The Army-Navy Game Is The Greatest Rivalry Match In College Football
11 years ago

The Army-Navy Game Is The Greatest Rivalry Match In College Football

Let me preface this by saying I did not attend West Point, nor did I go to Annapolis. While I choose to root for Army, I do not consider myself a fan of West Point athletics at all. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever watched a single West Point game where the opponent wasn’t Navy. That being said, the Army-Navy game is the greatest rivalry match in all of college football.

I know some of you scoffed at that last sentence. That’s understandable. We aren’t talking about Alabama-Auburn here, and I agree with that. While the players at Alabama and Auburn may be more skilled, there’s more to a good rivalry than the players’ performance on the field.

The tradition of the Army-Navy rivalry is arguably the single factor that makes this rivalry the greatest. While the Army and Navy themselves have essentially had a rivalry since 1775, these two service academies have duked it out on the gridiron since 1890 (and consecutively since 1930). Even during periods of conflict, including the Second World War, they have played the game.

The enthusiasm that comes with this rivalry is unprecedented. Soldiers and sailors throughout the world–even those who didn’t attend either academy–are involved. Students and alumni alike make hilarious videos promoting their team leading up to the game. Take a look:

On social media, fans show their spirit as well. You might see some officers replace their name tapes on their uniforms with custom ones that say BEAT NAVY. You might see cadets posting statuses like, “It’s December 10, 2014, and Navy still sucks.” That, of course, is all in good fun.

Most importantly, the Army-Navy game is the greatest rivalry because it is a friendly rivalry. Sure, things get kind of heated, but in the end, the game is the embodiment of the phrase “One Team One Fight.” Though it is a bitter rivalry, when it comes down to it, fans of both teams continue to work with and support each other in operations all around the world. That’s something you won’t find anywhere else in college football.

Even if you disagree with me, you have to agree that in the end, the Army-Navy game is an American tradition that truly demonstrates the spirit of our Armed Forces. Make sure to catch the game this Saturday, and, of course, Go Army! Beat Navy!

Image via Faecbook

  4. Frock_Itch

    It’s great that this game receives the recognition it deserves by getting a Saturday all to itself. Never miss it.

    11 years ago at 10:44 am
    1. Whiskey_Tango

      I wish they were playing in Philadelphia again this year. Went to the game last year, such a great atmosphere. Everyone needs to attend at least once.

      11 years ago at 11:21 am
  5. Dan Regester

    As a kid who had the fortune of attending this game almost on a yearly basis, I can confirm it is a spectacle every college football fan should see at least once in their lifetime.

    11 years ago at 10:48 am
    1. StarSpangledBanger

      Right before the game, the fly overs with the Army helicopters and the Navy jets always makes me so proud. It truly is a game that everyone has to see in person at least once.

      11 years ago at 9:27 pm
  7. The Bro Abides

    To me it doesn’t even matter who wins, I’m just glad to have them on our side at the end of the day

    11 years ago at 10:53 am
  9. thaisticktony

    My father went to Annapolis and was a marine and its engrained into me that this is the best game of the year, but even without all that it is. The compassion pageantry and the actual game is something to truly witness especially in person. Everyone should watch this game Saturday . Goo Navy beat Army

    11 years ago at 11:02 am
  10. Dirty Scoundrel

    I agree on the standpoint that it is a wholesome rivalry with the spirit of our armed forces and all… but to say it is the best rivalry match in college football is a stretch I’m gonna have to disagree. It is an old rivalry, but Navy has won the past 10 meetings and are highly favored this year as well. In the past decade, there has been very little to be excited about and that’s what makes a good football rivalry; the chance that either team, good or bad, could be the victor. It’s a great rivalry, don’t get me wrong, but you’re getting too carried away, BlutarskyNF.

    11 years ago at 11:06 am
    4. Bro Webb

      Jesus tuck your red/white/blue boners, disagreeing with anything involving the military isn’t a fucking crime. If we’re talking strictly a football rivalry, there are plenty better (Bama/Auburn, OSU/UM, USC/Clemson, UT/OU, UMN/UW, etc…). Plus, I don’t think a great rivalry should be a friendly one

      11 years ago at 11:44 am
  11. Boozing_Buckeye

    I agree this is the best rivalry in college football, but Ohio State-Michigan is a better rivalry than Auburn-Alabama. THe games between the two haven’t been the most hyped recently, but between OSU and Michigan they have more national titles, Heisman winners, and consensus All-Amrericans than Alabama and Auburn.

    11 years ago at 11:40 am