Chris Carnegie's interception at the end of the first half helped send Army into halftime with a 21-3 lead and the Black Knights held off a late Buffalo rally to claim a 47-39 season-opening victory on Saturday afternoon at Michie Stadium.
Army rushed for 342 yards and seven scores on the ground, and the defense intercepted three passes by Buffalo (1-1) quarterback Joe Licata as Army won its first game under head coach Jeff Monken. Larry Dixon led the rushing attack with 20 carries for a career-high 174 yards and two touchdowns. Terry Baggett had 74 yards on six carries, including a 41-yard score, while Tony Giovannelli, Angel Santiago, Raymond Maples and Matt Giachinta each reached the end zone.
Through the air, Santiago was 6-for-6 for 96 yards and A.J. Schurr had one completion for 29 yards. It was the first time since Oct. 1, 2011 Army did not throw an incomplete pass in a game.
Although Licata was intercepted three times, he did throw five second-half touchdown passes and accounted for 396 yards as Buffalo attempted to get back in the game after falling behind 47-17 early in the fourth quarter. Licata completed 34 of his 49 pass attempts, six to his favorite target Marcus McGill, who totaled 123 yards and two touchdowns. Read More