Army was an impressive 7-6 in 2010, but came back to reality last year.The Black Knights lost their last four games to end up at 3-9. Army also lost to fellow academies Air Force and Navy, giving them losses in 19 of their last 20 games against those two schools.
The good news is that three of their losses came by a touchdown or less, so they were at least close to winning in a few of their defeats.
Offense
The Black Knights rated 49th in the nation in total offense last year with 396.9 yards per game. They ended up 76th in scoring with 24.8 points per contest. They were extremely efficient with the run, putting up stats of 346.5 yards/contest good for the top rushing attack in the nation.
Senior signal caller Trent Steelman fell to injuries last year, and he is the one guy Army can't afford to be without. His health is vital to the success of the team because his experience in Army's option scheme are irreplaceable on offense.
Junior running back Raymond Maples is Steelman's best runner as he averaged a jaw-dropping 7.3 yards/attempt while rushing for 1,066 yards and four scores last season.
Army will once again be among the best running teams in the country because of its solid lineup and its almost flawless execution. They must, however, eliminate turnovers. They led the country with 22 lost fumbles a season ago.
The seldom used receiving group will be counting on guys like Patrick Laird and E.J. Tucker to step up where their names are called.
Defense
The defensive unit ranked 43rd in the country in total defense last year with 359.3 yards given up per contest. It finished 71st in scoring defense with 28.3 points allowed per contest. Improving the rush defense is the key to improving these stats. The Black Knights rated 100th in run defense with 194.9 running yards allowed per contest.
Coach Rich Ellerson believes the run defense will be better this season with tackles Bobby Kough and Rich Glover ready to go following injury-riddled seasons. Their presence alone will give Holt Zalneraitis the ability to move to outside linebacker where he should be more effective.
Steve Erzinger has left the program, but Justin Trimble and Thomas Holloway are ready to step in and offer depth and playmaking ability at the critical rover spot. A healthy Trimble could be set for a breakout year after battling injuries last year. Holloway is the team's best returning defender with 76 tackles a season ago.
Middle linebacker Geoff Bacon appears ready to have a breakout season in 2012 after gaining valuable experience as a freshman.
There is plenty of experience in the secondary with starters Josh Jackson, Lamar Johnson-Harris and Hayden Pierce back. Jackson, who has 22 starts in his career, has the corner spot locked up, but Tyler Dickson could take over for Johnson-Harris.
Independents Prediction: 4th Place
If they can stay away from injuries and they can do something about their turnovers issue, then Army should win a few more times in 2012.
They also have a easier schedule this year as they have seven home contests this season compared to the four it had last season. They went 3-1 in those four games with the one defeat coming by only three points to San Diego State. This means that more home games should mean more wins.
Army definitely has the chance to sneak up on some people and compete for a bowl game, but they have to be healthy in order to make this possible.
The good news is that three of their losses came by a touchdown or less, so they were at least close to winning in a few of their defeats.
Offense
The Black Knights rated 49th in the nation in total offense last year with 396.9 yards per game. They ended up 76th in scoring with 24.8 points per contest. They were extremely efficient with the run, putting up stats of 346.5 yards/contest good for the top rushing attack in the nation.
Senior signal caller Trent Steelman fell to injuries last year, and he is the one guy Army can't afford to be without. His health is vital to the success of the team because his experience in Army's option scheme are irreplaceable on offense.
Junior running back Raymond Maples is Steelman's best runner as he averaged a jaw-dropping 7.3 yards/attempt while rushing for 1,066 yards and four scores last season.
Army will once again be among the best running teams in the country because of its solid lineup and its almost flawless execution. They must, however, eliminate turnovers. They led the country with 22 lost fumbles a season ago.
The seldom used receiving group will be counting on guys like Patrick Laird and E.J. Tucker to step up where their names are called.
Defense
The defensive unit ranked 43rd in the country in total defense last year with 359.3 yards given up per contest. It finished 71st in scoring defense with 28.3 points allowed per contest. Improving the rush defense is the key to improving these stats. The Black Knights rated 100th in run defense with 194.9 running yards allowed per contest.
Coach Rich Ellerson believes the run defense will be better this season with tackles Bobby Kough and Rich Glover ready to go following injury-riddled seasons. Their presence alone will give Holt Zalneraitis the ability to move to outside linebacker where he should be more effective.
Steve Erzinger has left the program, but Justin Trimble and Thomas Holloway are ready to step in and offer depth and playmaking ability at the critical rover spot. A healthy Trimble could be set for a breakout year after battling injuries last year. Holloway is the team's best returning defender with 76 tackles a season ago.
Middle linebacker Geoff Bacon appears ready to have a breakout season in 2012 after gaining valuable experience as a freshman.
There is plenty of experience in the secondary with starters Josh Jackson, Lamar Johnson-Harris and Hayden Pierce back. Jackson, who has 22 starts in his career, has the corner spot locked up, but Tyler Dickson could take over for Johnson-Harris.
Independents Prediction: 4th Place
If they can stay away from injuries and they can do something about their turnovers issue, then Army should win a few more times in 2012.
They also have a easier schedule this year as they have seven home contests this season compared to the four it had last season. They went 3-1 in those four games with the one defeat coming by only three points to San Diego State. This means that more home games should mean more wins.
Army definitely has the chance to sneak up on some people and compete for a bowl game, but they have to be healthy in order to make this possible.