Hawaii Non-Conference Preview: Army

Coach: Rich Ellerson (17-32, in 4 years at Army)

2012 record: (2-10, Independant)

2012 season in review: After going 3-9 in 2011, the Black Knights slid back further last year by losing an extra game. Whilst the record suggests a poor team there were some games where the Cadets can deem themselves unlucky including a 41-40 loss to Northern Illinois. There was also a 41-21 win over Air Force and a win over Boston College. However there was another loss to Navy, the 11th in a row dating back to 2001.

Armys running game continued to be the strength of the offense in 2012, breaking the previous school record set in 2011 by rushing for 4,438 over the season. A whole 280 yards further than the year before. Its also worth noting that Army has led the nation in rushing over the past 2 years. Armys 2012 rushing per game average destroyed the previous high set all the way back in 1945.

Returning Offensive Starters: 8

Returning Defensive Starters: 7

Key returning players: RB Raymond Maples, FB Larry Dixon, WR Chevaughn Lawrence, S Geoffery Bacon, NT A.J. Atimala, NT Richard Glover

2013 Strengths: The running game is going to remain the main strength of the offense going into the 2013 season. Raymond Maples will be the main runner with Larry Dixon and Stephen Fraser among those capable of being support players. This really is a team loaded at the running back position.

Defensively, Geoffrey Bacon who played at Linebacker last year is moving back to safety where he started 5 games during his freshman year. The move comes to give the secondary more depth. Other than Bacon, there isn't really any more stand out players on the Defense.

2013 Weaknesses: The offensive line could be a big problem at the start of the season with 2 starters not returning and just one player remaining at the position he played last year. The main issue seems to be the size of the line with not many big bodied players on the team. They also need someone to step up on the defense and become an impact player like Bacon.

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