Army Black Knights Face Tulane Green Wave in 2024 AAC Championship Showdown

The 2024 American Athletic Conference championship is set to take place on Friday, with the 24th-ranked Army Black Knights going head-to-head against the Tulane Green Wave. This highly anticipated showdown promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams vying for the coveted league title.

Intriguing Tale of Two Teams

The Tulane Green Wave head into the championship game with a 9-3 overall record and a commendable 7-1 in the American Athletic Conference. Despite a recent setback, losing 34-24 to Memphis on Thanksgiving Day, Tulane has consistently demonstrated its prowess throughout the season. They finished second in the AAC and are now determined to reclaim the championship crown they last held in 2022.

On the other hand, the Army Black Knights boast an impressive 10-1 overall record and an undefeated 8-0 in the AAC. Not only did they secure the top spot in the league during the regular season, but they are also eager to make history by clinching their first AAC championship title. Their recent triumph against UTSA, winning 29-24, adds to their momentum going into the championship.

Game Details

Scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET at Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y., the championship game will witness the Army Black Knights trying to extend their dominance in the all-time series against the Tulane Green Wave. Army currently holds a 13-9-1 advantage, having emerged victorious in their last four encounters. The Green Wave will need to break this streak to secure the championship title.

According to the latest odds, the Green Wave are favored by 5 points, with the over/under set at 45.5 points for total scoring. As fans eagerly await the clash, the suspense surrounding the outcome adds to the excitement of this championship showdown.

Key Players to Watch

Pivotal to Tulane's offensive strategy is freshman quarterback Darian Mensah, whose striking 65.6% completion rate has propelled him to 2,514 passing yards and 20 touchdowns this season. He showcased his skills by throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns in conference action, and his dual-threat capability was evident as he found the end zone both through the air and on the ground.

Not to be overlooked, sophomore running back Makhi Hughes has established himself as a dynamic force in Tulane's rushing game. With seven games surpassing the 100-yard mark, including a stellar performance in a win against Louisiana, Hughes has amassed 1,306 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season.

On the opposing side, Army's senior quarterback Bryson Daily has been a dual threat, leading both in passing and rushing. With 1,348 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, coupled with 860 passing yards and eight touchdowns, Daily's versatility poses a significant challenge for the Green Wave defense.

Additionally, sophomore running back Kanye Udoh has made his mark with impressive rushing performances, including a standout game against Air Force. His contributions in the ground game, coupled with Daily's multifaceted abilities, create a formidable offensive duo for the Black Knights.

Sportsline Projections

The SportsLine Projection Model has weighed in on the upcoming matchup, projecting a total of 52 combined points. Additionally, it indicates that one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time. For those looking to make informed betting decisions, following the expert advice from SportsLine could provide valuable insights.