American Athletic Champion Army Climbs Five Spots in AP Poll, Anticipates Bowl Selection
Army Football has a big day ahead, taking a positive step up in the rankings and landing an exciting matchup in the 48th Independence Bowl. The Black Knights, coming off an impressive 11-1 season as the American Athletic Conference champions, moved up five spots to No. 19 in the final regular-season Associated Press Top 25 poll.
Coach Jeff Monken expressed his excitement about the Independence Bowl matchup against Marshall, highlighting the significance of playing in a postseason bowl game as a reward for the team’s hard work and achievements this season.
While Army didn’t make the cut for the College Football Playoff this year, they are gearing up to face Marshall in the Independence Bowl on Dec. 28. Marshall finished the season strong with a 10-3 record and an impressive win in the Sun Belt Conference championship game.
Boise State, the Mountain West champion, secured the lone Group of Five conference spot in the tournament, earning the No. 8 rank in the AP poll. The Broncos will be a team to watch as they head into the postseason with high expectations.
The College Football Playoff top seeds include Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State, with Clemson securing the final conference champion automatic qualifier spot. Exciting matchups are lined up for the tournament, with teams like Penn State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Tennessee facing off in the first round for a chance to advance to the next stage.
Army fans were hopeful for a path to the CFP, especially considering the team’s successful season. Despite falling short of the playoff, Army’s consistent ranking in the AP poll for eight consecutive weeks is a testament to their strong performance and resilience on the field.
The AAC received its bowl selections, with teams like Memphis, Tulane, and Navy set to compete in various bowl games this postseason. The Independence Bowl, originally slated to feature an AAC team, will now showcase Army against Marshall in what promises to be an exciting matchup for college football fans.
As Army prepares to take on Marshall in the Independence Bowl, the team is focused on showcasing their brand of football and the values of West Point on a national stage. The Black Knights have a rich bowl game history under Coach Jeff Monken’s leadership, with five previous bowl appearances and an impressive track record of success.
While the road to the College Football Playoff may not have been in the cards for Army this year, the team’s dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Fans can look forward to an epic showdown in the Independence Bowl as Army looks to cap off their season with another memorable performance on the field.
