Army football: Black Knights to face struggling UMass
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WEST POINT — One of the great things about playing football nearly every week is the possibility of redemption.
Quarterback Tyhier Tyler shouldered the blame for two fumbles that proved costly as Army lost by a point to Troy two weeks ago.
Tyler had a bounce-back game on Saturday as Army beat Connecticut, 34-17, in the final home game for 19 seniors. The Black Knights did not turn the ball over — a stat critical to Army’s success through the years — and Tyler did the yeoman’s work in a 320-yard offensive effort.
“We all bring our hard hats every day,’’ Tyler said of the quarterback room that includes regulars Jemel Jones and Cade Ballard. “I got in some tough runs, some hard runs … that’s just how we play.’’
Personally, Tyler rushed 18 times for 70 total yards and scored on two short runs in the game’s final 16 minutes, providing the perfect farewell for the team.
“Michie Stadium is home,’’ Tyler said. “Just a lot of good memories, very bittersweet, but I'm glad that we got to finish with a (win). It's legacy.’’
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Army head coach Jeff Monken said he was “proud of him for his effort.’’
“As I said after the Troy game no one was more disappointed than he was,’’ Monken said. “He holds himself to a really high standard … and the fumbles aren’t acceptable.
“I think he has so much pride and feels such a sense of responsibility in his position as a leader and as our quarterback. I'm certain he worked really hard this past Saturday to make sure that that didn't happen again and I hope he'll continue to do that and take care of the ball and take care of our team.’’
Tyler has nine rushing touchdowns this season, setting a new career best. Tyler (9) and backup Jemel Jones (7) have combined for more rushing touchdowns than any other FBS duo.
Not taking UMass lightly
Army wraps up the November schedule with a noon game at Massachusetts (ESPN Plus subscription, WBNR 1260-AM, WGHQ 920-AM, 92.5-FM, WLNA 1420-AM).
UMass has posted just one winning season (6-5 in 2010) in the last 14. The Minutemen, under new head coach Don Brown, head into their final game and Senior Day at 1-10, losers of their last eight. Army has won all four meetings with UMass, including a 33-17 win at Michie last November.
The Army coaches say don’t be fooled by the record. The Minutemen have utilized the NCAA transfer portal, with 27 players coming from other Division I schools, including a host from Power 5 conferences.
“I think they're a much-improved football team,’’ Monken said. “Their third-down defense is good as anybody's.
“It’s their Senior Day and I expect they’re going to be playing hard and with a lot of pride. (They will) make it a challenge for us.’’
2021 meeting:Army pulls away in fourth quarter, wins ugly game against UMass
UMass is averaging 154 rushing yards and 114 passing per game. The Minutemen have hurt themselves with 69 penalty yards per game and a 29-percent efficiency on third-down plays.
Running back Ellis Merriweather rushed for 110 yards on 17 carries in the 2021 meeting. He is averaging 58 yards per game in 2022, with three touchdowns.
Junior quarterback Gino Campiotti started four games earlier this season but the last four starts have gone to sophomore Brady Olson, who is completing 49.6 percent of his throws for 81 yards per game. UMass has used six quarterbacks this season.
The UMass defense ranks ninth in FBS with a 28.8 percent efficiency on third downs, including holding Texas A&M 2-for-10. The defense also has nine interceptions and nine fumble recoveries.
Notable
Army senior captain Marquel Broughton made his third interception of the season in the UConn game. His seven career picks ties Elijah Riley (2016-19) for second since 2000 and trails only Donovan Travis (2008-10) and his 11 during that time frame. … Monken didn’t provide names but he believes several players could return from the injured ranks for this week and some more for the Dec. 10 Navy game.
Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Army, Tyler happy after UConn win; face UMass ahead of Navy game
