How Many Army Navy Games?
The Army-Navy Game is an annual American football game between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy). The game is one of the most historic and prestigious rivalries in college football, with a rich history dating back to 1890. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question "How many Army Navy games?" and delve into the significance of this iconic rivalry.
Early Years (1890-1918)
The first Army-Navy Game was played on November 29, 1890, at West Point, New York. The game was a close contest, with Navy emerging victorious by a score of 24-0. The game was played without a formal championship or trophy, and it wasn’t until 1893 that the game was officially sanctioned by the two academies.
During the early years, the game was played sporadically, with some years seeing no game played at all. However, the rivalry gained momentum in the early 20th century, with the introduction of the Arleigh-Burke Trophy in 1926. The trophy was named after Admiral Arleigh Burke and General Frank S. Besson Jr., both of whom were graduates of the two academies.
The Golden Years (1919-1945)
The 1920s to the 1940s are often referred to as the "Golden Years" of the Army-Navy Game. During this period, the game became a national phenomenon, with larger crowds and more widespread media coverage. The game was also marked by some of the most memorable moments in the rivalry’s history, including Navy’s 1919 upset victory over Army, which snapped a 14-game losing streak for the Midshipmen.
Post-War Era (1946-1980)
Following World War II, the Army-Navy Game continued to grow in popularity, with television broadcasts becoming a regular occurrence. The game also became more competitive, with Navy winning 11 of the 15 games played during this period.
Modern Era (1981-Present)
The 1980s and 1990s saw a resurgence in the rivalry, with Army’s 1984 victory ending a 33-game losing streak. The game has continued to be a closely contested and highly anticipated event, with Navy winning 15 of the last 20 games.
How Many Army Navy Games?
So, how many Army-Navy Games have been played? As of the 2022 game, a total of 123 games have been played. The game has been played every year since 1890, with the exception of 1943-1945, when the game was suspended due to World War II.
Army-Navy Game Records
Here are some notable records and statistics from the Army-Navy Game:
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Most wins | Navy (61) |
| Most losses | Army (58) |
| Most points scored | Navy (2,444) |
| Most points allowed | Army (2,334) |
| Longest winning streak | Navy (14 games, 1919-1932) |
| Longest losing streak | Army (14 games, 1919-1932) |
Significance of the Army-Navy Game
The Army-Navy Game is more than just a football game. It is a symbol of the enduring rivalry and camaraderie between the two academies. The game is a celebration of the bravery, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The game also has significant implications for the College Football Playoff (CFP), with the winner often receiving a boost in the rankings and a potential bid to a major bowl game.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy Game is a unique and historic rivalry that has been a staple of college football for over 130 years. With 123 games played to date, the rivalry continues to captivate fans and inspire new generations of cadets and midshipmen. Whether you’re an Army or Navy fan, the game is a must-watch event that embodies the values of service, sacrifice, and competition.
