Saturday marks the 124th clash between Army and Navy and a preview of a budding conference rivalry.
Army is slated to join Navy in the American Athletic Conference next season, shedding its independent status.
“I just thought it was the right move for Army football at this time,” Black Knights coach Jeff Monken said. “Navy has proven a service academy can be competitive in the AAC.”
The Black Knights and Midshipmen will meet at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., a first-time venue for a series that began in 1890. Identical 5-6 records and recent history suggests it will be a competitive contest.
Army earned a 20-17 victory in double overtime in last season’s game to trim Navy’s all-time edge in the series to 62-54-7. Seven of the past nine meetings have been decided by seven points or fewer.
The Black Knights carry a three-game winning streak into the game but have been idle since a 28-21 home win against Coastal Carolina on Nov. 18.
Army, which tweaked its style of option football before the season, rushed for 365 yards on 62 carries against the Chanticleers while attempting only two passes — one for an interception. Tyson Riley (12 carries, 112 yards), Bryson Daily and Ay’Jaun Marshall all ran for scores.
Navy last played on Nov. 25, when it fell 59-14 at SMU for its third loss in the past five games. The Midshipmen trailed 52-14 at halftime and were outgained 452-139 in the first two quarters.
Navy, which also is working through a new offense this season, was led by quarterback Braxton Woodson, who rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown and passed for 71 yards.
Navy coach Brian Newberry, the program’s former defensive coordinator, is eager for his first game as head coach in the series.
“It’s a lot of fun preparing for this game and game-planning,” Newberry said. “You want to make sure you do everything that you can to make sure your players are prepared.”
Army can capture its first Commander-in-Chief’s trophy since 2020 with a victory. A Midshipmen win would give them a share of the trophy with Air Force.
–Field Level Media
