An ode to Army-Navy
I cover Texas, so obviously I’m of the belief that the Red River Shootout is the best rivalry in college football. For me, right behind the annual game in the Cotton Bowl is Michigan vs. Ohio State. And in third? Army-Navy.
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I’d listen to arguments for Army-Navy being No. 1.
The 125th edition of the Army-Navy Game kicks off on CBS today at 2 p.m. The game will be played at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. And rest assured, I’m tuning in.
Army-Navy is college football in its purest form. There are no College Football Playoff implications for this one as the field of 12 has been set. Army has already won the American Athletic Conference championship in its first year as members of the league under accomplished head coach Jeff Monken. Navy, under second year head coach Brian Newberry, is 8-3 and would love nothing more than to not only sing second but to hand Army its second loss. It’s a rivalry not built on hatred, but built on respect and a desire to be the best.
Recent matchups have been fantastic. Eight of the last 10 have been one possession games. The 2022 edition went to an exciting double-overtime. In 2023, a goal-line stand by Army sealed a second-straight win for Army. It’s a throwback to a style of football not typically seen on a national stage, and it’s something totally unique to college football.
Army, whose offensive line won the Joe Moore Award over Texas and Oregon, has paved the way for Bryson Daily to have a phenomenal season. With 877 passing yards, eight touchdowns, 1480 rushing yards, and a whopping 29 touchdowns, Daily is the catalyst for the Black Knight offense. Don’t forget about Kanye Udoh, who has 1064 rushing yards himself through 12 games.
Navy, who surprisingly passes the ball efficiently with Blake Horvath, only fell to Notre Dame, Rice in an upset, and a Tulane team that was one of the best in the league. Newberry has turned Navy into a quality program again after a 5-7 opening season, and a win over the Black Knights would further solidify his tenure.
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This rivalry is unique but also like every other college football rivalry. The coaches recruit from a similar talent pool. They plan for each other all year and deploy game plans solely for this game.
But what makes it truly special isn’t the style, or the coaches, or the spotlight it receives. Texas vs. Oklahoma takes center stage on the second Saturday of October. Michigan vs. Ohio State is the thing to watch at 11 a.m. on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Army-Navy gets a rightful place after conference championship week.
But the real special aspect is the people involved. Our nation’s finest will pack the stands and wear the pads. Ian Boyd calls football America’s War Game, and the future of the United States’ ground, naval, and airborne warfare will battle over a 120-yard. In a few years, or maybe even as soon as this upcoming summer, the midshipmen and cadets that will be showcased on a national stage at 2 p.m. will be charged will defending our nation.
This game is a celebration of all things that are great about college football and this nation. It’s cliche, but this game throws NIL, realignment, the Playoff, everything out the door. It’s a football game that features the best the national has to offer, and for me, it’s appointment viewing every year.
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Go Army. Beat Navy.
Go Navy. Beat Army
