A Friday Night Football Clash at West Point
The 2025 college football season continues with an intriguing non-conference matchup as the Tarleton State Texans travel to Michie Stadium to take on the Army Black Knights. The game is scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, with kickoff at 6:00 p.m. ET. While Army enters its season opener, Tarleton State arrives with momentum, boasting a dominant performance in Week 0.
Texans Riding High After Shutout Victory
Tarleton State, currently leading the United Athletic Conference with a 1-0 record, could not have asked for a better start to their season. The Texans opened on the road against Portland State and delivered a resounding 42-0 shutout victory. Their offense was firing on all cylinders, showcasing a balanced and potent attack.
- Quarterback Victor Gabalis was efficient, completing 14 of 24 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns.
- Running back Tre Page III had a stellar performance, rushing for 170 yards on just 15 carries and finding the end zone twice.
This impressive win has given the Texans a surge of confidence as they prepare to face a formidable FBS opponent in Army.
Army Begins New Chapter After Stellar 2024 Campaign
The Army Black Knights are coming off a historic 2024 season where they were crowned American Athletic Conference champions and capped the year with a 27-6 victory in the Independence Bowl. However, they begin 2025 with significant changes, most notably at quarterback. Senior Dewayne Coleman steps in to lead the offense, replacing the dynamic Bryson Daily, who was a force in the run game last season.
Despite key departures, Army returns a wealth of talent and experience, particularly on defense. In 2024, the Black Knights’ defense was among the nation’s elite, ranking fourth in the FBS in scoring defense (15.5 points per game allowed) and in the top 10 for total defense (297.9 yards per game allowed), according to digitaltrendstoday.com. Key returning defensive players include:
- Linebacker Andon Thomas, who led the team with 93 tackles last year.
- Linebacker Kalib Fortner, an All-AAC honorable mention.
- Defensive backs Jaydan Mayes and Casey Larkin, who combined for seven interceptions in 2024.
Offensively, Army will continue to rely on its powerful rushing attack, anchored by experienced offensive linemen Paolo Gennarelli and Brady Small. Running backs Noah Short and Hayden Reed are expected to carry a heavy load as Coleman settles into his new role.
Matchup Preview and Betting Odds
This game presents a classic clash of styles. Tarleton State’s high-flying offense will be tested against Army’s disciplined and physical defense. The key to the game may lie in the trenches, where Army’s offensive line will look to wear down the Texans’ front seven and control the clock with their ground game.
Bookmakers have positioned Army as a significant favorite. The point spread has settled around Army -14, after opening at -16.5 in some places. The over/under for the game is set at 47.5 points. According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Black Knights have an 82% chance of winning their home opener.
How to Watch
- Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
- Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Michie Stadium, West Point, New York
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
- Live Stream: The game can be streamed via CBSSports.com, the CBS Sports App, and Fubo.
