Army’s Ground Game Emphasizes Tradition Over Trends

The Army football team takes a unique stand on the gridiron by favoring the ground game over passing. During Fox’s Big Noon Kick-off at West Point before the clash with Air Force Academy, a student’s sign declared the forward pass as ‘Communist.’ This caught the attention of former player Mark Ingram II, who expressed his amusement with a chest bump.

Army’s offensive philosophy is entrenched in the tradition of running the football. The Black Knights excel in rushing, ranking among the nation’s leaders while their passing statistics lag far behind. They adopt an approach that sees passing as almost contrary to their tactical ethos.

Army employs a strategy of quarterback runs, fullback dives, and option pitches. This method aims to dominate time of possession with sustained drives, reflecting an old-school style of football. It’s reminiscent of a bygone era, which older generations might fondly recall as the essence of authentic football.

As of the 2026 season, Army leads the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with an average of 342.5 rushing yards per game. The team has accumulated 2,740 yards on 431 carries, averaging 53.9 carries and 6.4 yards per attempt, along with 31 touchdowns. Conversely, their aerial attack is almost absent, ranking 137th out of 138 teams for passing yards per game, with just 69.1 yards. They’ve attempted only 85 passes in the season, placing them second to last, just above Air Force.

The focus on rushing is further evidenced by their 83% commitment to running plays versus passing. The Army is set to face Air Force at Michie Stadium, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET, as part of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy competition. Army seeks its fourth straight victory over Air Force, in a contest showcasing two of the nation’s premier ground offenses.

While many contemporaries in college football emphasize passing, Army remains steadfast with a more traditional game plan that questions the need for passing when the running game can lead the charge.