Here’s a few quick photos, I’m still in Hoffman Pressbox at Michie Stadium, which is pretty much empty.
Army fans will probably be interested in the new ACU camo-print uniforms the team wore today. I knew they’d be in camo earlier this week, but I actually assumed they’d be the ones from 2008 worn against Navy (with a black top). The consensus on the field was that everyone really liked them. Stephen Anderson, Army’s senior captain, spoke about them in the post-game press conference and said the team was pumped to suit up.
The Donovan Travis-Jordan Trimble pick-six was incredible to see in person. I’m sure it looked like he was toast on TV, it sure did on the field, and then in a blink, Trimble had it and was off. Trent Steelman was on the bench during that moment and looked miserable, but as soon as Trimble landed in the endzone, he suddenly was all smiles.
Army needs one more win for a bowl game.
The full recap from West Point is up with my photo of Jared Hassin, take a look.
I’ll post some more photos later on — although Army has some of mine up, including some of the cadet review.
Update: Here’s some additional photos from Saturday:
This was my first cadet review, believe it or not. I tried to get to the parade before Army’s home opener in September, but arrived too late. Since it begins at 9am and you need to take a shuttle bus from the parking lots down to The Plain, you really have to arrive early… and I’m not a morning person. I made it, somehow, and I’m glad I did — what a great scene. The cadet review is among the most traditional, historic and cherished ritual at the Academy, and after blowing my chance last month, I had this day circled on the calendar as I knew it would offer the best autumn foliage. Using a Kevlin temperate custom white balance between 7000-8000 helped warm the images and bring out the great colors in the trees.
You can imagine, the cadet reviews are the definition of photogenic. You can just point your camera and focus and you’ll likely find a cool image.
I really love this above shot. BG Rapp posted his photos on facebook, although I think I had a better angle. I’m not totally sure who the group of cadets to the left are — most likely the cadet leadership — but the line in the back is the USMA Class of 1985. You can also see the new library in the background. A low morning sun was a nice touch, and the smoke trail from a jet flying by was warped a bit with the fisheye lens… pretty neat.
On to the game:
The Corps of Cadets opted to wear the Army ACU combat uniforms in place of the usual USMA dress gray look. It made for a unique background:
The game was pitched as Military Appreciation Day, although basically every game has that theme… this one, being against VMI, had the official title. Perfect weather and nice autumn foliage for this shot.
I was chatting with a cadet up here about how VMI wears nearly the exact same gray uniforms as West Point — pretty weak. He says to me, “what’s the similarities between cadets at West Point and VMI? Both applied to West Point.”
The academy put on a nice halftime show with a band, speech, and this huge American flag. They may need to check out some very large commercial flag poles for sale so they can raise it up for all to see in remembrance of those that have served. The band plays theme songs for all the military branches; both my grandfathers served in the Coast Guard during World War II, so it’s very cool to hear the USCG theme.
Additional photos can be found on my Flickr page.
So, what did you think? Any predictions on how the rest of the schedule plays out in terms of making a bowl? Navy was getting steamrolled by Duke but fought back, only to lose by three to a Blue Devils team that entered the game with one victory. Air Force also lost, although it was to undefeated No. 8 Utah. All three service academies have five wins now.
These are hands down the BEST new uniforms in College Football!!!!
Man are these things great! Soldiers in the field and Soldiers on the Field!! WOW
ABSOLUTE BADASSES!!!!! That is hands down the best football uniform I`ve seen yet!
Wearing those ACUs was an absolute stroke of genius!
All I’ve seen is positive feedback and love for these uniforms so far. It was a secret up until gameday, though
A great article. Thank you
What’s up with the Airborne Patches on all of the uniforms?
Army wears a different patch on its uniforms honoring a division or unit in the Army each game, typically one that former Army football players have served with (other USMA teams, like lacrosse, do this as well). This particular patch was for Special Forces http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Forces_%28United_States_Army%29
-D
That patch is USASOC.
you’re right, although the Army Gameday program lists it as Special Forces. They look pretty similar
Are the uniforms going to be available for purchase?
A great article. Thank you
Reply
Don’t let my VMI alumni status dissuade you from reason on this, but those USMA uniforms are total doo-doo. It has been determined that the ACU pattern was, from the beginning, a mistake/disaster/”Uh…. let’s just pick something.” It doesn’t work and is a liability to all of us currently serving “in the field.”
They are indicative of the asinine fools who make all of the spectacular decisions that result in a “Mission Accomplished,” here, and abroad.
Also, they are ugly.
Rah, Virginia Mil! (Just kidding. I hate that place.)
I think the the uniforms look pretty cool. That being said, I decided to go to VMI over West Point after my S-5 weekend, or whatever it is called, as I couldn’t stand the attitude- much to my parents chargrin (sp).
Rah Virginia Mil!