Bryson Daily had a career-best game, rushing for five touchdowns and setting a new record for Army with the most rushing TDs in a single season, leading the No. 23 Black Knights to a 45-28 win over East Carolina on Saturday.
Daily ran for 171 yards on 31 carries, marking his sixth consecutive game with over 100 rushing yards. The senior also threw a touchdown pass, bringing his total to 19 rushing TDs for the season. He broke the previous record of 17, which was shared by Mike Mayweather, Carlton Jones, and Trent Steelman.
“It’s an absolute testament to this offense that (coordinator) Cody Worley runs, the offensive line, the guys that block on the outside,” said Daily, who completed 7 out of 10 passes for a season-high 147 yards. “Two or three touchdowns today were walk-ins. I’m extremely lucky to be in the position I am.”
Daily showcased a strong spin move on his first rushing TD against East Carolina, a 17-yarder in the second quarter.
“I get made fun of because I don’t have the juke moves like the other guys,” Daily explained. “It was reactionary. I dropped my shoulder and his momentum made me spin.”
With this win, the Black Knights improved their record to 7-0 and maintained the nation’s longest winning streak at 11 games.
Army started off strong with Daily’s 13-yard touchdown pass to running back Miles Stewart. They built a 24-0 lead by halftime with Daily’s rushing touchdowns of 17 and 31 yards, along with a 23-yard field goal by Trey Gronotte.
East Carolina struggled in the first half, gaining only 95 yards. However, Katin Houser bounced back in the second half, throwing for three touchdowns and finishing with 282 passing yards.
Chase Sowell scored East Carolina’s first touchdown on a 53-yard reception in the third quarter, breaking multiple tackles on his way to the end zone.
“We got to start better that’s obvious,” said East Carolina coach Mike Houston. “We didn’t execute very well offensively in the first half and that put our defense in a bad spot.”