Army Runs Into Defensive Battle With Duke

Saturday, October 8

Durham, N.C.

3:30 PM

Army West Point

3-2

Duke

3-3

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Army West Point

Duke

Army Runs Into Defensive Battle With Duke

October 08, 2016 | Football

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Highlights Postgame Notes (PDF)Postgame Notes (PDF)Postgame Quotes (PDF)

DURHAM, N.C. – The Army West Point football team dropped its second game of the season, this time at the hands of Duke, 13-6.

In a battle of defenses, Army's six points marked a season low, while the Blue Devils matched their lowest of the year with 13.

After going up 7-0 early after converting on an Army fumble deep in its own zone, Duke quickly extended its edge to 13-0 following another touchdown with 10 minutes to play in the half.

Army would not go away though as it pulled within 13-6 after Andy Davidson rushed for a career-high 45-yard scamper just before the break.

The Black Knights had numerous chances to take the lead in the last two quarters but weren't able to convert on the necessary yardage when they needed it most.

Neither team scored in the final periods, marking the first time all year Army failed to tally any points in the second half. The scoreless second half for Duke marked the second time this season the Blue Devils didn't score.

ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES

Army dips to 3-2 on the year.
Duke remains in front on the all-times series at 13-10-1.
Army finished with 165 rushing and 49 passing yards, while Duke settled for 145 and 44, respectively.
Neither team converted on fourth down with Army going 0-for-4 and Duke 0-for-1.
Army was also just 2-of-13 on third-down conversions, while the Blue Devils were 7-of-19.
Ahmad Bradshaw teamed up with Christian Poe late in the third quarter for a 32-yard pickup. That marked the third pass of 30 or more yards for the junior this season.
Davidson scored the lone Black Knights' touchdown of the game with a 45-yard rush in the second period. He now has scores in four of Army's five games so far.
The defense combined for five sacks in the contest, which was a season-high. Alex Aukerman had two of those, which matched his career best effort.

CAREER MILESTONES

Poe caught a 32-yard pass from Bradshaw in the third quarter for the Black Knights' largest gain in the air all day. That catch was Poe's longest of his career.
Davidson's 45-yard scamper in the second quarter was a career-long for the sophomore.
Aukerman reached 13 tackles in the contest, which was good enough for a career high.
Andrew King posted 15 tackles, which beat his previous career high by three.

TURNING POINT

The Blue Devils converted on an early miscue from the Black Knights when Davidson fumbled on the Army 9-yard line. Duke then used two plays to get the ball to the 3 before finding the back of the end zone for a very early 7-0 advantage.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Following a fumble by Davidson in the opening quarter, the Blue Devils took over the ball at Army's 9-yard line. Three plays later, Duke was in the back of the end zone as Parker Boehme spotted an open Erich Schneider for the touchdown.
The Blue Devils halted a potential first down opportunity for the Black Knights when they tackled Bradshaw for a loss of six yards early in the second quarter. Army was on its own 38-yard line going for it on 4th-and-1. Duke took advantage of that turnover on downs and marched to the 22-yard line, where Daniel Jones connected with Aaron Young for a touchdown to make it a 13-0 ballgame. The extra point conversion was no good.
The Blue Devils were forced to punt from their 13-yard line with three minutes to play in the first half. After a 43-yard punt, the Black Knights took over at their own 44. Army finally broke through two plays later when Davidson rushed for a 45-yard touchdown to pull the Black Knights within 13-6. The Black Knights' extra point conversion was unsuccessful following a bad snap.

UP NEXT

Army finally graces the comfy confines of Michie Stadium again next Saturday when the Black Knights welcome Lafayette for a noon kickoff. That game will be carried live on CBS Sports Network with Ben Holden, Jay Feely, and John Schriffen on the call.