SMU falls to Army in Armed Forces Bowl

Sometimes the stats just don’t tell the story.  The 2010 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl was one of those times.  When you look at the final statistics, you see a game with one team rushing for 111 yards, passing for 302 yards, converting 6 of 11 third down attempts while holding their opponent to just 30 yards passing, only 33% 3rd down conversion, and only 1 offensive touchdown.  But the game on the field was a different story.

SMU dominated the stats, but the Army Black Knights easily won the game, 16-14.  The score was only close due to a late rally by the Mustangs.

On the game’s third play from scrimmage, Josh McNary picked up an SMU fumble and returned it 55 yards for the opening score.  On the next series, the Mustangs mounted a 10 play drive, only to end with a missed field goal.  Army marched down the field for a 13-yard touchdown run by Malcolm Brown for a 13-0 lead (extra point blocked).

SMU’s next drives resulted in 2 interceptions, a punt, and a turnover on downs.  Army burned a lot of time, but could only muster another field goal.

The Mustangs would complete two long drives in the 2nd half.  The first a 13-play, 92 yard drive for a touchdown, followed by a 10-play, 74 yard drive for a TD to put the game in reach.

After holding Army to 0 yards and forcing a punt, SMU put together an 8 play drive in an attempt to take the lead.  Unfortunately, the drive ended with another missed field goal.   Army was able to run out the remaining 4 minutes with a 7-play drive to seal the game.

SMU QB Kyle Padron was 24 of 34 for 302 yards and 2 TDs and 2 interceptions.  RB Zach Line gained 103 yards on 17 carries.  Receiver Darius Johnson caught 9 passes for 152 yards and a TD.

Army QB Trent Steelman was 2 of 2 for 30 yards with no TDs and no interceptions.  Army used 4 running backs to gain 199 yards.

Click here for our 2010 Armed Forces Bowl photo gallery.

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