Army has emerged as a contender for the inaugural College Football Playoff field, and coach Jeff Monken is making his case for consideration. The Black Knights finished their perfect American Athletic Conference season with a 35-14 victory over Tulane on Friday night at West Point.
Army’s impressive regular-season record of 8-0 in conference play and an overall 11-1 mark makes them one of the top teams from Group of Five conferences. Despite being favored to make the playoff, Monken believes his team deserves closer examination.
“We’d give somebody hell,” Monken said after the game. “The way we’re playing and the determination that we play with…we’d compete as well as any Group of Five team in the country.”
Monken’s comments echo those of AAC commissioner Tim Pernetti, who stated that his league’s champion should receive serious consideration for the playoff.
Army boasts a strong résumé, including being the top rushing team in the nation and a top-10 defense. The Black Knights have been ranked in the AP Top 25 for eight consecutive weeks and have made the CFP Top 25 rankings for four of the past five weeks.
With only seven teams in the nation that have won at least 11 games, Army’s chances may seem slim. However, Monken remains optimistic about his team’s chances.
“I think this team could compete as well as any Group of Five team in the country,” he said. “I don’t know what would happen when we get in there…We’d only be able to find out if we get in.”
The College Football Playoff field will be announced on Sunday, and Army is hoping to make a name for itself among the top teams.
Source: https://eu.recordonline.com/story/sports/college/2024/12/07/army-bids-for-college-football-playoff-field/76837051007