, 8-14 27-24
OT1 00:00 Army – #95 D.Jones 40 yd FG, 4-2 27-27
OT2 00:00 Tarl – #46 B.Larson 37 yd FG, 4-5 30-27

Now, here’s GBK’s Joe Iacono with his full postgame thoughts and breakdown.