What Is 2016 Army Black Knights football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Army Black Knights football team represented the United States Military Academy during the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 7–6 record under head coach Jeff Monken. They played their home games at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, and won the Armed Forces Bowl against North Texas with a 38–31 victory on December 23, 2016.

Key Facts

Finished the 2016 season with a 7–6 overall record
Defeated North Texas 38–31 in the Armed Forces Bowl on December 23, 2016
Played home games at Michie Stadium in West Point, NY
Head coach Jeff Monken led the team in his third season
Scored 380 total points, averaging 29.2 points per game

Overview

The 2016 Army Black Knights football team represented the United States Military Academy in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Jeff Monken in his third year at the helm and played its home games at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York.

The Black Knights finished the season with a 7–6 record, marking a modest improvement over previous years. Their campaign culminated in a victory at the 2016 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, where they defeated the North Texas Mean Green 38–31 in a high-scoring contest.

Record: The team finished the season with a 7–6 overall record, including a 5–3 mark in non-conference play and a 2–3 result against bowl-eligible teams.
Bowl Game: Army won the Armed Forces Bowl on December 23, 2016, defeating North Texas 38–31 in El Paso, Texas, marking their first bowl win since 2010.
Scoring: The offense averaged 29.2 points per game, totaling 380 points across 13 games, led by quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw and running back Jordan Asberry.
Defense: The defense allowed 30.8 points per game, struggling at times against spread offenses but showing improvement in key second-half performances.
Home Field: All home games were played at Michie Stadium, a 38,000-seat venue located on the U.S. Military Academy campus, known for its historic setting and cadet fan support.

Season Performance

The 2016 season showcased Army’s signature triple-option offense and a growing identity under Monken’s leadership. Despite early-season struggles, the team showed resilience and finished strong with a bowl victory.

September Start: The Black Knights opened with a 38–31 loss to Fordham, a surprising setback that raised concerns early in the season.
Key Win: A 42–26 victory over Wake Forest in October demonstrated Army’s ability to compete with Power Five opponents.
Rivalry Game: The annual Army–Navy Game ended in a 21–17 loss to Navy, snapping a brief two-game winning streak in the series.
Offensive Leaders: Quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 947 yards and 11 touchdowns, while fullback Andy Davidson added 627 rushing yards.
Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Kenneth Jump led the team with 87 tackles, anchoring a defense that improved as the season progressed.
Coaching:Jeff Monken, in his third season, continued to rebuild the program with a focus on physical, run-heavy football and disciplined execution.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2016 season compared to recent years shows incremental progress for the Army program. Below is a performance comparison across key metrics:

Season	Overall Record	Bowl Result	Points Scored	Points Allowed
2014	3–9	No bowl	269	358
2015	3–9	No bowl	269	362
2016	7–6	Won Armed Forces Bowl	380	401
2017	10–3	Won Heart of Dallas Bowl	389	249
2018	11–2	Won Independence Bowl	436	245

The 2016 season marked a turning point, as Army achieved its first winning record since 2001 and earned a bowl berth. While defensive numbers remained a concern, the offensive consistency laid the foundation for future success, culminating in an 11-win season by 2018.

Why It Matters

The 2016 Army Black Knights season was a pivotal moment in the modern revival of the program. It signaled a shift from years of losing records to a competitive, bowl-eligible team capable of challenging top-tier opponents.

Program Momentum: The 7–6 record gave Army its first winning season since 2001, boosting morale and recruiting efforts.
Bowl Victory: Winning the Armed Forces Bowl enhanced national visibility and validated Monken’s rebuilding strategy.
Triple-Option Revival: Army’s success highlighted the continued effectiveness of the triple-option offense at the FBS level.
Recruiting Boost: Improved performance led to higher-rated recruiting classes in subsequent years.
Service Academy Pride: The season strengthened the tradition of military service in college football and inspired cadets and alumni.
Foundation for 2017: The 2016 campaign laid the groundwork for a 10-win season in 2017 and a national ranking.

The 2016 season was more than just a winning record—it was a symbol of resurgence. By combining disciplined play, physical football, and a storied tradition, Army reestablished itself as a competitive force in college football.