Army's Bryson Daily made history by breaking the FBS record for touchdowns by a quarterback in a season with 32, as he led No. 19 Army to a 27-6 victory over Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl on Saturday night. Daily's impressive performance included running for three scores and accumulating 127 yards on 27 carries. Additionally, he completed 2-of-9 passes for 65 yards, contributing significantly to Army's program victory record of 12-2. Daily surpassed the previous FBS quarterback record for touchdowns in a season set by Navy's Keenan Reynolds in 2013.
Reflecting on the team's success, Daily expressed pride in the senior class and their collective effort throughout the season. He highlighted the team's remarkable turnaround from two consecutive six-win seasons to achieving a record-breaking 12 wins this season.
Hayden Reed also made a notable contribution to Army's victory, rushing for 114 yards and scoring a touchdown on 20 carries. Army, known for its dominant rushing game averaging 298.9 yards per game, showcased its strength against Louisiana Tech, who struggled to contain their offense.
Army's head coach, Jeff Monken, commended his team for their resilience and effort following a challenging loss to Navy. The Black Knights set an Independence Bowl record with a 21-play drive that culminated in a touchdown by Daily, extending their lead to 21-3 in the second quarter.
Louisiana Tech, led by new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, faced a tough matchup against Army and managed to score field goals of 27 and 44 yards by Drew Henderson. Despite their efforts, the Bulldogs were unable to overcome Army's dominant performance.
Overall, Army's victory in the Independence Bowl served as a redemption from their previous loss and a testament to their exceptional season. The team's record-breaking achievements and strong team spirit were evident throughout the game, solidifying their position as a formidable force in college football.
