Army Black Knights 2019 College Football Season Preview
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
The Army Black Knights have set and/or tied a school record for wins in consecutive seasons finishing 11-2 in 2019 pushing to 29 total wins over the past three seasons, the most in school history. Last season was capped off by defeating archrival Navy (17-10) then destroying Houston (70-14) in the Armed Forces Bowl. Head Coach Jeff Monken has taken this program to the next level after being hired four years ago. Building off an 11-win season, and with most of his offense returning, Coach Monken has aspirations of making a New Year’s Six Bowl Game and could even being a dark-horse contender in the College Football Playoff race.
Offense
Quarterback Kelvin Hopkins Jr. returns for his final season at West Point after rushing over 1,000 yards with 17 touchdowns and throwing for another 1,000 yards with six more touchdowns scored. Hopkins’ work helped Army average 33 points a game and his scrambling aided in the Black Knights rushing for 313 yards on the ground per game. Two other weapons in the Army backfield are seniors Kell Walker and Connor Slomka. Walker rushed for 349 yards off 67 carries and Slomka carried the ball 74 times covering 328 yards with three touchdowns. The Black Knight offensive line will be anchored by seniors Jack Sides (OC) and Jaxton Deaton (RG). Two other skill players to watch for on offense are senior receiver Kjetil Cline and junior Cam Harrison.
Defense
Last season Army’s defense held opposing teams to just 18 points per game and only 296 yards per game, eighth best in the nation last season. The Black Knights also forced 13 fumbles which tied for fifth most in the country. The star on the defensive side is senior linebacker Cole Christiansen who finished 2018 with 77 total tackles including 12 for a loss and one sack. The secondary is anchored by senior cornerback Elijah Riley and safety Jaylon McClinton. Riley had 55 total tackles including 7.5 for a loss and 10 pass breakups. McClinton had 54 total tackles including four for a loss, six pass breakups, two interceptions, and jarred loose two fumbles. Defensive end Edriece Patterson is another player to watch on the defensive line with breakout season potential.
Overview
Army definitely has a favorable schedule in 2019. However, their three toughest games will all be on the road traveling to Michigan, Air Force and Hawaii. They finish the season with another challenging game going against Navy; both teams compete at the highest level in this rivalry game. With just one loss, which will most likely come at Michigan, the Black Knights should be in contention for a top bowl game this season. But with a weak strength of schedule, a trip to the College Football Playoff is unlikely if caught going against one-loss Power 5 Conference teams. Look for Army to once again set a school record achieving 12 wins for the first time in school history with the potential for a 13th victory in a bowl game.
Schedule
Week 1 – Aug. 30 vs. Rice – Michie Stadium – West Point, NY
Week 2 – Sept. 7 at Michigan – Michigan Stadium – Ann Arbor, MI
Week 3 – Sept. 14 at University of Texas-San Antonio – Alamodome – San Antonio, TX
Week 4 – Sept. 21 vs. Morgan State – Michie Stadium – West Point, NY
Week 5: Bye week
Week 6 – Oct. 5 vs. Tulane – Michie Stadium – West Point, NY
Week 7 – Oct. 12 at Western Kentucky – Houchens Industries – Bowling Green, KY
Week 8 – Oct. 19 at Georgia State – Georgia State Stadium – Atlanta, GA
Week 9 – Oct. 26 vs. San Jose State – Michie Stadium – West Point, NY
Week 10 – Nov. 2 at Air Force – Falcon Stadium – Colorado Springs, CO
Week 11 – Nov. 9 vs. Massachusetts – Michie Stadium – West Point, NY
Week 12 – Nov. 16 vs. VMI – Michie Stadium – West Point, NY
Week 13 – 14: Bye weeks
Week 15 – Nov. 30 at Hawaii – Aloha Stadium – Manoa, HI
Week 16 – Dec. 14 vs. Navy – Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA
Photo credit: Army West Point Athletics; Army QB Kelvin Hopkins Jr.