Army vs Rice Analysis

Here is a little more detailed analysis of the Army-Rice game, courtesy of Gordy Larson:

A Close Call

Like most Army fans, we expected this game to be more of a tune-up than a pitched battle fought in the trenches by the defenses of both teams. Many of us were hoping that Army would build a large enough lead to provide opportunities for the some of the new back ups to get some playing experience, but the Owls of Rice had a different agenda. They came to play and just missed a couple of opportunities to upset the Black Knights and snap the home game winning streak that is now up to 14 games.

In the end it was a patented 98 yard sustained drive followed by final strong effort by the Black Knight defenders that carried the day. Army scored only twice on the day, both on drives that were 95 yards or more. Arguably, Army benefitted from two missed field goal attempts by Rice, as they were forced to go for the fourth down conversion in the fourth quarter.

The Good

Defense: Many Army fans expressed some concern as to whether defensive coordinator, John Loose would be able to sustain the defensive performances the Black Knights had under Jay Bateman. We had a preview of Loose’s tenure in the Armed Forces Bowl, when the Army defense impressed the sporting world by holding Houston to 14 points, but that one game didn’t provide enough evidence to form any firm judgements. The Rice game provided additional evidence that the defense would continue to perform well under the direction of Loose. With the exception of a lapse that resulted in Ellerbe’s 54 yard scoring run in the second quarter, the defense was consistent in stopping the Rice offense all evening. The starting cornerbacks, Jahvari Bourdeau and Elijah Riley kept a tight rein on the Rice receivers holding their passing game to 7 completions of 14 attempts for 62 yards.

Read more: Army vs Rice Analysis

After Action Review: Army Football vs Rice

Black Knights stumble out of the gate, but hang on to win in Week 1.

Well that wasn’t exactly the start Army fans were expecting to see coming off the historic 2018 season. Although still a win for the Black Knights (14-7), it doesn’t bode well with a top-tier opponent in Michigan on the docket for Week 2. Army struggled to find a rhythm on offense, as the Rice Owls seemed to have an answer for everything Army threw at them.

Offense

While many fans thought the departures of Darnell Woolfolk and Andy Davidson would be the most significant to Army’s offense, Army’s struggle to control the line of scrimmage would indicate that former center Bryce Holland might have been the most critical loss. Army averaged over 350 yards of offense on the ground in 2018, yet didn’t even produce 250 yards of total offense against Rice. Senior fullback Conor Slomka’s absence due to an “undisclosed injury” certainly didn’t help; however, even Kelvin Hopkins had difficulty finding time and space to break off runs.

Read more: After Action Review: Army Football vs Rice

Despite opposition, USC board hires retired general Caslen, USMA 1975, as school’s next president

The State (https://www.thestate.com)

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A divided University of South Carolina board of trustees voted Friday to hire retired Army Gen. Robert Caslen as the school’s next president.

After a rare contentious meeting, the board rejected protests from faculty, some students and several politicians in choosing Caslen, the former superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The vote was 11-8. One board member abstained.

A crowd of roughly 128 students, alumni and faculty who had gathered in the Pastides Alumni Center, where the board met, began chanting “shame” minutes after the board voted.

Caslen was aware of the opposition to his candidacy and has pledged to meet with his critics and listen to them.

“I want to engage with my critics in the faculty and the students and take their advice,” Caslen told The State. “They’re valued members of the university and it’s important they realize that I see them that way.”

Asked how he felt to be named USC’s

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Welcome Reception For The Caslens

WPSCF hosted a welcome reception for LTG (R) Robert L. Caslen Jr. and his wife Shelly on May 24th at the Country Club of Orlando. The reception was held to welcome the Caslen Family to Central Florida and to honor one of our most recent Distinguished Graduates.

The evening included a social hour with appetizers and drinks where the attendees got a chance to visit with the Caslens and other graduates. Pat Henson (‘05) and Caleb Brown (’04), who planned the event were pleased with the attendance and the many positive comments from all those who attended.

The evening concluded with Jim Young (’78) introducing LTG (R) Robert L. Caslen for some brief comments. After the event, many of the attendees went out to the patio for a group picture with the Caslens. Photos of the event can be found at https://wpscf.org/gallery/index.php?/category/24.