Whatʼs the Score in the Army Navy Game?
The Army-Navy game is an annual American college football rivalry game played between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy). This traditional matchup has been a cherished part of American football tradition since 1890, with the exception of the years during World War II. The game is a reflection of the rich history and friendly rivalry between the two prestigious military academies, symbolizing the competitive spirit of the American armed forces. In this article, we will explore the score history of the Army-Navy game, highlighting some key statistics and milestones.
The All-Time Score:
As of the 2022 game, Navy leads the overall series with a score of 61-53-7 (61-53-7). The rivalry began in 1890 when Navy won the inaugural match 24-0. Army’s longest winning streak was six games (1910-1915), while Navy’s longest winning streak was eight games (1930-1937). The most lopsided game in the series was Navy’s 49-0 victory in 1984.
Score Distribution:
Here’s a breakdown of the score distribution in the Army-Navy game:
| Decades | Army Wins | Navy Wins | Ties | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1890-1899 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 10 |
| 1900-1909 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 9 |
| 1910-1919 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 14 |
| 1920-1929 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 12 |
| 1930-1939 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 12 |
| 1940-1949 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 12 |
| 1950-1959 | 7 | 11 | 1 | 19 |
| 1960-1969 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 21 |
| 1970-1979 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 18 |
| 1980-1989 | 6 | 11 | 1 | 18 |
| 1990-1999 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 20 |
| 2000-2009 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 15 |
| 2010-2019 | 5 | 10 | 1 | 16 |
| 2020-2022 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 |
Notable Matchups:
- 1963: Army wins 21-15 in a game played during a snowstorm, which helped to solidify their grip on the series for many years.
- 2002: Navy ends Army’s 13-game losing streak with a 34-7 victory, a turning point in the series.
- 2018: Navy’s 21-17 win over Army marked their sixth straight victory in the series.
- 2021: Navy’s 20-17 win over Army in triple overtime was their third win in a row, further extending their lead in the series.
Tradition and Significance:
The Army-Navy game is more than just a football match; it is a celebration of American football, military service, and tradition. The game has been played at Notre Dame Stadium (1936-1950), Philadelphia’s Franklin Field (1951-1979), Spartan Stadium at San Jose State University (1980-1984), RFK Memorial Stadium in Washington D.C. (1985-1996), Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia (1997-present), and other neutral locations. The game has traditionally been played on the second Saturday in December.
The Army-Navy game has been a major cable television event, broadcasted nationally on CBS Sports. The game is often filled with dramatic moments, making it a must-watch for many football fans. In 2022, the Army-Navy game averaged over 3 million viewers on CBS, with an average rating of 1.9, the highest since 2013.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Army-Navy game is an American football tradition like no other. With a long and storied history, this rivalry game between two of the nation’s most esteemed military academies continues to captivate fans nationwide. As we look forward to future matchups, the questions remain: will Navy’s lead continue to grow, or will Army finally reverse the tide? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, however, the Army-Navy game will remain an essential part of American football lore.
Additional Facts:
- The Army-Navy game has been played for 133 years as of 2022.
- The two teams have combined for 145 National Football Foundation (NFF) All-Americans since 1935.
- The game has been the subject of several documentaries and films, including "The Game of the Century" (1993) and "Under the Helmet" (2011).
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