In a dominant display of power football and disciplined execution, the Army Black Knights overwhelmed the UConn Huskies 41‑16 in the 2025 Wasabi Fenway Bowl, held on December 27 at historic Fenway Park. The lopsided win capped a resurgent season for Army, which relied on its signature ground‑heavy offense and suffocating defense to deliver one of the most decisive victories of the college football postseason.
The game began with some early promise for UConn, who took the lead in the first quarter thanks to a determined drive capped by a 12‑yard touchdown run from junior running back Cam Edwards. That early score gave the Huskies a short-lived 7‑0 advantage and a burst of momentum. But the response from Army was swift and emphatic. Just minutes later, Army quarterback Cale Hellums connected on a 40‑yard touchdown strike to slotback Noah Short, quickly leveling the score and setting the tone for what would become an increasingly one-sided affair.
From that point forward, Army dictated the tempo with a relentless rushing attack and precise offensive execution. The Black Knights racked up an astounding 368 rushing yards on the day, scoring six rushing touchdowns in total. Freshman running back Godspower Nwawuihe emerged as the breakout star of the game, gaining 171 yards on just 12 carries and finding the end zone twice. His signature moment came in the second half with a 70‑yard touchdown run that electrified the crowd and effectively sealed the contest.
Quarterback Cale Hellums added three rushing touchdowns of his own, complementing his early passing strike with several key runs that extended drives and punished UConn’s worn-down defense. The balanced offensive performance left UConn struggling to make adjustments, as Army consistently moved the chains and dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for over 36 minutes.
Noah Short was another key contributor for Army, catching seven passes for 108 yards and serving as a dependable target in the rare passing situations. Though Army is known for its run-first offense, the ability to mix in timely passes kept UConn’s defense off balance. By halftime, Army had built a solid lead and returned from the break determined to put the game out of reach, which they did with back-to-back touchdown drives in the third quarter.
Defensively, Army was just as dominant. The Black Knights’ defense held UConn to just 84 passing yards and limited their offensive rhythm throughout the game. The Huskies were without several key starters, including quarterback Joe Fagnano, who opted out of the bowl game to focus on his professional prospects. This left freshman Ksaan Farrar to make his first career start under challenging circumstances. While Farrar managed to score a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter, UConn’s offense was largely ineffective against a disciplined and aggressive Army defense.
The loss ended UConn’s season with a 9‑4 record, falling just short of achieving a rare double-digit win total. Despite flashes of promise during the regular season, the Huskies’ offense struggled to adapt without its key leaders, and the defense was unable to contain Army’s physical running game. The absence of playmakers and breakdowns in defensive assignments contributed to UConn’s inability to mount a comeback once Army took control.
For Army, the win marked a high point in what had been a challenging but ultimately rewarding season. With the victory, the Black Knights improved to 7‑6, securing a winning record and delivering a postseason performance that showcased the best of their football identity: tough, disciplined, and physically dominant. Head coach Jeff Monken praised his team’s preparation and effort, noting that the performance was a testament to the program’s culture of resilience and accountability.
The setting of the game added to the occasion, with Fenway Park once again transforming from a baseball cathedral into a winter football battleground. Over 22,000 fans packed the stands to witness the spectacle, giving the game a unique atmosphere steeped in both sports tradition and postseason energy. The contrast between the iconic backdrop and the hard-hitting football on the field made for a memorable afternoon in Boston.
Beyond the final score, the Fenway Bowl victory highlighted the promise of Army’s younger talent, particularly Nwawuihe, whose breakout performance could signal the emergence of a new star in the program. With several key players expected to return next season and momentum from a bowl win, Army enters the offseason with optimism and a foundation to build on for 2026.
Meanwhile, UConn will face a number of offseason questions, including potential staff changes and roster transitions as they look to regroup and build on the progress made during the regular season. Despite the bowl loss, the Huskies’ nine-win campaign reflects a step forward for the program, even if the finale proved difficult.
In the end, the 2025 Fenway Bowl served as a clear showcase of Army’s identity and execution, and a reminder of the physical and strategic demands of postseason football. The Black Knights’ commanding victory not only earned them a trophy but also reasserted their place among the sport’s most consistently tough and disciplined teams.
