This was not the start to the season that the Army Academy was looking for.

The Army Black Knights opened their season at home against FCS opponent Fordham, but a struggling defense and a few miscues lead to the Rams victory over the Black Knights 37-35.

Quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw, starting in his first game for Army, played relatively well. Playing out of the triple option, Bradshaw ran 20 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw the ball eleven times, completing five passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns. He was also intercepted once. Miscues, however, cost eventually cost them the game, as a fumble in the quarter lead to a safety, which would be the final margin of the game.

Fordham struggled early in the game. After fumbling on their first play of the game, Army quickly scored to take the early lead. Fordham, however, quickly responded with six play, 77 yard drive to tie the game. The two teams went back and forth in the first half until Bradshaw got intercepted with less then a minute left in the half. Fordham connected on a few quick plays and got a field goal late in the half.

Fordham shined on offense. Quarterback Kevin Anderson completed 15 of 23 passes for 322 yards, and running back Chase Edmonds added another 110 yards on 20 carries. Still, Fordham was unable to put the game away. After taking a 37-29 lead in the fourth quarter, Fordham was unable to move the ball. Their next three drives resulted in negative yards, and they were unable to take valuable time off the clock, allowing Army to get back into the game. Army scored on a six play, 90 yard drive late in the fourth quarter, but were unable to pick up the equalizing two point conversion. Army had one last shot at picking up the victory – they had a fourth and three from the Fordham 47 yard line with 35 seconds left, but Bradshaw was unable to connect with a receiver and Fordham secured the victory. In the end, Fordham outgained Army 445-389.

"We played as a family, and we were just so confident," said Anderson, who transferred from Marshall. "The whole time we just fought together as a team and it was just a family victory."

While this is technically considered an upset, Fordham wasn’t entering as a pushover. The Rams went 11-3 last season and went to the FCS playoffs after going undefeated in Patriot League play. They are also no stranger to defeating FBS programs after beating Temple two years ago. Army, meanwhile, was coming off a 4-8 season. They were hoping to improve off of last season and possibly become bowl eligible, but the road gets even tougher after this week. Fordham was also avenging previous losses to Army, who defeated Fordham in their last four meetings, including a 42-31 victory last season. The history between these two schools, however, goes back much further, as Army played Fordham as their first ever opponent back in 1891.

Army goes on the road next week and takes on the UConn Huskies, while Fordham begins FCS play at home against Villanova. Head coach Jim Moorhead is proud of the team he has assembled.

“Couldn't be more proud of this team.” The Fordham coach tweeted after the game. “Preparation, Effort, Execution.”

For Army coach Jeff Monken, it’s back to the drawing board as he enters his second season coaching the Black Knights. Army is an independent in football, but has a contractual tie in with several bowls. If Army makes it to six wins, they automatically get selected to play another game. That may be a difficult task for the Black Knights.