There are many rivalries in college football with historical significance, great moments, and shared hatred for one another. However, no rivalry is more unique than Army vs. Navy. Since their first meeting in 1890, the annual game has had many great moments and unique traditions. As Mr. Vernon Matthew, a veteran of the Army, said of the rivalry, “It’s just a great event for these guys, particularly seniors. It’s a great game before starting careers in the military.”
For this year’s game, both teams have winning records: Navy 8-3 and Army 11-1. Their success this season resembles when both teams were regular championship contenders, and the games would usually determine the national champion in college football. From 1914 to 1963, Army and Navy won the championship seven times. Five wins were from Army and two from Navy. For many years, they were competitive and close in record but, after 1963, the two teams declined in relevance and there were only five other times where both teams came into this game with a winning record. This year, there is more excitement by non-Army and -Navy fans, as both teams are doing well.
This year, for the first time since 2011, the game is being played at Northwest stadium outside of Washington D.C. in Landover, Maryland. Most of the games have been played on neutral sites, splitting between New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Baltimore.
The game itself has an impact on the two branches of the military. Veteran Mr. Douglass Dillon said, “This game stands out because [of] the military aspect.” This is all a part of the interservice rivalry to compete for which military branch is the best. As Matthew stated, “Most veterans are very competitive, and we cheer hard for our service branch in sports.” He also said that when he was in the military he “always tried to see it and it was treated like the Super Bowl, and the game played in the cafeteria. It was a big event.”
Despite this competition for superiority in the military, Dillion said, “…It’s all fun and game[s], and we’re all on the same team.” The two branches know they work together to defend our freedom, as they are all on team America. These players for Army and Navy play with class and dignity, and each player knows that they will work together as one nation. Matthew said, “To me, the guys are not in college to play football. They came to serve their country and will be in a dangerous situation. In the end, they’re all on the same team.”
As for this year’s game, Army is a 2.5 point favorite, and according to ESPN analytics, Army has a 66% chance to win. However, Navy has been playing well under quarterback Blake Horvath, who has a 58.5 percent completion, has thrown for 1,154 yards, has scored 11 touchdowns, and had 4 interceptions, so the Navy offense should keep it competitive. Both Dillion and Matthew believe Army should win, with Dillion predicting 24-0 Army and Matthew 27-14 Army. Regardless of which team you are rooting for, this Saturday in Northwest stadium we will see the next great chapter in the American Game.