A student’s tongue‑in‑cheek sign at West Point turned heads – and a chest bump from Mark Ingram II – as the Black Knights prepared to face Air Force.
Key points
- The “communist” sign humorously underscores Army’s reputation for shunning the forward pass.
- Army’s offense is overwhelmingly run‑focused, ranking first in rushing yards while near the bottom in passing production.
- The Army‑Air Force game carries added significance as a Commander‑in‑Chief’s Trophy showdown between two of the nation’s top rushing teams.
During Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff pre‑game visit to West Point, a student held a sign that read, “The Forward Pass is Communist.” The banner caught the attention of former NFL star Mark Ingram II, who gave the fan a celebratory chest bump before the Army‑Air Force game.
The sign reflects a long‑standing joke among Army supporters: the Black Knights treat the forward pass as an anachronism. In the 2026 season, Army has led the Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing yards per game (342.5) and ranks near the bottom in passing, sitting 137th of 138 teams with just 69.1 passing yards per game.
Fan humor spotlights Army’s offensive identity
Through eight games, the Black Knights have run the ball 431 times – an average of 53.9 carries per contest – gaining 2,740 yards at 6.4 yards per carry and scoring 31 rushing touchdowns. By contrast, they have attempted only 85 passes all season, roughly 10.6 per game, resulting in four passing touchdowns and making up just 13% of their offensive plays.
The upcoming contest pits Army (5‑3) against Air Force (6‑2) at Michie Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game is part of the annual Commander‑in‑Chief’s Trophy series, and Army is looking for its fourth straight win over the Falcons, a matchup that features the nation’s two top rushing offenses.
Statistical snapshot: rushing dominance, passing scarcity
Fans and analysts alike note that the Black Knights’ “smash‑mouth” approach – quarterback keepers, fullback dives, and option pitches – is designed to dominate time of possession and wear down opponents, a philosophy that continues to inspire both mockery and admiration.
Reader questions
What did the sign held by the Army student say?
The sign read, “The Forward Pass is Communist,” a tongue‑in‑cheek jab at the team’s run‑first philosophy.
Why does Army rely so heavily on the running game?
Army’s offensive scheme emphasizes quarterback keepers, fullback dives, and option pitches, resulting in the highest rushing yards per game in the FBS and a very low number of pass attempts.
When and where is the Army versus Air Force game being played?
The game is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, as part of the Commander‑in‑Chief’s Trophy series.
Source: foxnews.com
