The Intense Rivalry: Who Has Won More Army-Navy Games?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and intense college football rivalries in the United States. The game between the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy has been played every year since 1890, except for one year during World War I. The game is played at the end of each year, and it has become a significant event in the college football calendar. The question that has sparked a lot of debate is, who has won more Army-Navy games? Let’s take a look at the numbers and facts to find the answer.
The Current Standings
As of the end of the 2020 season, the Navy Midshipmen hold a narrow lead with 62 wins, while the Army Black Knights have 51 wins. Navy has won the last 15 games, dating back to 2002. However, the trend has not always been in favor of the Midshipmen.
A Look at the History
The first game was played in 1890, with Navy emerging victorious by a score of 24-0. Since then, there have been 114 meetings between the two teams, with a slight edge for Navy in terms of total wins.
The Rivalry Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the number of wins each team has achieved over the years:
- Navy wins: 62
- 42 wins by 10 points or less
- 11 wins by 1-9 points
- 9 wins by 10-19 points
- Army wins: 51
- 23 wins by 10 points or less
- 11 wins by 1-9 points
- 17 wins by 10-19 points
Some Notable Moments in the Rivalry
There have been several significant moments in the history of the Army-Navy game that have added to its intense rivalry.
- 1946: The Navy Midshipmen won their 15th consecutive game, a record that still stands today.
- 1978: Army came from behind to win 31-24 in overtime, snapping a 10-game losing streak against Navy.
- 2017: The game was decided in overtime for the second time in five years, with Army emerging victorious.
Table: Army-Navy Game Outcomes
Here is a table showing the outcome of each Army-Navy game:
| Year | Navy Wins | Army Wins | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1891 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 1892 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| … | … | … | … |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Who Has Won More Army-Navy Games?
So, based on the current standings, Navy has won more Army-Navy games, with a total of 62 wins to Army’s 51. However, it’s worth noting that Army has been steadily closing the gap in recent years, winning three of the last four games against their arch-rivals. Will the tide continue to shift in Army’s favor, or will Navy’s winning streak continue? One thing is certain – the intensity and passion of the rivalry will only continue to grow in the years to come.
The Future of the Rivalry
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, it’s unclear what the future holds for the Army-Navy game. However, one thing is certain – the rivalry between the two service academies will always be a unique and intense experience. As the players take to the field, they will be representing their respective institutions, as well as the men and women who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces. It’s a privilege to watch these teams compete, and we can only hope that the tradition continues for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Army-Navy game is one of the most beloved and intense college football rivalries in the United States. With Navy holding a slight lead, 62 wins to 51, it’s clear that the rivalry is well-matched and evenly contested. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see which team will come out on top in this historic rivalry. One thing is certain – the game will continue to be an emotional and thrilling experience for fans on both sides of the coin.
