It has been all Army in the first half of the Armed Forces Bowl as the Black Knights have caused three turnovers and dominated SMU with its triple option attack.
Star defensive end Josh McNary scored the Black Knights’ first touchdown after returning a fumble 55 yards. Army linebacker Chad Littlejohn caused the fumble with a hit on SMU quarterback Kyle Padron. It was Pardon’s first of three first half turnovers, as he also threw two interceptions.
SMU’s defense hasn’t had an answer for Army fullback Jared Hassin, who has already racked up 48 yards rushing yards. Running back Malcolm Brown ran in Army’s second first half touchdown from13 yards out.
If Army’s defense can continue to stifle Padron and SMU’s June Jones attack the Black Knights will collect their first bowl win since the 1985 Cherry Bowl victory over Illinois.