This will be the 125th meeting in this storied rivalry.
- Who: Army Black Knights vs. Navy Midshipmen
- When: 3:00 PM on CBS. Brad Nessler – play by play. Gary Danielson – color.
- What’s on the line?: The Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy. Bragging Rights. Singing Second.
- Where: Northwest Stadium. Landover, Maryland.
- Weather: Chilly sunshine, light breeze. Temperatures struggling to get out of the upper 30’s. Football weather!
The Army-Navy game (or, Navy-Army if you’re a Midshipman) in my estimation is the purest and perhaps most enjoyable college football game on the calendar – no matter the records. This game is the annual showcase of the very best that our great country has to offer – sometimes not in the overall quality of football but certainly the character of the participants.
This game matters, and this year both teams are good. Army could wind up 13-1, depending on today’s outcome and their upcoming bowl. This would be an all-time win record.
Navy wants to break Army’s 2-game “steak.” Army (11-1) has won 6 of the last 8 meetings although Navy has dominated the series since the turn of the new century with a 16-7 record since 2000. Naturally, there are some offensive and defensive players of note on both teams who could be difference makers.
Army, winners of the American Conference, comes into the event ranked 19th in the AP Poll; 22nd in the CFP poll. The Black Knights just drilled (pun intended) a good Tulane team last Saturday, 35-14. They’ll face Marshall in the Independence Bowl on December 28th.
“It’s been a good year. But it won’t be a great year unless we beat them.” – Army Head Coach Jeff Monken
Navy (8-3) was ranked as high as 24th in the AP Poll in week 9. Their most notable win was against 25th ranked Memphis back on September 21st. The Midshipmen have taken on a bit of water of late, but don’t think for a minute anyone on that team is dwelling on the past. They’re going to be as tough as a “Tin Can” during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. They play Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl on December 27th.
“This can be a very emotional game, and you have got to be careful that you almost don’t have to get them on for this game. You almost have to pull them back a little bit.” – Navy Head Coach Brian Newberry
In an increasingly dangerous world with great uncertainty, many of these men and women of all branches of service could go into harm’s way at a moment’s notice as they fulfill their duties to our nation. Many of you have family or friends that are serving or have served. Quite a few of our regular Dawg Sports readers have as well and we thank you all. Let us know in the comments which branch of service you were in if you are so inclined.
Something else: Not a single player on either side gets NIL money. It’s not allowed. This is the true spirit of amateurism.
THE MORE YOU KNOW:
- CBS Sports Coverage – I’ll try not to shout, “Shut Up, Gary!” today because I actually miss Gary. There. I said it. And you do, too. Probably.
- The uniforms and helmets have become increasingly awesome over the last few years. Dare I say haute couture? Army is paying respects to the 101st Airborne’s “Screaming Eagles” on the 80th anniversary of The Battle of the Bulge (December 16 – January 25, 1944) where that Division became legendary during the siege of Bastogne.
- The Naval Academy is honoring “The Jolly Rogers,” a Navy aviation unit whose lineage dates back to World War 2. Here is some historical context for both Army and Navy’s choice of football attire.
- “Last of the Hard” – All about how both schools modernized the triple option.
- A History of the series – via Wikipedia.
Georgia isn’t playing today and has a merciful couple of weeks to heal up and prep for their CFP date vs. the winner of Indiana & Notre Dame. It’s the first stress-free week of football since our last bye.
Enjoy the game, everyone!