WEST POINT, N.Y. -- The Army Black Knights (7-0, 6-0 AAC) continued their undefeated season, dominating the East Carolina Pirates (3-4, 1-2), 45-28, on a picturesque October day on Oct. 19 at a sold-out Michie Stadium.
Quarterback Bryson Daily had a record-setting day, breaking two single-season program records – most rushing touchdowns in a season and most touchdowns responsible for in a season.
Daily scored six touchdowns, five on the ground and one passing, the first six touchdown accounted for game by an Army player since Elmer Oliphant’s six-touchdown day in 1916.
Daily totaled 171 rushing yards on 31 carries (5.5 avg.), while also passing 7-for-10 for 147 yards. His five rushing touchdowns tied the program record for most in a single game, the most recent occurrence being Kelvin Hopkins Jr. in 2018.
When he scored his 24th touchdown of the season, he broke Army’s single-season touchdown responsible for record with five regular season games to go, which was 23 touchdowns held by Leamon Hall, 1977, and Kelvin Hopkins Jr., 2018.
With his fourth rushing touchdown of the game and his then 18th of the year, Daily broke the record for most rushing scores in a single season breaking Carlton Jones’ (2004), Trent Steelman’s (2012) and Kelvin Hopkins Jr.’s (2018) mark of 17.
The Black Knights came out of the gates strong as Army’s defense forced a three-and-out on the first possession. On Army’s first offensive play from scrimmage, Daily connected with his go-to receiver Casey Reynolds for a gain of 37 down the middle of the East Carolina defense.
Army finished off the drive five plays later as Daily found slot back Miles Stewart for a 13-yard touchdown reception in the right corner of the end zone as Army’s streak of scoring on all its first drives this season continued. It was Stewart’s first career reception and first career offensive score.
On East Carolina’s second drive, the Black Knight defense again forced a three-and-out.
Army’s offense faced a third-and-nine on its next possession as Daily found slot back Noah Short for a gain of 29 down the middle of the defense getting down near midfield. Army faced a fourth-and-one on the drive, which Daily was able to convert by way of a three-yard run.
At the end of the first quarter, Army led 7-0, driving and facing a fourth down from the ECU 17.
On the first play of the second quarter, kicker Trey Gronotte booted a 32-yard field goal, to extend the Army lead to 10-0 as he remained perfect on kicks this season. On the drive, Army marched 14 plays, 64 yards and took 8:38 off the clock.
Gronotte’s kickoff left the Pirates on their own 13-yard line where Army’s defense was able to force another three-and-out.
On the ensuing drive, Daily continued to find success through the air finding Short again, this time for a gain of 14 yards. Daily finished the drive himself with an impressive spin move on his way to a 15-yard touchdown run as the Black Knights went up 17-0.
Army continued to dominant through the quarter and entered halftime leading 24-0, only allowing 95 yards to East Carolina.
In the second half, sophomore running back Kanye Udoh joined the fun, breaking off a 42-yard run down at the one-yard line. Daily, then capitalized, finishing the drive off, scoring his third rushing touchdown of the game, breaking Army’s single-season touchdown responsible for record.
On the Pirates’ first offensive drive of the half, the Army defense forced a third-and-11 at the ECU 48-yard line, however, Houser completed a 53-yard strike to wide receiver Chase Sowell in the end zone to put the Pirates on the scoreboard, cutting the deficit to 31-7.
Senior Tyrell Robinson, making his season debut, received his first offensive touch in the third quarter, a 23-yard rush. The Black Knights continued their momentum, driving down to the red zone. On first and goal, Daily ran three yards into the end zone, scoring his fourth rushing touchdown of the game.
Army’s defense continued to roll as they did not allow ECU to get into Army’s territory for the remainder of the third quarter, starting the fourth quarter with a 38-7 lead.
East Carolina was able to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but Army never wavered in controlling the game, hanging on to a 45-28 victory.