SHREVEPORT, La. — Coach Jeff Monken of Army admits that the disappointment from the previous game continues to haunt him. Quarterback Bryson Daily, who notably finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting, also feels the lingering effects of a tough defeat. After a heartbreaking loss to Navy two weeks back, Army (11-2) is gearing up to compete against Louisiana Tech (5-7) in the Independence Bowl on Saturday, following a late change in their scheduled opponent.
The Thundering Herd, originally set to face Army, withdrew from the matchup after numerous players entered the transfer portal. This occurred just five days after they accepted a bid to participate in the historic bowl, which is recognized as the 11th oldest in the nation. For the Black Knights, this game represents not only a chance for redemption but also an opportunity to conclude a remarkable season on a victorious note.
“We have a chance to erase the bad taste left from our last game,” Daily stated. “Our main goal is to fight hard and secure that final win.” The season started strong for Army, winning the first nine games, placing them in the College Football Playoff conversation until they faced Notre Dame, resulting in a lopsided 49-14 defeat. However, the subsequent loss to Navy proved even more painful for the team.
“It was truly tough to move past, especially for me,” said Monken, whose team successfully clinched the American Athletic Conference title. “I’m still disappointed and struggling to get a good night’s sleep. That game was the most important for us this year.” With the prospect of securing a 12-win season, Army enters the bowl game energized.
Upon their arrival at the bowl venue, the Black Knights learned about the unexpected change in their opponent. With all remaining bowl-eligible teams unable to compete due to player commitments, officials for the Independence Bowl reached out to programs with losing records from the Power 4 conferences. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, still in session due to their quarter system, they were available to step in.
“We’ve faced a lot of chatter,” expressed Mykol Clark, a senior defensive lineman for Louisiana Tech, upon the team’s arrival in Shreveport. “You have a strong Top 25 team with a Heisman contender and exceptional offensive line, but then there’s us at 5-7.” He added, “We have confidence in our defense, which has proven to keep games close throughout the season. We respect our opponents, but we don’t fear anyone.”
Originally planning to celebrate Christmas with family in Texas, Clark now looks forward to finishing his college football career at Independence Stadium, where he previously contributed to a remarkable 14-0 victory over Miami in the I-Bowl in 2019.
Daily’s Heisman aspirations were fueled by the Black Knights’ impressive start to the season, which placed him in the spotlight. Throughout the season, he accumulated impressive statistics, throwing for 942 yards and nine touchdowns, in addition to leading the team with 1,532 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. Daily expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s an incredible honor to be mentioned alongside names like Travis Hunter, the Heisman winner, and I’m thankful for the media recognition we have received this year. My teammates deserve a lot of the credit.”
The last time an Army player claimed the Heisman was in 1958 with Pete Dawkins. Monken remarked, “I’ve always believed that the quarterback position at Army has the potential for Heisman recognition. We showcased Daily’s running abilities this year, and it’s gratifying to see him honored.”
On the other hand, Louisiana Tech boasts an impressive defense, ranking 11th in the nation, allowing only an average of 301.9 yards per game. The unit also holds strong standings in various defensive categories, demonstrating effectiveness in stopping the run (29th) and limiting passing yards (22nd). However, the offense has struggled, ranking 105th overall, averaging just 343 yards per game, with a particularly tough season in rushing and red-zone efficiency.
In a recent change, Louisiana Tech appointed Tony Franklin as its new offensive coordinator on December 12, making this surprise bowl appearance beneficial for evaluating team talent and strategizing for the upcoming seasons. Head coach Sonny Cumbie emphasized, “This is a valuable opportunity for him to assess our roster and quarterbacks, potentially paving the way for our offensive future.”
