The next-man-up mentality for Army football reflects the same process used in the field of battle, coach Jeff Monken says.

So Monken had no worries sending in junior Dewayne Coleman after all-star candidate Bryson Daily turned up ill this week and was sidelined Saturday for the service academy clash with Air Force.

Under Coleman’s guidance, the vaunted Black Knights offense sputtered early on but found its way to two second-half scores to pull away from the Falcons, 20-3.

Coleman had seen five relief outings this season as the primary backup after Daily led Army to huge second-half leads, but Saturday was his first collegiate start. It should be noted that Coleman will have the most experience behind center when the 2025 season arrives.

“I think it definitely benefited me,’’ Coleman said of the snaps he’s taken this season. “I felt more comfortable back there. I trusted my (offensive) line in front of me, and I trusted the coaches to give me plays for me to execute and do well.’’

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How Army football backup QB Dewayne Coleman played in place of Bryson Daily

His final numbers aren’t going to jump off the page — 18 carries for 42 yards; 5-of-8 passing for 48 yards. But Coleman did lead four scoring drives in eight series that didn’t conclude with the final gun. He did so against an Air Force defense that well knows Army’s option attack in a game with so much at stake. Army sought to remain perfect, uphold its No. 21 national ranking and make December’s matchup with Navy worth so much more with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy at stake.

When you consider most of Coleman’s game snaps have been with the second unit, this was going to be a showcase for his ability to work with an offensive unit that has been virtually intact all season.

Though they run the same offense, Coleman is 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds and the 6-foot Daily has bulked up to 221 pounds, showing the ability to hit holes with power and fend off tacklers for extra yardage or break free. The playcalling might have been more conservative for Coleman, and the offensive line struggled with matchups and blocks.

There also appeared to be a handful of busted play calls as Coleman and running back Kanye Udoh mistimed some handoffs, one resulting in a fumble that Coleman fell upon. The result was two red-zone drives culminating with Trey Gronotte field goals rather than touchdowns. Army needed its own red-zone stop to hold a 6-3 halftime lead.

Army coaches challenged the offensive line to do better and they did. Udoh, held to 30 yards in the first half, finished with 22 carries for a career-high 158 yards and a pair of touchdown runs. He went untouched into the end zone on both — one from 12 yards in the third quarter and a 25-yard run in the fourth.

“First half, everybody's all jittery, a little nervous, from top down, like coaches down to players,’’ Udoh said. “And then second half we just got back to what we get to, just dominated and did we had to do.’’

What Army football coach Jeff Monken said about Dewayne Coleman and Bryson Daily

Monken was happy with what he saw from Coleman.

“I thought he showed great poise,’’ he said.

Monken cited a drag route pass to Casey Reynolds where Coleman backpedaled and dropped in a pass for a 24-yard gain.

“I assure you that Dewayne Coleman wasn’t scared or apprehensive about playing. He’s excited to play. He’s been waiting for this opportunity," Monken said. "I'm just really proud of how he handled the team, handled the offense and did his part.’’

Kody Harris-Miller said the team had “complete and total trust,’’ in Coleman and told him beforehand, “Play your game.’’

“Kudos to Dewayne Coleman coming in and not flinching,’’ said Casey Larkin. “He did his thing. I know he was going to because his confidence is through the roof.’’

Monken offered no details on Daily’s absence, except to say that he may return in time this week for the North Texas game.

kmcmillan@th-record.com

X / Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Dewayne Coleman lifts Army past pesky Air Force