Introduction
The college football season always delivers thrilling matchups, and the clash between the UAB Blazers and Army Black Knights on October 12, 2024, was no exception. Held at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, this American Athletic Conference (AAC) game saw Army dominate with a 44-10 victory.
This article dives into the UAB Blazers Football vs Army football match player stats to highlight key performers and game dynamics. By analyzing individual contributions, we gain insights into what drove Army’s success and UAB’s struggles.
Game Overview
Before exploring player stats, let’s review the game’s context. Army entered with a 5-0 record, showcasing a potent triple-option offense averaging over 300 rushing yards per game. Conversely, UAB, at 1-4, was reeling from a 71-20 loss to Tulane.
Army’s 413 rushing yards compared to UAB’s 61 underscored their dominance. As a result, Army extended their nation-leading winning streak to ten games, while UAB fell to 1-5.
| Statistic | UAB Blazers | Army Black Knights |
| Total Yards | 303 | 515 |
| Rushing Yards | 61 | 413 |
| Passing Yards | 242 | 102 |
| First Downs | 18 | 28 |
| Time of Possession | 24:54 | 35:06 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
UAB Blazers Player Statistics
Despite the lopsided score, several UAB players showed resilience. Let’s break down their offensive and defensive contributions.
Offense
- Jalen Kitna (QB): Kitna completed 25 of 39 passes for 242 yards, throwing one touchdown but also two interceptions. Additionally, he lost 9 yards rushing, likely due to sacks. His performance showed potential, but turnovers hindered UAB’s momentum.
- Lee Beebe Jr. (RB): Beebe led UAB’s rushing with 36 yards on 14 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per attempt. Although he didn’t score, his effort provided some balance to UAB’s pass-heavy approach.
- Kam Shanks (WR): Shanks was a standout, catching 9 passes for 119 yards, his first 100-yard receiving game. Furthermore, he contributed 15 yards on kickoff returns and 7 on punt returns, showcasing versatility.
- Amare Thomas (WR): Thomas caught 7 passes for 53 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. His reliability as a target helped keep UAB’s offense alive.
Defense
UAB’s defense struggled significantly against Army’s rushing attack. Players like OC Brothers, LD Cox, and Terrell McDonald were active, but specific tackle or sack numbers aren’t available. Nevertheless, Army’s 413 rushing yards indicate UAB’s defense couldn’t disrupt the Black Knights’ ground game effectively.
Army Black Knights Player Statistics
Army’s performance was a masterclass in execution, particularly on offense. Their defense also played a crucial role in limiting UAB’s opportunities.
Offense
- Bryson Daily (QB): Daily was the game’s MVP, rushing for 136 yards and four touchdowns on 12 carries, averaging 11.3 yards per attempt. Additionally, he completed 3 of 8 passes for 102 yards and one touchdown, demonstrating his dual-threat ability.
- Kanye Udoh (RB): Udoh complemented Daily with 61 yards on 10 carries, including a 12-yard touchdown. His contribution helped sustain Army’s relentless ground attack.
- Casey Reynolds (WR): Reynolds made the most of limited targets, catching 2 passes for 84 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown. His efficiency was critical to Army’s passing success.
Defense
Army’s defense was formidable, holding UAB to 61 rushing yards and forcing two interceptions. Linebacker Eric Ford notably sacked Kitna, disrupting UAB’s offense. Although individual tackle stats are unavailable, Army’s five sacks and two interceptions highlight their defensive dominance.
Game Analysis
Let’s break down how the game unfolded, focusing on key moments that shaped the outcome.
First Half
Army set the tone early. After forcing a turnover on downs, Daily scored on a 29-yard run just 82 seconds into the game. Subsequently, he added two more rushing touchdowns in the first quarter, giving Army a 20-3 lead.
In the second quarter, Udoh’s 12-yard touchdown run and Daily’s 50-yard touchdown pass to Reynolds extended the lead to 34-3 at halftime. Meanwhile, UAB managed only a 51-yard field goal by Jonah Delange.
Second Half
The second half saw Army maintain control. Daily scored his fourth rushing touchdown in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 41-3. In the fourth quarter, Army added a 23-yard field goal by Trey Gronotte. UAB responded with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Kitna to Thomas, but the 44-10 final score reflected Army’s dominance.
Key Takeaways from the Player Stats
The UAB Blazers Football vs Army football match player stats reveal several insights:
- Army’s Rushing Dominance: Daily and Udoh’s combined 197 rushing yards and five touchdowns overwhelmed UAB’s defense, averaging 7.4 yards per carry.
- UAB’s Passing Efforts: Kitna’s 242 passing yards and Shanks’ 119 receiving yards showed promise, but two interceptions and a weak rushing game limited their impact.
- Defensive Disparity: Army’s defense forced turnovers and limited UAB to 303 total yards, while UAB’s defense allowed 515 yards, highlighting a significant gap.
Team Backgrounds
Army entered the game with a 5-0 record, their best start since 1996. Their triple-option offense, led by Daily, was a force, averaging over 300 rushing yards per game. Conversely, UAB, under head coach Trent Dilfer, struggled with a 1-4 record. After a 5-7 season in 2023, their 2024 campaign started poorly, with a blowout loss to Tulane the previous week.
Player Spotlights
Let’s highlight key performers who defined the game.
Bryson Daily – Army’s Dual-Threat Quarterback
Daily’s five touchdowns (four rushing, one passing) and 136 rushing yards made him the standout. His 11.3 yards per carry and precise passing kept UAB’s defense guessing, cementing his status as a key player in Army’s success.
Kam Shanks – UAB’s Receiving Standout
Shanks’ career-high 119 receiving yards on 9 catches was a bright spot for UAB. His ability to find open spaces and contribute on returns suggests he could be a key player moving forward.
Defensive Efforts
Army’s defense, led by players like Eric Ford, was relentless, recording five sacks and two interceptions. UAB’s defense, however, struggled to stop Army’s 413 rushing yards, a critical factor in the loss.
Implications for the AAC Standings
Army’s victory improved their record to 6-0 overall and 5-0 in AAC play, positioning them as conference leaders. They are now in contention for the AAC championship and a potential bowl game. Conversely, UAB’s 1-5 record and 0-3 conference standing put them in a tough spot, requiring significant wins to reach bowl eligibility.
Post-Game Reactions
Army head coach Jeff Monken praised his team’s execution: “Our offensive line opened holes, and Bryson Daily capitalized on every opportunity. We’re thrilled with the win but focused on the next challenge.”
Meanwhile, UAB’s Trent Dilfer acknowledged the need for improvement: “We must address our defensive issues and find a better rushing attack. This loss stings, but we’ll grow from it.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who was the MVP of the game?
A1: Bryson Daily of Army was the MVP, contributing five touchdowns and 136 rushing yards, leading the Black Knights to a decisive victory.
Q2: Did any UAB players perform well despite the loss?
A2: Yes, Kam Shanks had a career-high 119 receiving yards, and Jalen Kitna threw for 242 yards, showing potential in UAB’s passing game.
Q3: How did Army’s rushing attack fare against UAB’s defense?
A3: Army’s rushing attack was dominant, gaining 413 yards on 56 carries, averaging 7.4 yards per carry, overwhelming UAB’s defense.
Q4: What was the final score of the game?
A4: The final score was Army 44, UAB 10, reflecting Army’s control throughout the game.
Q5: Where was the game played?
A5: The game took place at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, with an attendance of 29,002.
Conclusion
The UAB Blazers vs. Army Black Knights game on October 12, 2024, showcased Army’s offensive dominance and exposed UAB’s defensive weaknesses. While UAB’s passing game showed promise, their inability to stop Army’s 413-yard rushing attack led to a 44-10 defeat.
As Army continues their undefeated run, UAB must regroup to salvage their season. For more college football insights, game highlights, and player stats, stay tuned to our website and join the conversation!
