The Army Black Knights’ rushing attack proved to be effective over the SMU Mustangs. Army has not appeared in a bowl for 14 years.
Jared Hassin rushed for 82 yards on 16 carries, while Patrick Mealy rushed for 57 yards on 11 attempts. Malcolm Brown rushed for a touchdown to go with 31 yards on five attempts.
Quarterback Trent Steelman threw only seven times, completing two of them for 30 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. He also rushed for 27 yards.
Conversely, SMU’s Kyle Padron threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns on 23 for 34 attempts. However, he also threw two costly interceptions.
In the first quarter, Padron fumbled after he was sacked and Josh McNary was able to pick it up and return it for a touchdown.
In the second quarter, Army pieced together an 80 yard drive on eight plays, topping it off with a Brown touchdown run. Kicker Alex Carlton missed the point after. However, late in the first half, he kicked the game-clinching field goal for the Black Knights.
At halftime, Army held a 16-0 lead over the Mustangs, who were able to score on their first drive of the second half.
