2008 Army Black Knights Football Preview

Army Black Knights - Independent

Army's 2007 Record: (3-9)

2007 Bowl: none

Army Head Coach: Stan Brock (3-9 at Army, 3-9 overall)

Offensive Coordinator: Tim Walsh

Defensive Coordinator: John Mumford

Returning Leaders for Army in 2008:

• Rushing: Tony Dace, RB, 330 yards
• Passing: Carson Williams, QB, 1,770 yards
• Receiving: Mike Wright, WR, 149 yards
• Tackles: Frank Scappaticci, LB, 89
• Sacks: Ted Bentler, DT, 3.0
• Interceptions: Josh Mitchell, CB, 2; Frank Scappaticci, LB, 2

Other Key Returnees: G Brandon Cox, DE Nick Emmons, OT Mike Lemming, LB John Plumstead

Key Losses: WR Corey Anderson, S Caleb Campbell, LB Brian Chmura, G Seth Fabin, TE Justin Larson, C Trey Miranne, CB Jordan Murray, CB Kevin Opoku, DE Brandon Thompson, P Owen Tolson, WR Jeremy Trimble, FB Mike Viti, G Connor Wicklund, DT John Wright

When in doubt, history has the answers. After a couple failed attempts at other offenses, Army is going back to the wishbone. Like the three-pointer in basketball, the option offense is the great equalizer. When outmatched on pure talent, the wishbone should help Army win a few more games…but that might take a couple years.

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Army's 2008 Strengths:

Quarterback Carson Williams is a decent quarterback. However, the drop back passer does not fit into the new offense. Where that leaves him remains an issue. He is the only quarterback on the roster who has any collegiate experience and is certainly the best overall signal caller for the Black Knights. Former running back Carlo Sandiego was moved to quarterback in the spring and incoming freshman Paul McIntosh has more experience running the option. Williams has enough mobility to spend a year or two running the wishbone and too much talent to leave on the sidelines, but the other guys might get their chance if Williams struggles. On the other side of the ball, the run defense was atrocious last season, but the front seven is where most of the experience returns. Linebacker Frank Scappaticci is the best of the bunch and will be the senior leader after tallying a team high 89 tackles in 2007.

Army's 2008 Weaknesses:

Of course the offense has a lot of reshuffling to do with the new scheme, but only four starters return to the unit. The biggest loss is Jeremy Trimble. The wide receiver caught 62 passes for 912 yards and seven touchdowns. There were times during his senior campaign that he was the lone offensive threat on the team. Receivers might be slightly less important now, but finding a consistent target or two would be nice. Finding some runners would not be a bad thing either. The rushing attack was awful last year, led by returning senior Tony Dace who only had 330 yards on the ground. Patrick Mealey had a decent year as a plebe and could take over the starting duties. Either way, Dace and Mealey will have to lead what Coach Stan Brock hopes is a much more effective running game.

The Bottom Line for Army in 2008:

Army usually does a pretty good job of building up young talent. Replacing most of the departed players should not be a big problem, but it might be more of a concern in the secondary where three starters are gone, including safety Caleb Campbell who was drafted by the Detroit Lions. There are upperclassmen ready to step into the role and sophomore corner Jordan Trimble could be a great player very soon, but it will be difficult for the unit to only give up 190 yards per game through the air again.

Army Football 2007 Team Stats:

Rushing Offense: 87.42 (111th in nation, 2nd among independents)

Passing Offense: 188.08 (95, 1)

Total Offense: 275.50 (116, 2)

Scoring Offense: 16.92 (115, 2)

Rushing Defense: 233.50 (117, 3)

Pass Defense: 190.00 (16, 2)

Total Defense: 423.50 (89, 2)

Scoring Defense: 30.33 (82, 2)

Turnover Margin: -.83 (107, 3)

Sacks: 1.25 (107, 2)

Sacks Allowed: 2.58 (92, 2)

By Joel Welser
CollegeSports-fans.com Guest Writer

Check out all of the 2008 NCAA football previews online through College Sports Fans.