After reaching its first bowl game since 1996 and posting a 7-6 record in 2010, Army fell back down to earth and had a disappointing season last year. They fell to 3-9 and lost their final four games. They also lost to rivals Air Force and Navy during that losing streak. They have lost 19 of their last 20 games to these rivals.
Their only saving grace from last season was the knowledge that three of their defeats came by seven points or less, so the Black Knights can improve on last year's record with just a bit more luck.
Offense
Army rated 49th in the country in total offense last year with 396.9 yards per contest. They finished 76th in scoring with 24.8 points per contest. They were extremely efficient on the ground, putting up stats of 346.5 yards/game good for the best rushing attack in the nation.
Senior quarterback Trent Steelman fell to injuries last year, and he is the one guy the Black Knights can't afford to be without. His health is very important to the success of the squad because his experience in Army's option scheme are irreplaceable on offense.
Junior running back Raymond Maples is Steelman's top rusher as he averaged a jaw-dropping 7.3 yards/carry while rushing for 1,066 yards and four touchdowns last year.
Army will once again be among the best rushing teams in the country because of its excellent lineup and its almost flawless execution. They must, however, improve their ball security. They led the country with 22 lost fumbles a year ago.
The little 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 stop unit rated 43rd in the nation 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. Army ranked 100th in rush defense with 194.9 rushing yards given up per contest.
Coach Rich Ellerson thinks the run defense will be better in 2012 with tackles Bobby Kough and Rich Glover ready to go following injury-riddled seasons. Their return alone will give Holt Zalneraitis the ability to move to outside linebacker where he should be able to make more plays.
Steve Erzinger has graduated, 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 poised for a breakout season after battling injuries last season. Holloway is the team's best returning tackler with 76 stops a season ago.
Middle linebacker Geoff Bacon appears primed to have a breakout year 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 under his belt, 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 games in 2012.
They also have a better 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 loss 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 teams and compete for a bowl game, but they have to be healthy in order to make this possible.
Their only saving grace from last season was the knowledge that three of their defeats came by seven points or less, so the Black Knights can improve on last year's record with just a bit more luck.
Offense
Army rated 49th in the country in total offense last year with 396.9 yards per contest. They finished 76th in scoring with 24.8 points per contest. They were extremely efficient on the ground, putting up stats of 346.5 yards/game good for the best rushing attack in the nation.
Senior quarterback Trent Steelman fell to injuries last year, and he is the one guy the Black Knights can't afford to be without. His health is very important to the success of the squad because his experience in Army's option scheme are irreplaceable on offense.
Junior running back Raymond Maples is Steelman's top rusher as he averaged a jaw-dropping 7.3 yards/carry while rushing for 1,066 yards and four touchdowns last year.
Army will once again be among the best rushing teams in the country because of its excellent lineup and its almost flawless execution. They must, however, improve their ball security. They led the country with 22 lost fumbles a year ago.
The little 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 stop unit rated 43rd in the nation 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. Army ranked 100th in rush defense with 194.9 rushing yards given up per contest.
Coach Rich Ellerson thinks the run defense will be better in 2012 with tackles Bobby Kough and Rich Glover ready to go following injury-riddled seasons. Their return alone will give Holt Zalneraitis the ability to move to outside linebacker where he should be able to make more plays.
Steve Erzinger has graduated, 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 poised for a breakout season after battling injuries last season. Holloway is the team's best returning tackler with 76 stops a season ago.
Middle linebacker Geoff Bacon appears primed to have a breakout year 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 under his belt, 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 games in 2012.
They also have a better 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 loss 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 teams and compete for a bowl game, but they have to be healthy in order to make this possible.
