Bryant at Army

The decisive matchup is at the line of scrimmage: Army’s quarterback-driven ground game against Bryant’s defensive front, and Bryant’s protection against an experienced pair of Army disruptors. If Hellums gets the call, Bryant’s linebackers and edge defenders must handle his rushing threat without losing their fits inside. On the other side, Jack Bousum and Cole Searight give the Black Knights proven backfield production: Bousum recorded seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2025, while Searight added 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Bryant’s offensive line cannot let either defender dictate early downs.

Army can take command by making its quarterback run game reliable from the opening series, staying ahead of the chains and forcing Bryant to commit extra attention near the formation. That would create cleaner opportunities for a passing game whose exact pecking order is not yet established. Bryant has the opposite path: win first down, keep the quarterback contained and make Army operate in obvious passing situations. With the ball, Bryant needs sturdy protection against Bousum and Searight, few wasted possessions and drives long enough to keep Army’s ground game from settling into a rhythm.