The Big Army-Navy Game: It’s a Win!

Written by Bill the Goat | Dec 20, 2024 7:46:20 PM

Every December, the football rivalry between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen takes center stage, uniting fans across the country in celebrating one of the most storied matchups in sports history. Known simply as the Army-Navy Game, this annual clash isn’t just a contest of athleticism - it’s a tradition steeped in honor, history, and the enduring spirit of service academies.

Let’s dive into the rich history of this iconic rivalry, explore the total record, and recap the exciting 125th Army-Navy Game played on December 14, 2024, as we celebrate another chapter in this unforgettable series.

The Birth of the Rivalry

The first Army-Navy Game kicked off in 1890, when the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis challenged the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Navy triumphed in that inaugural match, shutting out Army with a commanding 24-0 victory. Fun fact: Bill the Goat became the official mascot for the Naval Academy when Colby Chest, the USNA’s Commandant of Midshipmen from 1891-1894, brought the goat from the USS New York (named El Cid) to the 1893 Army-Navy football game.

Since then, the rivalry has grown into a national spectacle. The Army-Navy Game is more than football - it represents the dedication, sacrifice, and teamwork exemplified by both academies. It’s a day for cadets and midshipmen to showcase their grit, while also honoring the camaraderie between the two branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Why the Army-Navy Game Is So Special

The service academy rivalry is truly unique in the world of college football. It’s not just about school pride, it’s about the shared commitment to serve the country. Here are a few reasons why this game stands apart:

The Tradition: The pageantry of the Army-Navy Game is unparalleled. From the march-on of the Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen to the singing of both academies’ alma maters at the end of the game, the traditions are as meaningful as the game itself.
The Camaraderie: While fierce competitors on the field, Army and Navy players share a bond rooted in service. Once the game ends, these athletes will stand shoulder-to-shoulder as future leaders in the U.S. military.
The Stakes: Though there’s no playoff berth on the line, the winner of the Army-Navy Game takes home a coveted trophy. Since both teams bested the Air Force Academy this year, Navy earned the Commander in Chief’s Trophy for the 17th time - and the all-important bragging rights for the next year. Winning the trophy also gives the team a trip to the White House in the spring.

The Numbers Behind the Rivalry

With the 2024 game, Navy football (9-3) leads the all-time series with 63 wins, compared to Army (11-2) and their 55 victories. There have also been seven ties. This tally reflects decades of fierce competition, as well as some dramatic swings in dominance.

The Early Years: Navy dominated the early matchups, earning three wins in the first four games.
The Streaks: Army enjoyed a golden era in the 1940s, winning six straight games from 1944–1949 (including one tie). Navy answered with its own streak from 2002–2015, claiming 14 consecutive victories, the longest in the rivalry's history.
Recent Trends: Army has seen a resurgence in recent years, winning six of the last nine games and proving the rivalry is as competitive as ever.

Army-Navy Game 2024: A Battle for the Ages

The Army-Navy Game on December 14, 2024 delivered yet another epic showdown in one of the greatest rivalries in the world of sports. Played at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, the clash was packed with unforgettable moments and standout performances. It featured the biggest point spread since 2019, when Navy beat Army 31-13. It’s also the first time since 2013 that the overall score exceeded 40 points.

Not only was the game the most-watched of the 2024 rivalry season, but the 9.4 million average number of CBS viewers made it the most-watched Army-Navy game since 1990. This number was only second to the Championship Game between Big Ten teams Penn State and the University of Oregon earlier this year.

The Recap

Navy struck first when quarterback Blake Horvath’s pass to fullback Alex Tecza brought Navy within striking distance inside the 20 yard line, as part of a 12-play, 65-yard drive. Horvath then scored a touchdown run, putting seven up on the board after the extra point sailed through. Early in the second quarter, Navy’s cornerback Dashaun Peele caught an Army ball meant for QB Bryson Daily’s receiver, thus turning possession over to Navy. Horvath threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Chatman two short plays later. The score climbed to 14-0. Army next snapped back with seven points on a fourth down pass that turned into a first down. Two plays later, Daily threw for 23 yards; the first half stood at 14-7.

Back on the field after halftime, a pass interference penalty gave Army an opening, and kicker Trey Gronotte sent a 39-yard field goal through to bring the score to 14-10. The kickoff return put Navy in great field position; Horvath threw a short pass to running back Eli Heidenreich, who blew by a defender with a 52-yard run to move the score to 21-10. Army closed the gap with a field goal to bring it to 21-13. A fake Navy punt in the fourth quarter set up a 29 yard run by defensive tackle Landon Robinson. Horvath then scored a rushing touchdown to make it 28-13. Finally, after a second interception, Horvath made 48 yards, and the team kicked a field goal, bringing the game to 31-13.

All in all, Horvath accounted for 311 of Navy’s 384 yards. He threw for 107 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed for 204 yards and two more scores.

We Sang Second!

We salute all of the players who battled it out on the gridiron, cementing more than a century of football rivalry and bringing the clash to new generations of Navy football fans. We now have 63 wins to Army’s 55. You can support the midshipmen by rooting for them as they carry this momentum forward. They’ll face Oklahoma in a bowl game on December 27th. You can also help the Brigade by visiting the Yard and taking a USNA tour, dining in the Yard restaurants, and shopping at Navyonline.com. Proceeds go directly to the Brigade, funding extracurricular activities like cultural arts, music, theater, club sports, and more. Support the midshipmen who support our freedom and keep the streak going. Go Navy!

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