Black Knights look to build on success

COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS: NO. 72 ARMY

Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel ranked all 130 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country entering the 2017 season. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 130 to our projected No. 1 team. Army Jeff Monken (14-23, entering fourth season; 52-39 overall) 8-5

8 (Independent)

Army won eight games for the first time in 20 years. The 2016 season also was just the third time since 1996 the Black Knights earned a bowl bid. The eight wins included the program’s first victory over rival service academy Navy since 2001.

The Black Knights closed by earning a 38-31 overtime victory against North Texas in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. RB Darnell Woolfolk.

Army’s defense has vastly improved in the three seasons under Monken, going from 91st in the nation in total defense in 2014 to fourth in 2016. Thanks to the strong play, defensive coordinator Jay Bateman was named a finalist for the Broyles Award, which is given to the top Division I assistant football coach in the country.

Three of the four top tacklers from 2016 are gone, leaving LB Alex Aukerman as the team’s top returning tackler (59).

Special teams continue to be a liability for Army after the Black Knights finished last in the country in punting average (34.14) and near the bottom in both field-goal accuracy (50 percent) and kickoff returns (16.94 yards per return).

Turnovers were a concern for Army last year, especially at the quarterback position. Bradshaw accounted for 14 of the team’s 25 turnovers, including nine interceptions and five fumbles lost.

Army is riding high after beating North Texas in the Heart of Dallas Bowl and hopes the positive momentum carries over to the 2017 season. The offense should not miss a beat with Bradshaw and Davidson back. The defense made huge strides in 2016 and loses some key contributors, but it has enough experience to make up for the losses.