Army found a way for its defense to match its explosive offense on Saturday, Oct. 17, and the Black Knights finally own a winning streak in 2026 at a modest two games.
Army produced eight touchdowns and rolled up 479 yards of rushing offense as the Black Knights steamrolled Florida Atlantic 56-24 on a chilly afternoon at Michie Stadium. Army benefited from three FAU turnovers, turning each into scores.
Army (4-2) moves into sole possession of third place in the American Conference at 3-1, trailing only UTSA and North Texas at 2-0. FAU falls to 4-2, 1-1.
Army quarterback Cale Hellums continued to show why he's one of the most productive signal-callers in the nation. He rushed for a career-high four touchdowns in the first half alone and tacked on a record-tying fifth score on a hard-fought 1-yard plunge in the fourth quarter, spinning off a tackler and reaching backward to get the ball over the goal line.
Hellums gained 195 yards on 25 carries.
Army was 5-for-5 in the first half on touchdown drives, and the Black Knights turned two FAU turnovers (an interception and fumble on a kickoff) into 14 points. Army also posted touchdowns on its initial two drives of the second half.
Following weeks of action where points came at a premium, this game took on the feel of a track meet early. Twenty-eight combined points in the first quarter, Army rushing for 172 yards and FAU throwing for 103.
Heralded FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp threw a pick on the first snap as Jack Bousom tipped a pass and Elijah Walton made a diving interception. Army responded right away as Hellums pitched right to Samari Howard and the split back was spun at the 15, kept his balance and completed a 30-yard TD run.
Veltkamp proved himself right away, completing three throws on an eight-play, game-tying scoring drive, finding Easton Messer open on a 24-yard seam route.
Hellums ran for a career-best 58-yard score a week earlier vs. Tulane, and matched that as FAU was drawn to a motion race to the right by Zach Mundell, leaving the left side wide open for a Hellums sprint for a 14-7 lead.
The electric Owls needed just three minutes to match touchdowns. Veltkamp completed four passes (with a 49-yard score to Messer called back by a holding call) for 66 yards. On the final call, FAU lined up four receivers to the right, two headed into the end zone and Kelby Velsin ran right by corner Jaydan Mayes for a 34-yard score.
Army football: Fruitful second quarter
The Black Knights returned to its tried-and-true ground game, calling 11 of 12 run calls, eating up 6:12 of clock, as Hellums followed fullback Jake Rendina off the right side for a 4-yard score and 21-14 lead, just 39 seconds into the second quarter.
Army got its first defensive stop, likely with the help of 20 mph winds, as vaunted kicker Collin Rogers hit a low, wobbling 50-yard field goal try that grazed the outside of the right upright.
Again, Army ran 15 run plays, chewed up 8:46 and seized a 28-14 lead when Hellums followed Rendina and Stroman Bridges for a 3-yard score. Hellums converted two fourth-down and short yardage plays on the series.
The kickoff was fielded by Dom Henry, but Bridges punched the ball loose and Rob Houston gathered the fumble at the FAU 28 with 1:12 remaining. Six run plays later, Helums followed Rendina up the middle from 3 yards out with 25 seconds left, the quarterback celebrating in the end zone by counting 1, 2, 3, 4 touchdowns on his fingers.
Receiving the second-half kick, Rendina charged through three blockers and busted off a career-best 61-yard run for a score, pretending to rip open his jersey like Superman, for a 42-14 lead.
Rogers finally hit his first field goal try from 41 yards to trim the margin to 42-17. Again, Army answered with 13 run calls, Hellums bending backwards from the 1 for his record score. Howard was halted on a 2-yard flip pass gain on the previous play, and Hellums, following his TD, apologized to Howard.
The afternoon was capped as backup quarterback Bryson Luter broke two tackles and scored on a 69-yard burst up the middle with 1:48 to play.
Up next
It's another short week for Army – its second of the season – as the Black Knights travel to Tulsa for a Friday night game on ESPN2.
kmcmillan@th-record.com
X / Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Army football steamrolls FAU: Score, analysis