In the archives of college football, Army West Point’s gridiron journey in the 21st century has been a tale of resilience and triumphs and marked bowl victories. Over the past 20 years, the Black Knights have etched its name in history through various memorable performances on the football field.
The resurgence of Army football became apparent in the 2010 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. Army West Point showcased an impressive display, forcing three turnovers, including a decisive 55-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Josh McNary. Its 16-14 win over Southern Methodist University (SMU) clinched a winning season and marked its first postseason victory since 1985.
This victory set the stage for further future achievements. In the 2016 Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl, the Army team exacted revenge, edging out North Texas 38-31 in overtime. The win capped an eight-win season, marking a significant milestone for the Black Knights after a two-decade wait. The victory was a testament to its resilience, bouncing back from previous turnovers against the same opponent earlier in the season.
Continuing its upward trajectory, Army West Point reached new heights during the 2017 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. In a game of lead changes and tie scores, the Black Knights secured a thrilling 42-35 win over San Diego State. The defining moment came in a gutsy two-point conversion call by head coach Jeff Monken, sealing the team's consecutive bowl victories for the first time in over three decades.
The subsequent year, the Black Knights soared in the 2018 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. A dominant performance saw Army West Point beat Houston 70-14, setting multiple records in the process. The team scored 42 points in the first half, marking its highest opening score since 2011. Additionally, its total score of 70 points set a new team record as Army West Point's highest score ever. Individual records also include Kelvin Hopkins Jr.’s exceptional playmaking, which led the charge, making him the first cadet-athlete to surpass 1,000 yards in both rushing and passing in a season.
However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Despite its consistent efforts to reach a tie in the 62nd AutoZone Liberty Bowl against West Virginia, the Black Knights succumbed to a narrow 24-21 defeat, marked by turnovers and a resilient defense that fought until the end.
The decade for the team culminated in the 2021 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, where the Army team displayed its trademark resilience. In a nail-biting finish, a game-winning field goal by Cole Talley secured a thrilling 24-22 victory over Missouri. The triumph marked its seventh win in Bowl games and elevated Coach Jeff Monken to a revered position among the program’s all-time winning coaches. Monken remains tied with previous coach Charles Daly as the coach with the second most winnings.
As the 21st century unfolds, Army West Point football has become synonymous with resilience, triumph, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, etching its legacy in the storied history of college football. It has posted a winning overall record since the 2020-21 season, with the future ahead of the team.
