WEST POINT, N.Y. — Army saved its best for last Saturday afternoon, as Dawson Jones drilled a 25-yard field goal on the final play to lift the Black Knights to a dramatic 20-17 victory over Tulane in front of 29,722 fans at Michie Stadium.
Behind a career-best performance from quarterback Cale Hellums, Army overcame a fourth-quarter deficit and delivered when the game was on the line. Hellums rushed for 223 yards and scored twice, repeatedly finding running room against the Green Wave defense as the Black Knights relied on their versatile, multiple-formation offense.
Army’s defense also played a major role in the victory, limiting Tulane to 280 total yards after surrendering 503 in a narrow 31-29 loss to Louisiana Tech the previous week.
The decisive sequence began with approximately four minutes remaining, when Army’s defense came up with a critical fourth-down stop at the Black Knights’ 33-yard line. The stand gave Hellums and the offense an opportunity to take control of the game.
Hellums responded by directing a 12-play, 58-yard march down the field. Jones then stepped forward and converted the 25-yard attempt as time expired, sending the home crowd into celebration and completing Army’s comeback.
Hellums Delivers a Career Day
Hellums was the engine behind Army’s offensive attack. The quarterback carried the ball 38 times for 223 yards, surpassing his previous career high of 155 yards, which he recorded against Tulane last season. He also accounted for both of the Black Knights’ touchdowns.
Whenever Army needed a spark, Hellums found a way to produce, using his ability to slip through openings, break tackles, and accelerate into open space. His performance helped Army generate a powerful ground game and maintain pressure on the Green Wave defense.
Army finished with 329 rushing yards. Hellums was particularly effective despite a limited role in the passing game, completing three of six attempts for 19 yards.
Fourth Quarter Turns Into a Shootout
Tulane carried a 10-7 advantage into the fourth quarter after quarterback Kadin Semonza scored on a one-yard plunge, giving the Green Wave the lead following a tightly contested first half.
Army answered with a 61-yard drive that ended with a Jones field goal, tying the game at 10-10. But the deadlock did not last long.
Just three plays after Army’s field goal, Semonza connected with Jaylin Lucas on a 39-yard touchdown pass. The scoring strike restored Tulane’s lead at 17-10 and put the pressure back on the Black Knights.
Hellums wasted little time responding. On Army’s second play of the ensuing possession, he broke free for a 58-yard touchdown run, bringing the Black Knights even at 17-17 and setting up the dramatic finish.
Semonza completed the afternoon with 158 passing yards for Tulane, which fell to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in American Conference play.
Army’s Defense Makes the Difference
While Hellums supplied the offensive fireworks, Army’s defensive improvement proved just as important. After struggling against Louisiana Tech a week earlier, the Black Knights held Tulane to 280 total yards and made the critical fourth-down stop that gave their offense one final chance.
Army improved to 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the American Conference. The victory showcased the Black Knights’ ability to respond to adversity, lean on their ground game and execute under pressure.
For Tulane, the defeat was a frustrating finish after the Green Wave appeared poised to leave West Point with a road victory. Instead, Jones’ kick ended the contest and gave Army a hard-earned three-point win.
Up Next:
Tulane returns home to face Memphis on Friday, while Army heads to Florida Atlantic next Saturday.
