The Black and White game differed from previous college spring games. The offense faced the defense instead of two separate teams. The scoring decided by the coaches, was complex, awarding the offense points for touchdowns and other impact plays, whereas the defense was rewarded for turnovers and stops.
The Army offense defeated the defense by a score of 56-38 in the program's 2016 spring game. Chris Carter, Army's sophomore quarterback, has improved his ability to roll out of the pocket in an option play. The Black Knights' offense started the first drive in the option, highlighted by a pitch from Carter to running back, Nicholas Black, who ran it for 19 yards.