Go Army Beat Navy

The age-old rivalry between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen is one of the most iconic and enduring in all of sports. For over a century, these two military academies have been facing off on the gridiron, with each side vying for bragging rights and the coveted Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. The rivalry is about more than just football, though - it's about pride, honor, and the values that define these two esteemed institutions. As the big game approaches, fans from both sides are gearing up for what promises to be an epic battle.

The history between Army and Navy is rich and complex, with roots that stretch back to the earliest days of American football. The first game between the two teams was played in 1890, and since then, they have met on the field over 120 times. The series is marked by dramatic finishes, stunning upsets, and heroic performances that have become the stuff of legend. From the iconic 1963 game, in which Army's Pete Dawkins led his team to a 21-15 victory, to the thrilling 2016 matchup, which saw Army come from behind to win 21-17, each contest has its own unique story to tell.

As the years have passed, the rivalry has only intensified, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance and drought. Navy, under the guidance of coaches like Wayne Hardin and Paul Johnson, has enjoyed significant success, including a streak of 14 consecutive wins from 2002 to 2015. Army, meanwhile, has had its share of triumphs, including a 10-2 season in 1996 and a stunning upset of Navy in 2017. Through it all, the Black Knights and Midshipmen have maintained a deep respect for one another, recognizing that the true enemy is not the opposing team, but rather the challenges and sacrifices that come with serving their country.

Introduction to the Army-Navy Game

The Army-Navy game is more than just a sporting event - it's an experience that combines pageantry, tradition, and patriotism in a way that is uniquely American. The game is typically played on the second Saturday in December, with the location alternating between Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field and Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium. The atmosphere is electric, with fans from both sides dressed in their team's colors, cheering on their heroes with passion and pride. The pre-game festivities are a major part of the experience, featuring marching bands, drill teams, and other ceremonial units that showcase the precision and discipline of the military.

History of the Rivalry

The history of the Army-Navy rivalry is long and storied, with roots that stretch back to the earliest days of American football. The first game between the two teams was played in 1890, with Navy winning 24-0. Over the years, the series has been marked by dramatic finishes, stunning upsets, and heroic performances that have become the stuff of legend. Some of the most notable games in the series include:

1963: Army's Pete Dawkins leads his team to a 21-15 victory, capping off a 9-1 season.
1985: Navy's Napoleon McCallum rushes for 217 yards, leading the Midshipmen to a 17-7 win.
2007: Army's Omar Nelson scores on a 1-yard run with just 1:42 remaining, giving the Black Knights a 34-31 victory.
2016: Army comes from behind to win 21-17, snapping a 14-game losing streak to the Midshipmen.

The Teams

The Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen are two of the most storied programs in college football, with a combined 13 national championships and over 100 bowl game appearances. Both teams have a rich tradition of producing talented players, coaches, and leaders who go on to make a lasting impact in the world of sports and beyond.

Army Black Knights

The Army Black Knights are one of the most iconic programs in college football, with a history that dates back to 1890. The team has won three national championships, including back-to-back titles in 1944 and 1945, and has produced some of the greatest players and coaches in the game. Some of the most notable Black Knights include:

Pete Dawkins: A Heisman Trophy winner in 1958, Dawkins is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Army history.
Doc Blanchard: A legendary running back, Blanchard won the Heisman Trophy in 1945 and went on to become a successful coach and businessman.
Red Blaik: A Hall of Fame coach, Blaik led the Black Knights to three national championships and was instrumental in developing the team's signature triple-option offense.

Navy Midshipmen

The Navy Midshipmen are another iconic program in college football, with a history that dates back to 1879. The team has won two national championships, including a shared title in 1926, and has produced some of the greatest players and coaches in the game. Some of the most notable Midshipmen include:

Roger Staubach: A Heisman Trophy winner in 1963, Staubach is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Navy history.
Napoleon McCallum: A legendary running back, McCallum won the Maxwell Award in 1985 and went on to become a successful coach and businessman.
Wayne Hardin: A Hall of Fame coach, Hardin led the Midshipmen to two bowl game victories and was instrumental in developing the team's signature option offense.

Game Day Experience

The Army-Navy game is an experience unlike any other in sports, with a unique blend of pageantry, tradition, and patriotism. The game is typically played on the second Saturday in December, with the location alternating between Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field and Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium. The atmosphere is electric, with fans from both sides dressed in their team's colors, cheering on their heroes with passion and pride. Some of the highlights of the game day experience include:

The pre-game festivities, which feature marching bands, drill teams, and other ceremonial units that showcase the precision and discipline of the military.
The singing of the national anthem, which is performed by a joint choir of Army and Navy cadets.
The presentation of the colors, which is performed by a joint color guard of Army and Navy cadets.
The playing of the teams' fight songs, which are performed by the respective marching bands.

Traditions and Rituals

The Army-Navy game is steeped in tradition and ritual, with a number of unique customs and practices that are observed by both teams. Some of the most notable traditions and rituals include:

The exchanging of gifts: Before the game, the teams exchange gifts, which are typically small tokens of appreciation and respect.
The singing of the alma maters: After the game, the teams sing their respective alma maters, which is a tradition that dates back to the early days of the rivalry.
The presentation of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy: The winner of the game is presented with the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, which is a symbol of excellence and achievement.
The playing of "Anchors Aweigh" and "The Army Goes Rolling Along": The teams' fight songs are played during the game, and are an integral part of the overall experience.

Impact on the Military

The Army-Navy game has a significant impact on the military, with the rivalry serving as a symbol of the values and principles that define the armed forces. The game is a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges that come with serving one's country, and is a celebration of the bravery, loyalty, and dedication of the men and women who wear the uniform. Some of the ways in which the game impacts the military include:

Recruiting: The game is a major recruiting tool for both the Army and Navy, with the rivalry serving as a way to attract new recruits and showcase the values and principles of the military.
Morale: The game is a major morale booster for the military, with the rivalry serving as a way to boost spirits and provide a sense of pride and purpose.
Esprit de corps: The game is a celebration of the esprit de corps that exists between the Army and Navy, with the rivalry serving as a way to foster a sense of unity and cooperation between the two branches.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Army-Navy game is a unique and special event that combines pageantry, tradition, and patriotism in a way that is unlike any other sporting event. The rivalry between the two teams is steeped in history and tradition, and serves as a symbol of the values and principles that define the armed forces. Whether you're a fan of the Army Black Knights or the Navy Midshipmen, the game is an experience that is not to be missed, with its unique blend of sports, patriotism, and nostalgia.

Army-Navy Game Image Gallery

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences about the Army-Navy game in the comments below. Whether you're a fan of the Army Black Knights or the Navy Midshipmen, we want to hear from you! Let's keep the conversation going and show our support for these two amazing teams. Go Army, Beat Navy!