Army vs Navy
The Army–Navy Game is an annual college football rivalry game played between the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The game is one of the most well-known and attended college football games in the United States, and it is known for its intense rivalry and its tradition of sportsmanship.
Early Years
The first game between Army and Navy was played on November 29, 1890, at West Point. Navy won the game 24-0. The rivalry quickly became one of the most important in college football, and the two teams have played each other annually since 1930.
Army Dominance
Army dominated the early years of the rivalry, winning 17 of the first 20 games. The Black Knights won six national championships between 1944 and 1949, and they were ranked No. 1 in the nation in four of those years.
Navy Resurgence
Navy had a resurgence in the 1960s and 1970s, winning 18 of 20 games against Army during that time. The Midshipmen won three national championships between 1960 and 1963, and they were ranked No. 1 in the nation in two of those years.
Recent Years
The rivalry has been more evenly matched in recent years. Army won five straight games from 1992 to 1996, but Navy won 14 straight games from 2002 to 2015. Army won the game in 2016, 21-17, to snap Navy’s 14-game winning streak. The Midshipmen won the game in 2022, 20-17, in double overtime.
Game Traditions
The Army–Navy Game is known for its many traditions, including:
- The singing of the alma maters of both academies before the game.
- The exchange of flags between the two academies before the game.
- The flight of the Blue Angels over the stadium before the game.
- The singing of “Anchors Aweigh” and “The Army Goes Rolling On” after the game.
Legacy
The Army–Navy Game is more than just a football game. It is a tradition that has been passed down for generations, and it is a game that is cherished by both the Army and the Navy. The game is a symbol of the rivalry between the two academies, but it is also a symbol of the respect and admiration that the two academies have for each other.
