Thoughts

[Coach MC]

Been a while since I've had time to post, but really thrilled with how the season has gone so far. No matter where any of us stand on what's going on with the program regarding conference or scheduling, the fact this team is 10-1 and has been in the national conversation literally since week 3 or 4 is cause for celebration. Sometimes we forget quickly how bad this program was year after year before Jeff Monken arrived. To host the AAC championship on a Friday night before a national audience is remarkable. Yes, we have been kind of gifted a softer schedule in the inaugural AAC season, and we have the kind of QB that comes along maybe once a decade, but I'll take the results and the recognition any day.

This is a resourceful group that takes pride in the way they play the game, and they play hard as hell. Personally, I thought we had such substantial graduation losses on the defensive side of the ball that we would take a step back. I could not have been more wrong. That unit has been terrific most of the year. Our DC has been really good. Substantial improvement along the defensive line, although that unit has been decimated recently by injuries. Also surprised at how well the secondary has played. The safeties DiDomenico and Larkin have been stellar, interchangeable pieces that can come down in the box or play single high, or play deep half. Corners are feisty and can carry receivers down the field. I've seen the secondary mix coverages: man, zone, combo. And of course, we have that game wrecking middle LB in Fortner who makes plays all over the field. Can't remember so many goal line stands in one season.

We do what we need to do offensively. Obviously so much is centered around Daily. From day one, I've worried that we overused him and it was going to take its toll, but he's like those old time halfbacks that you can give the ball to 30 times a game and he just gets stronger while the defense gets gassed. He's a humble, hard nosed kid who is a leader through and through. The saddest day for a coach like JM is when a kid like that exhausts his eligibility. Really like our skill position guys. Short has been great, Udoh has run hard despite the occasional ball security issues, Howard has been versatile, and getting Robinson back is big. One kid who is overlooked is WR Casey Reynolds. Having coached the position, I can tell you that kid is really good. He'd catch 50-60 balls in a program that threw regularly. Good size, runs great routes, and catches everything. If we threw the ball more, he'd put up numbers like Mike Fahnestock did in 1980. And I think lacrosse might be his best sport. The offensive line has been good overall this year. I'd like to see them reset the line of scrimmage more often against better teams, but they are assignment sound, and very good on pulls and in space, climbing to the second level and looking for work. Getting Finucane back was big, and Small could make some All American teams before he's done.

The coaching staff seems to have this team ready to play every week, and has made some good in game adjustments. There just seems to be better overall cohesion with the staff, and everyone is on point with their responsibilities. Maybe the guy with the most pressure is the kid who follows Monken around with the analytics binder lol. Our offensive kryptonite is teams with quick, stout DT's and speedy linebackers and secondary guys who take away the perimeter. Defensively, we struggle a bit with smash mouth running games or deep strike vertical passing games. But teams feel so much pressure to be efficient against us when they are on offense that they invariably go away from what works for them and try something crazy. Case in point, Jeff Traylor going for it on 4th down from his own 14. Quite frankly, we were in a bit of trouble against UTSA. The under center triple option was of no use. They effectively took away the fullback dive, and we could not get on the perimeter no matter how many option pitches or toss sweeps we ran, I think we ran more toss sweep in that game than I'd seen all year. We had some good success with QB power and QB counter, but not enough to win just with that. Then Daily went off through the air. 10-17 for 190 yards. With 147 rushing yards, that's 337 total yards which is unheard of for an option QB. And the defensive stops were made by a beat up secondary. These are the improvisational skills that are integral to be a really good team. I still think that prior to UTSA, we have been a bit too predictable offensively with the single wing stuff, but we could be holding some things back. Defensively, we are going to have to scheme up a pass rush vs Tulane, and I'm continually confused by 10 yard cushions on like a 3rd and 1 or 3rd and 2. But these are things we have been able to win with. JM is quickly becoming a legend. When he got his legs cut by the UTSA player, did he really push down on the kid's helmet as he was getting up?? And yelling at the ref the entire time. My wife and I were still laughing about that days later.

As for the most controversial subjects, I can live with the conference for now. Having stable opponents year to year takes a lot of the scouting legwork out of it as players change but systems are fairly static. Although that argument holds no water right now with all the AAC coaches getting fired. I would also assume it makes scheduling easier. There are also at least 4 or 5 guaranteed bowl tie-ins. I'm sure I'm in the minority but I didn't love the Notre Dame game. That game at Yankee Stadium was a disappointment. I understand it was the Shamrock Series, but too much pro Notre Dame. The special uniforms, coming out first to their fight song and I think we entered while their music was still playing, all the Four Horsemen stuff on the big board, the announcers gushing over them. You never would have guessed we were 9-0 and ranked 19th in the country. And that game was so physical. Marcus Freeman promised violence, and that's what they brought. First time I saw a team handle us like that physically. We came out of that game battered and bruised. I don't think any service academy has a chance to beat them, or any legit top 10 team, in the NIL era. Their entire secondary is going be taken in the NFL draft. These teams simply acquire the best talent money can buy and the talent and athleticism gap is just too wide. If we want to schedule a P4 game, go get Boston College or Syracuse. Those are regional rivalries and we can hang with those teams. And on these last two subjects, everyone is entitled to their opinion without suffering slings or barbs. Just saying.

This is the home stretch, and what a gauntlet it is. Notre Dame, UTSA, Tulane, Navy, bowl game vs a P4. Health will be a major factor. How many of the injured will be able to answer the bell for each game. Tulane in Louisiana would have me far more worried than playing at Michie. They are a really strong team but real feel temps in the high teens and any kind of wind could really impact their passing game. Make no mistake, Navy is very good. They do a lot of the same things we do. On paper, it's a very even game. I think we are the physically tougher team, and Daily gives us a distinct advantage so those two factors could swing the game in our favor. But those games are always rock fights, with one big play or key error making all the difference. Early reports have us going to Independence Bowl. If it's Military, Fenway, or warm weather climate, that would be worth the trip I think. Any way you look at it, this season has been one for the books. These next three are going to be tough, but really good tests. Truly glad our longest season is also one of the best.

[wpgrad]

Been a while since I've had time to post, but really thrilled with how the season has gone so far. No matter where any of us stand on what's going on with the program regarding conference or scheduling, the fact this team is 10-1 and has been in the national conversation literally since week 3 or 4 is cause for celebration. Sometimes we forget quickly how bad this program was year after year before Jeff Monken arrived. To host the AAC championship on a Friday night before a national audience is remarkable. Yes, we have been kind of gifted a softer schedule in the inaugural AAC season, and we have the kind of QB that comes along maybe once a decade, but I'll take the results and the recognition any day.

This is a resourceful group that takes pride in the way they play the game, and they play hard as hell. Personally, I thought we had such substantial graduation losses on the defensive side of the ball that we would take a step back. I could not have been more wrong. That unit has been terrific most of the year. Our DC has been really good. Substantial improvement along the defensive line, although that unit has been decimated recently by injuries. Also surprised at how well the secondary has played. The safeties DiDomenico and Larkin have been stellar, interchangeable pieces that can come down in the box or play single high, or play deep half. Corners are feisty and can carry receivers down the field. I've seen the secondary mix coverages: man, zone, combo. And of course, we have that game wrecking middle LB in Fortner who makes plays all over the field. Can't remember so many goal line stands in one season.

We do what we need to do offensively. Obviously so much is centered around Daily. From day one, I've worried that we overused him and it was going to take its toll, but he's like those old time halfbacks that you can give the ball to 30 times a game and he just gets stronger while the defense gets gassed. He's a humble, hard nosed kid who is a leader through and through. The saddest day for a coach like JM is when a kid like that exhausts his eligibility. Really like our skill position guys. Short has been great, Udoh has run hard despite the occasional ball security issues, Howard has been versatile, and getting Robinson back is big. One kid who is overlooked is WR Casey Reynolds. Having coached the position, I can tell you that kid is really good. He'd catch 50-60 balls in a program that threw regularly. Good size, runs great routes, and catches everything. If we threw the ball more, he'd put up numbers like Mike Fahnestock did in 1980. And I think lacrosse might be his best sport. The offensive line has been good overall this year. I'd like to see them reset the line of scrimmage more often against better teams, but they are assignment sound, and very good on pulls and in space, climbing to the second level and looking for work. Getting Finucane back was big, and Small could make some All American teams before he's done.

The coaching staff seems to have this team ready to play every week, and has made some good in game adjustments. There just seems to be better overall cohesion with the staff, and everyone is on point with their responsibilities. Maybe the guy with the most pressure is the kid who follows Monken around with the analytics binder lol. Our offensive kryptonite is teams with quick, stout DT's and speedy linebackers and secondary guys who take away the perimeter. Defensively, we struggle a bit with smash mouth running games or deep strike vertical passing games. But teams feel so much pressure to be efficient against us when they are on offense that they invariably go away from what works for them and try something crazy. Case in point, Jeff Traylor going for it on 4th down from his own 14. Quite frankly, we were in a bit of trouble against UTSA. The under center triple option was of no use. They effectively took away the fullback dive, and we could not get on the perimeter no matter how many option pitches or toss sweeps we ran, I think we ran more toss sweep in that game than I'd seen all year. We had some good success with QB power and QB counter, but not enough to win just with that. Then Daily went off through the air. 10-17 for 190 yards. With 147 rushing yards, that's 337 total yards which is unheard of for an option QB. And the defensive stops were made by a beat up secondary. These are the improvisational skills that are integral to be a really good team. I still think that prior to UTSA, we have been a bit too predictable offensively with the single wing stuff, but we could be holding some things back. Defensively, we are going to have to scheme up a pass rush vs Tulane, and I'm continually confused by 10 yard cushions on like a 3rd and 1 or 3rd and 2. But these are things we have been able to win with. JM is quickly becoming a legend. When he got his legs cut by the UTSA player, did he really push down on the kid's helmet as he was getting up?? And yelling at the ref the entire time. My wife and I were still laughing about that days later.

As for the most controversial subjects, I can live with the conference for now. Having stable opponents year to year takes a lot of the scouting legwork out of it as players change but systems are fairly static. Although that argument holds no water right now with all the AAC coaches getting fired. I would also assume it makes scheduling easier. There are also at least 4 or 5 guaranteed bowl tie-ins. I'm sure I'm in the minority but I didn't love the Notre Dame game. That game at Yankee Stadium was a disappointment. I understand it was the Shamrock Series, but too much pro Notre Dame. The special uniforms, coming out first to their fight song and I think we entered while their music was still playing, all the Four Horsemen stuff on the big board, the announcers gushing over them. You never would have guessed we were 9-0 and ranked 19th in the country. And that game was so physical. Marcus Freeman promised violence, and that's what they brought. First time I saw a team handle us like that physically. We came out of that game battered and bruised. I don't think any service academy has a chance to beat them, or any legit top 10 team, in the NIL era. Their entire secondary is going be taken in the NFL draft. These teams simply acquire the best talent money can buy and the talent and athleticism gap is just too wide. If we want to schedule a P4 game, go get Boston College or Syracuse. Those are regional rivalries and we can hang with those teams. And on these last two subjects, everyone is entitled to their opinion without suffering slings or barbs. Just saying.

This is the home stretch, and what a gauntlet it is. Notre Dame, UTSA, Tulane, Navy, bowl game vs a P4. Health will be a major factor. How many of the injured will be able to answer the bell for each game. Tulane in Louisiana would have me far more worried than playing at Michie. They are a really strong team but real feel temps in the high teens and any kind of wind could really impact their passing game. Make no mistake, Navy is very good. They do a lot of the same things we do. On paper, it's a very even game. I think we are the physically tougher team, and Daily gives us a distinct advantage so those two factors could swing the game in our favor. But those games are always rock fights, with one big play or key error making all the difference. Early reports have us going to Independence Bowl. If it's Military, Fenway, or warm weather climate, that would be worth the trip I think. Any way you look at it, this season has been one for the books. These next three are going to be tough, but really good tests. Truly glad our longest season is also one of the best.

Great points, as always. To add my $0.02
1) The difference in college football in 2024 versus even 4-5 years ago (e.g, Army Oklahoma) is 2-3-4x as large of a gap between the Armies and the Notre Dames of the world. The top 15-20 program like that can just buy whatever player they want. It is no longer a fair playing field for Army, and I agree completely that I'd much rather see local northern P4s like Syracuse or BC than Notre Dame or Alabama. Next year it appears we have Kansas State and in 2026 it appears we have Wake Forest. Both much more realistic, in my opinion, although still daunting.
2) The "lets play football in baseball stadiums" sounds neat but in reality it has been a failure. I attended the 2 AF games at the Rangers field and it was alot of bad sight-lines along with very empty stadium and the concession costs were stupid (I want to say a bloody mary was $28). I almost attended Yankee this year and did not, but had friend who waited in line for 90+ minutes because the stadium only had a few of their entrances open. Lot of people getting to stadium in 1st quarter and its already pretty much over at that point.

[ARMORMAN]

Great summary Coach.

I agree with 90%, and you can make it 100% with one important caveat: I love the Army/ND game for its legacy and ambiance; sadly, I have to agree that we got our ass whipped. Here's where I separate: ND is out of our league RIGHT NOW. That's PRIMARLY because, as is the case with any school, their new coach has made all the difference. (Together with NIL donors) he made that program elite. Add his "violence" theme, and they are odds-on favs to win the whole enchilada, imho.

But coaches change and programs head in different directions. Ask Nebraska, or USC, or even Colorado, to mention only a few of the many. All programs are as good as their HC's to a large degree. They'll still get NIL talent, to be sure, but they're now only close to "invincible" because WE have become freaking HAMSTRUNG.

And here's my point: The single factor above all else that has rendered us less effective against ND and anyone else in their class in the last few years.........................IS THE TOODFREAKINGBERRY CHANGE TO BLOCKING BELOW THE WAIST outside the tackle box.

Rewatch the ND or even the UTSA game very closely. You are right that they took the perimeter away, but that's because our WR's or Slots or even pulling OL's could not get their defenders on the ground! Their corners just danced around our chest-level blocking again and again to slip in and get our ball carriers down. Worley tried everything to get Short or Robinson around end and loosen up the defense, but absolutely could not. You have no perimeter threat and they stack the middle. They stack the middle and you have 2/3 of the options GONE.

Have always hated Berry for what he did to our program, but his damage is far greater since he left with that blocking rule change. It's the revenge gift that keeps on giving. There was and still is ZERO evidence that injuries were more related to cut blocks. It was just his way of getting back at Army.

May the fleas of a thousand camels nest in his skinnyass armpits.

[Coach MC]

Good point about the perimeter blocking Armorman. I neglected to mention that although though it was something I took notice of during the game. Our guys on the outside whiffed or slipped off blocks they usually hold. Howard in particular missed a few and got an earful from JM when he got to the sideline. If you have linebackers who pursue well, physical corners, and safeties who are aggressive plus have good lateral movement, it makes it harder to run to the boundaries. UTSA also at times rolled at least 9 or more in the box and I saw a few downs where they had all 11 within 10 yards of the LOS. Of course, we took advantage of that to the tune of 190 yards through the air. That's what makes this offense dangerous. The ability to be versatile and adapt on the fly.

[RABBLE]

Great summary Coach.

I agree with 90%, and you can make it 100% with one important caveat: I love the Army/ND game for its legacy and ambiance; sadly, I have to agree that we got our ass whipped. Here's where I separate: ND is out of our league RIGHT NOW. That's PRIMARLY because, as is the case with any school, their new coach has made all the difference. (Together with NIL donors) he made that program elite. Add his "violence" theme, and they are odds-on favs to win the whole enchilada, imho.

But coaches change and programs head in different directions. Ask Nebraska, or USC, or even Colorado, to mention only a few of the many. All programs are as good as their HC's to a large degree. They'll still get NIL talent, to be sure, but they're now only close to "invincible" because WE have become freaking HAMSTRUNG.

And here's my point: The single factor above all else that has rendered us less effective against ND and anyone else in their class in the last few years.........................IS THE TOODFREAKINGBERRY CHANGE TO BLOCKING BELOW THE WAIST outside the tackle box.

Rewatch the ND or even the UTSA game very closely. You are right that they took the perimeter away, but that's because our WR's or Slots or even pulling OL's could not get their defenders on the ground! Their corners just danced around our chest-level blocking again and again to slip in and get our ball carriers down. Worley tried everything to get Short or Robinson around end and loosen up the defense, but absolutely could not. You have no perimeter threat and they stack the middle. They stack the middle and you have 2/3 of the options GONE.

Have always hated Berry for what he did to our program, but his damage is far greater since he left with that blocking rule change. It's the revenge gift that keeps on giving. There was and still is ZERO evidence that injuries were more related to cut blocks. It was just his way of getting back at Army.

May the fleas of a thousand camels nest in his skinnyass armpits.

I agree with Armorman. but the legacy part of 16 straight defeats by the Irish doesn't leave much to me anyway without a win in 66 years.
The ambaince? Well, getting smoked by them leaves me a bit charred . The ambiance I just can't feel.