Well, that wasn’t the Luau we wanted to end Thanksgiving weekend.  Granted, I’m sure we’re all far from famished.  It would’ve been nice to feast on an Army victory heading into Navy, though.

Now, just to explain some of the feelings encompassed in these Superlative, I stayed up to watch the entire game.  It felt far from satisfactory — much like late night Company Store snacking.  I saw the highs and the lows, to include the big downward spiral to end the game.  I may have nodded off once or twice, but I was in it to the end.  Yet, like most late-night TV, I went to bed questioning what I had stayed up for.

Check out Danno’s Recap with a convenient link to the abbreviated game footage.  It’ll provide a lot of context for the Superlatives.

Time for Superlatives!

 

Superlatives

Army Offense – Extra MA201 Study Session

Y’all have all the pieces figured out!  I mean, you guys put together 538 total yards of offense with a variety of plays.  The outside was open early which loosened up the fullback dive later in the game.  Plus, I do love that Trap Play!  All the parts of the equation are present.  They just aren’t always getting to the endzone (double underline and ANS).

Coach is FIRED UP. @ArmyWP_Football is right back into this thing and trims the deficit to 38-31. pic.twitter.com/6chdqc5jTe

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) December 1, 2019

Most of the statistics lie about this game.  Yet, the most telling might be the Army O going 4/13 on 3rd Down and 1/4 on 4th Down.  When the O is rolling, they get 23 1st Downs.  But when they get a holding call, an illegal block, or a missed assignment, the whole series is derailed.

We need all the pieces to align, in order, going up against a very good Navy team.  Take the time during the extra MA201 Study Session to get the equations straight and learn how to flawlessly execute during test time.  Because the biggest test of the year is here.

 

Hawaii Football – EA Development Clinic

Bravo!  You guys truly understand how to develop an Engagement Area in order to maximize fires and overwhelm an enemy.  Having Army play a late kickoff in Hawaii over Thanksgiving weekend almost guarantees they won’t be able to keep up with your run and shoot style offense.

Giving thanks, Hawaiian style. #GoArmy pic.twitter.com/wb4vF5aegt

— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) November 29, 2019

You selected the ground for the attack and integrated the EA with plenty of distractions.  Those Hula Dancers at the Luau were a nice touch.  Maybe some of the Cadets were thinking about how sweet the pineapple tastes and how to get the best tan for the holidays rather than mentally preparing for a late ball game.

I’m not saying this is the primary reason for how things turned out.  But, it definitely set the conditions.

 

Arik Smith – Uniform Factory Appointment

Danno brought up how you had a phenomenal second half, accruing 5 total tackles with 1 sack and 2 TFLs.  When the Defense couldn’t seem to get their hands on a Hawaii jersey, you stood out in some of the big second half stops to give the Black Knights a fighting chance.  You are absolutely top of a Yearling class that we are excited to see in future seasons.

Now, why are you being sent to the Cadet Uniform Factory?  Well, Ben Holden and Ross Tucker could not help but admire how you filled out your shoulder pads.  It got me thinking: “Maybe they gave you some undersized uniforms during Beast.”  Trust me, tight wool trousers can be a curse over the 47-month Cadet experience.

So, go get some better fitted uniforms and keep up the good work!

 

Sandon McCoy – Most Promising Rising Firstie

For anyone who has watched Army this year, this is self-explanatory.  You have displayed vast improvement after your fumble during the Season opener against Rice.  You display an excellent mix of power and agility that Army needs at the fullback position.  Plus, last night we got to see you open up the stride on a pitch from Hopkins!

That's how you finish a drive. pic.twitter.com/Od6hktVViX

— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) December 1, 2019

There’s a good reason you lead the Army rushing attack with 10 touchdowns and are third in terms of rushing yards with 555 (avg. 4.5 ypc).  The only two rushers ahead of you are Hopkins and Slomka.  We are very excited to see you next year!

Like we said… McCoy untouched.pic.twitter.com/1O7SR4MUTs

— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) December 1, 2019

More importantly, we are hoping you run it down those Squids’ throats!

Hawaii Defense – 100% Urinalysis

I don’t want to cast any accusations.  This is just a precaution.  We noticed your level of play throughout all four quarters and higher authorities want to ensure you weren’t supplementing with unapproved energy sources.  I mean, y’all were flying off the ball and laying some hits.  Our guys seemed a little lackadaisical at times compared to you all — perhaps from excessive amounts of tryptophan.  Either way, we just want to make sure before you guys head into the Conference championship against Boise State.

Just report to the Cadet-in-Charge-of-Quarters (CCQ) at 0500 in PTs with a full bladder!

 

Army Team – Custom-Made Mule Blinders

It’s time to focus on two words that every Cadet is inculcated with from R-Day to Graduation: Beat Navy.  This has been a tough year, particularly for the Firsties.  No winning record and no Bowl Game.  But, it’s time to put the past 12 games behind us and focus on a rivalry presented with kind words but built on hate.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ixaZmhIpn/

Nike has released custom-made Mule Blinders for every football player to wear for the next two weeks.  That way if you glance left or right, you are steered toward the only goal that can make this season a complete success: beating Navy.  This is kind of an inside scoop as Nike and USMA are still working with the Army Mules to record a flashy promo for the custom gear.  You heard it here first!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5WmxCbHm1r/

I’ll say it again.  Forget the past.  Beat Navy… Beat Navy…  Oh!  And, Beat Navy!

 

Christian Anderson – Player of the Game

After Hopkins went down, I did not think there was going to be much of a game left to watch.  However, you proved to be a very effective leader for the offense to rally behind and keep it close.  I still can’t believe how elusive you are as a runner!  It seems like tacklers just slip right off your elongated form.  I felt your 114 rushing yards on 12 carries deserved recognition.

Granted, there’s room for improvement when it comes to your passing game.  But I feel more assured by our depth at the QB position.  Because, as we’ve seen throughout this Season, we need it!

We hope your hip injury is a quick recovery in case we need you in Philadelphia.

 

Army Fans that Stayed Up – Goats of the Week 

This is more self-deprecating than anything else.  Plus, I’m tired of complaining about CBS Sports.  I just felt I was duped into staying up until 0300 at the expense of my Sunday.  The loss made explaining my zombie-esque state to my relatives early Sunday morning even more tiresome.  They just don’t get it.

101-YARD PICK SIX TO SEAL IT FOR @HawaiiFootball! pic.twitter.com/i5OKvkIdyc

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) December 1, 2019

Would I stay up again?  Of course.  So, to all the Army Fans that stayed up with me.  Don’t take this personally.  This Superlative is more a tribute to the sleep-deprivation headache that’s made the Thanksgiving Sunday Scaries even more unpleasant (at least I’m not headed back to West Point).

***

O-Club

The O-Club closes to promote better recovery back to East Coast Sleeping Schedules.  There’s no reason to stay out and celebrate… yet.

We’ll provide more reaction and analysis from the game in two weeks as well as a Navy preview on the Army Football Show (via Stitcher, Spotify, or iTunes).   The Night Before the Night Before!

So here we are: entering Navy week with TEEs on the horizon, a losing record and no Bowl for the first time in four years.  Dust off that old “1-Game Season” mentality!  It’s time to talk some smack and ruin some Squid dreams in front of the whole nation!

Go Army!  Beat Navy!!!

Rest.