Florida Atlantic's precise passing game visits Army on a gusty day that could suit the Black Knights' triple option
WEST POINT, N.Y. — Florida Atlantic wants to throw. The weather at Michie Stadium may have other plans.
The Owls (4-1, 1-0 American) visit Army (3-2, 2-1) at noon ET on CBS Sports Network, and ESPN's forecast calls for gusts near 37 mph with a chance of rain. That is welcome news for an Army offense built on the triple option, which keeps the ball on the ground and the clock moving.
Army's engine is quarterback Cale Hellums, who leads the team with 104 carries for 524 yards and eight touchdowns and has thrown for 356 more. The Black Knights beat Tulane 20-17 last Saturday. ESPN's Football Power Index ranks Army's offense 27th in efficiency.
Florida Atlantic's offense is built on precision. Caden Veltkamp has completed 128 of 175 passes for 1,427 yards, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions. Kelby Valsin is his top target with 40 catches for 512 yards and five scores. The Owls have had two weeks to prepare since a 66-10 win over Texas Southern on Oct. 3, and their only loss came at Florida in the season opener.
Both defenses have struggled. ESPN's index ranks FAU's defense 112th and Army's 129th. That suggests whoever controls the clock controls the afternoon, which is what Army's option is designed to do. Facing the triple option means every defender has to handle his own assignment on every snap, and one missed read can turn into a long run.
The teams have met once. Army won 24-7 in Boca Raton on Sept. 7, 2024.
The two programs could hardly be more different in age. Florida Atlantic played its first season in 2001 under Howard Schnellenberger. Army has been playing since 1890, claims national titles from 1914, 1916 and 1944 through 1946, and counts three Heisman Trophy winners: Doc Blanchard in 1945, Glenn Davis in 1946 and Pete Dawkins in 1958. Jeff Monken has led the Black Knights since 2014.
Neither team listed a notable injury, so this should come down to style. FAU hosts Rice next week, while Army plays at Tulsa on Oct. 23.
Veltkamp's accuracy and FAU's extra rest should keep it close. In this wind, Army's ground game should be enough.
Our call: Army 31, Florida Atlantic 27.