Army football welcomes move to American Athletic Conference, tabbed fifth in media poll

As long as you play NCAA Division I football, you should have an opportunity to compete for a national title.

That’s how the leadership and players feel at West Point and that’s why it was a prime reason to join the ranks of affiliated football for only the second time since the program was created in 1890.

Army was greeted this week as a welcomed partner to The American Athletic Conference, which held its annual media day on Monday and Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.

“I think it’s awesome for college football, just knowing that there’s a wider range of teams that actually have a chance (at a title),’’ said rising senior quarterback Bryson Daily.

Army quarterback Bryson Daily poses for a photo during the American Athletic Conference Kickoff Football Media day on July 22, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.

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The American (also known as the AAC) will likely have its conference champion participate in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.

“You have those Group of Five schools going undefeated and not making the playoffs,’’ said rising senior safety Max DiDomenico. “It’s kind of demoralizing and defeats the purpose of trying to win every game: ‘We go undefeated and can’t make the playoffs?’ The new 12-team playoff will be super cool, a super cool opportunity. I think the American is the perfect pathway to that, so I’ super excited.’’

Coming off consecutive 6-6 seasons as an independent, Army is not expected to challenge the likes of 2023-24 CFP participants Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama.

“I’m not delusional,’’ said head coach Jeff Monken, headed into his 11th year at the helm when preseason practice starts…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/army-football-welcomes-move-american-224315193.html

Author : Times Herald-Record

Publish date : 2024-07-23 22:43:15

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