Who Won Army Navy Game Today?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and prestigious collegiate football rivalries in the United States. Played annually since 1890, the game pits the United States Military Academy (Army) against the United States Naval Academy (Navy) in a clash of naval and military supremacy.
The Game in Question
The 129th edition of the Army-Navy Game took place on December 12, 2020, at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York. This year’s contest featured a resurgent Army Black Knights squad, led by second-year head coach Jeff Monken, against the 17th-ranked Navy Midshipmen, led by eighth-year head coach Ken Niumatalolo.
Pre-Game Analysis
Entering the game, the Army Black Knights had momentum on their side, riding a three-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Navy Midshipmen had faltered in recent weeks, losing two of their last three contests. This narrative set the stage for a potential upset as the Black Knights looked to prove themselves as the dominant force in the rivalry.
The Game Summary
In a thrilling matchup that went down to the wire, the Army Black Knights emerged victorious, winning 15-14. The Black Knights capitalized on a late-game field goal from kicker AJ Howard to secure the victory, capping off an improbable comeback.
Here is a breakdown of the game’s key statistics:
| Team | Points | First Downs | Total Yards | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 15 | 23 | 342 | 194 | 148 | 6-60 |
| Navy | 14 | 20 | 369 | 266 | 103 | 9-85 |
Post-Game Reaction
Jeff Monken, Army Head Coach: "This game is always special, but to win it on the road is amazing. I’m so proud of our team for believing in each other and coming together at the end."
Ken Niumatalolo, Navy Head Coach: "We had our opportunities, but we didn’t take advantage of them. I’m proud of our guys for fighting, but it’s tough to swallow this one."
Recap of the Game
The game began with both teams trading punts and failed drives, until Army kicker AJ Howard nailed a 40-yard field goal to give the Black Knights an early 3-0 lead. Navy responded with a methodical drive, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown run from Kendall Randolph, to take a 7-3 lead.
In the second quarter, Army struggled to move the ball, but QB Tyhier Tyler made some key plays to set up another Howard field goal, this time from 26 yards out, to bring the score to 7-6. Navy attempted to add to their lead before halftime, but was foiled by an incomplete pass on 4th and 1, resulting in a turnover on downs.
The Turning Point
In the third quarter, Navy’s defense forced an Army punt, only to have the Black Knights’ special teams unit create a crucial turnover. Navy punter Jade Johnson attempted to punt from his own end zone, but Army’s Mike Reynolds forced a fumble, recovered by teammate Andre Carter at the Navy 29-yard line. Three plays later, RB Jacob Carda plunged into the end zone for the tying score, kicking the extra point to give Army its first lead of the game at 13-7.
The Final Moments
In the fourth quarter, Navy drove to the Army 10-yard line, where QB Tai Baysa attempted to score the go-ahead touchdown, but was sacked for a 12-yard loss by LB Kwabena Bento, forcing a punt. With just over 3 minutes remaining, Army RB Christian Anderson capped off a 12-play drive with a 15-yard run to set up the winning field goal by AJ Howard, cementing the Black Knights’ upset victory.
Post-Game Impact
With the win, the Army Black Knights secured their fifth win of the season and will look to build momentum heading into the postseason. For the Navy Midshipmen, the loss dropped their record to 3-5, setting them up for a potential battle to avoid a losing season in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, the Army-Navy Game has lived up to its billing, providing an exciting finish in an otherwise low-scoring affair. As the teams begin to look toward their next challenges, the real winners of this contest – the fans – are already looking forward to the 130th edition of the Army-Navy Game in the years to come.
