It was not the win we were looking for, but we got to 8-2 and the home streak is still alive. As Danno pointed out in his quick thoughts article, this was one of the sloppiest game the Black Knights played this season. The team and coaching staff knows it. I however, take away this positive: We were due for a let down game and it came at the right time in the season where we were just physically better than our opponent. I think that this game was an excellent reality check for the team, just like that CH102 pop quiz that caught you off guard as a plebe. Now we can tighten things up before Colgate comes to town.

I thought Danno prefaced the Colgate game well in his recap when he stated the following.

Colgate has beaten the scunion out of absolutely everybody, and if the Black Knights aren’t at their very best, the Red Raiders will beat the holy Hell out of them, too.

For more on Colgate, tune into the podcast or read the preview article that will be released on Wednesday. As you may have noticed, I didn’t put out keys to victory this week. Honestly, I did not think we would need any. I was joking with someone earlier in the week that the only key was to show up…Clearly, the team was on the same wavelength, which caused the game to be somewhat of a letdown for Black Knight fans. Before everyone goes around complaining, let’s be clear, Army held Lafayette to 159 yards of offense and nine first downs. Their first 3 points came off a punt return muff. After recovering, Lafayette went 3 and out for the second straight time, but were close enough to attempt a field goal. The Cougars committed to the run throughout the game which limited Army’s possessions and kept the contest closer. Finally, Monken passed on a TD as he let time expire while we had 2nd and Goal from the 4 yard line after a 9:33 drive that chewed up the fourth quarter. The game was a dominating lopsided win, although we all would have liked the scoreboard to look a little differently.

Hopefully you read my article on the Top 25 Rankings that I published late Saturday night or early Sunday morning (depending on how you look at it). If you follow the podcast or have read any of my other articles, then you will remember that since the Oklahoma loss, I stated on multiple occasions that we would be ranked prior to the Navy game if we won out. Based on my research on Saturday, I projected Army to break into the AP Poll, but we ended up 5 points short of edging Mississippi State out for the 25th spot.

So close @ArmyWP_Football!! Mississippi State hung onto the 25th spot after their loss to the Tide…Army is the first team out in the AP Poll with 128 votes. You will see #ArmyFootball in the polls next week! Coaches Poll was exactly as @RobertCharlesW predicted! pic.twitter.com/zaiNkJinxF

— As For Football (@asforfootball) November 11, 2018

I caveated my predictions by admitting that I may be wrong this week because nothing is 100% certain, except Walking Hours and TEEs. Although I was one week early, it’s only voter bias and we will be in the Polls next week pending making it 13 in a row at home. Again we will talk more on the Podcast about the Top 25 and our upcoming opponent, so make sure to check that out. Now on to the jokes!

Superlatives:

Mike Reynolds – Beast Squad Forgiveness

Early on in the 1st Quarter you fumbled punt after a quick Defensive 3 and out. Then Lafayette tied up the game. This reminded me of that New Cadet over confident in his Dessert cutting skills…now there is precious pie all over the table! Despite the dirty looks from your squad mates, you recovered a blocked punt (just short of a touchdown which helped #DW2K) on the most exciting play of the game. That’s equivalent to sharing those Skittles from a Chili Mac MRE. All is forgiven!

Asberry, Coates, Woolfolk – Pugil Stick CIC’s

All three of you demonstrated outstanding proficiency in the use of the ‘Truck Stick’ while carrying the ball last Saturday. For those unfamiliar, correct usage results in a defender staring up at the sky wondering why the ball carrier is running past him. The Commandant would like you all to pass along your expertise to impressionable plebes by running the Pugil Stick Lanes this summer. It will toughen them up, allow you to lead, and provide endless entertainment (mostly comedic in nature). Thanks for the highlights and enjoy!

Coach Bateman – Kosciuszko’s Garden Reservation

Coach, your defensive leadership and prowess has been recognized nationally #BroylesAwardNominees. As a result, we have reserved for you the entirety of Kosciuszko’s garden to reflect, think, and draw up some schemes for Colgate and Navy. Kosciuszko, like yourself, was a defensive engineer who designed West Point’s fortifications during the Revolutionary War. I find it fitting that two like-minded individuals should find quiet solitude in the same garden along the Hudson.

Plebes and Rabble Rousers – 128 Push-ups

I know you all were expecting way more tricep work looking at the spread going into Saturday. Fear not! You owe 1 push-up for every vote Army received in the AP Poll. Half-Right Face! The Front-Leaning Rest Position, Move! The Push-up! Begin! 1 2 3, 1. 1 2 3, 2…1 2 3, 128. Now, you are all ready for the whoopings Army is about to deal out to Colgate and Navy. Your Welcome!

Cam Thomas and Kelvin Hopkins Jr. – Mess Hall Stromboli Restriction

Admittedly, Army fans have been extremely spoiled this year for lack of turnovers given by the Offense. Despite that, you two must pass on that greasy, doughy Spirit Dinner treat so that your hands are prepped and primed to handle the football against Colgate. You are also strongly advised to use eating utensils during all meals to keep the hands dry. We know you’ll handle the ball securely over the next two games, just like you have all season long!

Andy Davidson – Brigade Boxing Tournament Entry

Your company Tactical Officer knew you were tough, but after seeing you take that punt to the face this weekend he has complete confidence in your ability to outlast any opponent inside the ring. He knows you can take a shot and plans to submit your name for the Brigade Boxing Tournament next semester. On another note, my intial saltiness has subsided slightly. I posted the video immediately (like the first one in the nation) and have now gotten almost 40,000 views. At about 18,000 views I had only gained one follower (shoutout to Alex Jensen). Now I have gained a record breaking 13…Where’s the love Cadets?

Next Up:

Colgate at Michie Stadium and these guys are good. We will be talking about the Lafayette Victory, Colgate Preview, Top 25 and much more, so make sure to check out the podcast this week. If you missed last week you can check it out here (and in lots of places Facebook, iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Overcast). Please subscribe like, comment, share, and rate! We are living and dying by the fan feedback!

Beat Colgate. Rest.