WEST POINT – There’s no taking back two difficult losses to open the season, but Army junior Tyrell Robinson said it felt like “starting over” with the Black Knights’ 49-10 victory over highly regarded Villanova on Saturday at Michie Stadium.

“I just thought the team played as hard as they could,’’ said coach Jeff Monken, whose 59th victory in his ninth season places him No. 2 all-time in Army wins. “They were disappointed coming out of last week, really. We were anxious for a chance to play and I just love how we responded.’’

The Black Knights avoided their first 0-3 start since 2015, bypassing their recent passing proficiency (ranked No. 1 in the nation) in favor of old-time Army football: zero pass completions and 55 rushes for 472 yards. “That’s an Army offense right there,’’ Robinson said. “That’s how we’re supposed to run the ball. … We’re trying to make sure we set the tone (for) the future.’’

Quarterback Tyhier Tyler rushed for three scores (of 7, 23 and 3 yards), and hobbled fullback Tyson Riley gritted out a career day featuring 21 carries for 158 yards. It couldn’t have come at a better time as heralded fullback Jakobi Buchanan injured his left knee following a 55-yard burst in the game’s opening minutes; he returned to the bench in the second half sporting crutches and a knee brace. Riley carried the load the rest of the way, even earning bragging rights in the ‘B’ back room with a career-long 70-yard touchdown run three snaps into the third quarter for a 28-7 lead.

“That’s the whole team, just tough as nails,’’ Monken said. “To see Tyson Riley, who’s not 100 percent running the ball like he did … (that’s) just great grit and determination.’’

A besieged Army defensive secondary gave up eight plays of 10-plus yards (seven on the ground) but that is less than half of what the Black Knights gave up in opening losses to Coastal Carolina and Texas San Antonio. In all, Army surrendered 247 yards, less than half of what Villanova averaged in opening wins over Lehigh and Long Island. More importantly, Army gained its first two takeaways of the season on second-quarter interceptions by Marquel Broughton and Jabari Moore on consecutive drives.

“We continue to do our job, continue to do things that we need to do,’’ said Broughton, who made a remarkable flying grab and got a toe drag before going out of bounds inside the Villanova 10. Moore’s pick came as he swooped in on an ill-advised short throw into the end zone and triple coverage by Connor Watkins.

“They were two really good plays and kind of got us a cushion and just made it a little more comfortable in the second half,’’ Monken said.

Those were the breaks Army needed to swing total momentum its way, with quarterback Cade Ballard’s 6-yard run, six plays following a 35-yard burst by Riley, staking his team to a 21-7 lead 5:12 before halftime.

The thrill of the afternoon came early in the fourth quarter. Robinson fielded a punt by Will Bartel, cut back a run to his right and raced down the left sideline for a 73-yard touchdown – it was the first return score for the junior after two seasons of near misses, and the first Army punt return for a score since Jeremy Trimble did so in 2007 against Temple.

The Black Knights turned to their reserves in the fourth quarter. Senior Jemel Jones and sophomore Bryson Daily each saw one series at quarterback. Jones had carries of 13, 3 and 10 yards. In his debut, Daily had a 33-yard breakaway called back by a holding call. Freshman fullback Hayden Reed served primarily as a blocking back but his third carry went for a 24-yard score with 4:29 to play

Villanova was ranked No. 5 in the Football Championship Series coaches’ poll and No. 7 in the media poll. The Wildcats managed 74 yards passing and 173 on the ground.

Army hosts Georgia State on Oct. 1.

Notes: Army avoided its first winless September since 2012. … Robinson has eight career touchdowns of 40 yards or better. His two longest are an 87-yard run against Massachusetts and 79-yard reception against Air Force, both last season. … Army is 14-2 against FCS schools during Monken’s tenure. … Army’s three sacks came from Kalvyn Crummie, Fabrice Voyne and Brett Gerena. Leo Lowin led with five stops and Austin Hill with five.