clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Army announces 2021 football schedule; Black Knights open season at Georgia State

Army will face Air Force and Navy on neutral fields. They’ll also take on Wisconsin and Wake Forest on back-to-back weekends.

By Mitchell Northam
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - West Virginia v Tennessee Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Army’s 2020 football schedule was built, dismantled and then patched back together, largely due to cancellations caused by the coronavirus.

Still, Army was able to play a nearly full slate of 12 games. The Black Knights went 9-3, appeared in a bowl game and the AP Top 25 Poll, and — most importantly — beat Navy and Air Force.

It’s unclear exactly what the 2021 college football season will bring. While vaccines are being rolled out across the country, the pandemic is still very much ongoing. Just like in 2020, players, coaches and administrators will have to be extra-safe, vigilant and flexible to get through the season.

While much is still unknown about the upcoming season, we did learn on Tuesday what Army’s schedule should look like.

The Black Knights are set to open the year at Georgia State on Sept. 4. Then, on Sept. 11, Jeff Monken’s side will host Western Kentucky. Last season Army never lost at Michie Stadium.

Army’s schedule is highlighted by a pair of back-to-back games against Power 5 opponents. Army will visit Wisconsin on Oct. 16, and then host Wake Forest on Oct. 23. Army has never played Wisconsin in football, but the Black Knights have faced the Demon Deacons 16 times. The last time Army and Wake Forest met was in a game part of the 2016 “Wakey Leaks” scandal, in which former defensive coordinator Jay Bateman was fined and suspended by Army for his role.

After a bye week, Army will begin its defense of the Commander-In-Chiefs Trophy in Texas, facing Air Force at a neutral site for the first time since 1965. It will be the first FBS game ever played at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. It’s the farthest road trip of the season for Army.

In 2020, Army played three games against FCS teams. That number is dialed back a bit in 2021. The Black Knights’ lone FCS opponent is Bucknell, which comes to Michie Stadium on Nov. 13.

Army will of course close out its regular season against Navy, facing the Mids at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Here is the full schedule:

  • Sept. 4 at Georgia State
  • Sept. 11 vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY
  • Sept. 18 vs. UCONN
  • Sept. 25 vs. MIAMI (OH)
  • Oct. 2 at Ball State
  • Oct. 16 at Wisconsin
  • Oct. 23 vs. WAKE FOREST
  • Nov. 6 vs. Air Force (in Arlington, Texas)
  • Nov. 13 vs. BUCKNELL
  • Nov. 20 vs. UMASS
  • Nov. 27 at Liberty
  • Dec. 11 vs. Navy (in East Rutherford, N.J.)