Boston, MA — Army’s balanced attack and dynamic playmakers powered the Black Knights to a 41–16 victory over UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl on Saturday.
Quarterback Cade Hellums was at the center of the action, accounting for three touchdowns—one through the air and two on the ground—while Godspower Nwawuihe bolstered the rushing attack with two explosive scores.
UConn struck first when Cam Edwards raced 12 yards for a touchdown, capping an 11-carry, 108-yard effort. Army responded quickly, with Hellums connecting on a 40-yard touchdown pass to Noah Short to tie the game 7–7. Short was the only receiver for Army, finishing with seven catches for 108 yards.
Nwawuihe then put the Black Knights ahead with a 43-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter. Less than a minute into the second half, he broke free again for a 70-yard score, giving Army a 10-point cushion. Nwawuihe finished the game with 171 yards on just 12 carries.
Hellums added two short rushing touchdowns of 1 and 6 yards in the second half, finishing 7-of-8 passing for 108 yards and adding 45 yards on the ground. Jake Rendina contributed 87 yards on 14 carries, and Carson Smith added 49 yards and a touchdown, helping Army amass 368 total rushing yards.
UConn’s offense, led by interim head coach Gordon Sammis, managed a fourth-quarter score on a quarterback keeper by Ksaan Farrar, who completed 11-of-17 passes for 84 yards. The Huskies were without star quarterback Joe Fagnano, who opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft after a standout season with 3,448 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just one interception.
The win marks Army’s second consecutive bowl victory under head coach Jeff Monken and the sixth in seven appearances during his 12-year tenure, solidifying the Black Knights’ continued success in postseason play.
