WEST POINT, N.Y. — In a thrilling encounter, Bryson Daily showcased an impressive performance, matching the American Athletic Conference record for most touchdowns in a single season. He passed for 186 yards and one touchdown, helping No. 25 Army secure a 29-24 victory over UTSA.
With this win, Army concluded the regular season with a commendable record of 10-1, maintaining an unblemished 8-0 in the AAC, and earned the privilege to host the upcoming championship match on Friday.
Daily’s contributions were significant, as he rushed for 147 yards, achieving an academy record by recording his ninth consecutive game with over 100 rushing yards. Additionally, he managed to score two touchdowns in the contest.
In a pivotal moment late in the game, Casey Larkin secured Army’s 10th win by intercepting UTSA’s Owen McCown at their own 10-yard line with just 1:14 remaining. Earlier, in the fourth quarter, Kalib Fortner and Chance Keith crucially stopped Brandon High short on a 4th-and-1 attempt from the UTSA 16-yard line.
This set the stage for Daily to score his 24th touchdown of the season, a one-yard plunge that brought Army ahead 22-17. Collin Matteson then made a remarkable play, recording his first career interception against McCown with 11:17 left on the clock. Daily followed up this defensive success by rushing for his conference-record 25th touchdown on a 42-yard run shortly after Matteson’s interception, extending Army’s lead further.
The Black Knights celebrated a flawless 6-0 home record during this regular season, contrasting UTSA’s struggles, which left them winless on the road at 0-6.
UTSA (6-6) regained some momentum in the second half when McCown connected with Devin McCuin for a 23-yard touchdown on fourth down, bringing the score to 17-13 with 10:13 remaining in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Army’s senior kicker, Trey Gronotte, delivered a standout performance with a career-high three field goals, including a 35-yarder that tied the game at 10-10 just before halftime.
Daily opened the game’s scoring with a superb 41-yard touchdown pass to running back Tyrell Robinson during a 13-play, 75-yard drive on Army’s first possession, marking Robinson’s first touchdown of the season and 14th of his career.
UTSA quickly responded, with Brandon High scoring on a 10-yard run during their opening series, later adding another touchdown with a six-yard run in the final quarter.
Army’s resilience was exemplified in their strong execution on fourth downs, converting all three attempts successfully on their initial touchdown drive. Key contributions included a 6-yard pass to Noah Short and an essential four-yard run to sustain their momentum.
Notably, UTSA’s leading rusher, Robert Henry, was absent due to an undisclosed injury, having previously accumulated 706 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Looking ahead, UTSA is now on standby for a bowl invitation, while Army prepares to face Tulane in the American Athletic Conference championship game.
