Stunning Double-Overtime Upset Breaks West Point’s Nine-Game Winning Streak
WEST POINT, N.Y. – In a jaw-dropping upset that will be remembered for years, Tarleton State defeated Army 30-27 in double overtime Friday night at Michie Stadium, securing just their second-ever victory against an FBS opponent.
First Half: Trading Blows
Tarleton State struck first with Brad Larson’s 30-yard field goal, but Army answered quickly. The Black Knights marched 75 yards for a touchdown, with Dewayne Coleman punching it in from close range for a 7-3 lead.
The Texans responded with their own methodical 90-yard drive early in the second quarter, taking a 10-7 advantage and seizing momentum.
Army West Point regained control before halftime. After converting a crucial fourth-and-five, the Black Knights settled for a field goal to tie it 10-10, then struck again with a quick 39-yard touchdown drive for a 17-10 halftime lead.
Second Half: Momentum Swings
Army West Point extended its lead to 24-10 in the third quarter, appearing in complete control. But Tarleton State had other plans.
The Texans mounted a 75-yard scoring drive to cut the deficit to 24-17. More importantly, they forced Army West Point into costly mistakes – three turnovers total, including two interceptions and a crucial late fumble.
That fumble proved decisive. Tarleton State needed just three plays to cover 20 yards for the game-tying touchdown with under a minute left.
Fourth Quarter Drama
Army West Point had a chance to win in regulation. With 57 seconds remaining, starting quarterback Coleman left with an injury, forcing backup Cale Hellums into action. Hellums drove the Black Knights into field goal range, but freshman kicker Dawson Jones missed a crucial 43-yard attempt as time expired against Tarleton State, sending the game to overtime.
The Final Moments: Double Overtime Thriller
Both teams traded field goals in the first overtime period. In the second overtime, Jones struggled again, missing from 35 yards.
Tarleton State’s Brad Larson seized the moment, calmly drilling a 37-yard field goal to complete the unthinkable upset.
Army Post Game Quotes
Caleb Williams, Army Defensive Captain: “We knew when the offense made a mistake, we had to bail them out. Defense made some stops, but it should never have gotten to that point. We made a lot of mistakes – there’s plenty of film to learn from.”
Noah Short, Offensive Player: “Our first drive was a three-and-out, which is never ideal. As the game went on, our schematics weren’t clicking like we wanted. They played their tails off and came ready to play.”
Head Coach Jeff Monken: “They were kicking our ass up front. We weren’t blocking them. They outplayed us – they just did a better job than we could. It’s a good team that could compete in the American, and obviously, they proved it tonight.”
By the Numbers
Team Stats:
- Total Yards: Army 411, Tarleton State 344
- Time of Possession: Army 36:34, Tarleton State 23:26
- Army Rushing: 280 yards (66 carries)
Key Performers:
Tarleton State:
- Victor Gabalis: 152 passing yards, 1 TD
- Caleb Lewis: 107 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Tre Page III: 89 rushing yards, 1 TD
Army:
- Dewayne Coleman: 129 passing yards, 100 rushing yards
- Hayden Reed: 88 rushing yards
The Decisive Factor
Three Army turnovers – two interceptions and a fumble – proved fatal against Tarleton State’s opportunistic defense, turning what should have been a comfortable victory into a stunning upset.ibuted 88 rushing yards in the losing effort.
8/28/25, West Point, New York, Michie Stadium, Tarleton State defensive back Blake Smith (#9) tackles Army quarterback Dewayne Coleman (#10). Mandatory Credit: Jose Pichirilo/Bad Dawg Sports 8/28/25, West Point, New York, Michie Stadium, Army running back Hayden Reed (#8) breaks free for a long run against Tarleton State. Mandatory Credit: Jose Pichirilo/Bad Dawg Sports 8/28/25, West Point, New York, Michie Stadium, Tarleton State wide receiver Peyton Kramer (#13) is tackled by Army defensive lineman Deshontez Gray (#98). Mandatory Credit: Jose Pichirilo/Bad Dawg Sports 8/28/25, West Point, New York, Michie Stadium, Army quarterback Cale Hellums (#3) runs in for a touchdown against Tarleton State. Mandatory Credit: Jose Pichirilo/Bad Dawg Sports 8/28/25, West Point, New York, Michie Stadium, Army cadets smile from the stands during the Army vs Tarleton State game. Mandatory Credit: Jose Pichirilo/Bad Dawg Sports 8/28/25, West Point, New York, Michie Stadium, Tarleton State Texans fans cheer after a successful field goal against the Army Black Knights. Mandatory Credit: Jose Pichirilo/Bad Dawg Sports 8/28/25, West Point, New York, Michie Stadium, AJ Owens (16), linebacker for Tarleton State, celebrates with fans in the stands with a selfie following the win against Army. Mandatory Credit: Jose Pichirilo/Bad Dawg Sports 8/28/25, West Point, New York, Michie Stadium, Tarleton State linebacker Yasir Holmes (#11) celebrates with a fan after the victory over Army. Mandatory Credit: Jose Pichirilo/Bad Dawg Sports
Tarleton State Celebrates Win Post Game
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