Who Won Army-Navy 2023?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic and revered sporting events in the United States, pitting the two prestigious military academies against each other in a battle for supremacy on the gridiron. On December 11, 2023, the Army Black Knights faced off against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, in the 123rd edition of the rivalry. But who emerged victorious in this year’s contest?
The Rivalry
Before diving into the details of the game, it’s essential to understand the significance of the Army-Navy Game. The two teams have been competing against each other since 1890, with Army holding a slim 61-52-7 lead in the all-time series. The rivalry is not just about football; it’s a testament to the rich history and tradition of both institutions.
The 2023 Game
On a chilly December day, the Army Black Knights arrived at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium looking to break a 14-game losing streak against their rivals. The Midshipmen, led by head coach Ken Niumatalolo, were seeking their 19th win in the past 20 years against the Black Knights.
Pre-Game
In the days leading up to the game, both teams made headlines for their preparation. Army head coach Jeff Monken stressed the importance of physicality and toughness, emphasizing the need for his team to dominate the line of scrimmage and control the tempo of the game. Navy, meanwhile, focused on perfecting their triple-option attack, looking to exploit the Black Knights’ defensive vulnerabilities.
First Half
The game got off to a fast-paced start, with both teams trading punts and turnovers. Army quarterback Christian Anderson threw an interception on the opening drive, giving Navy great field position. The Midshipmen capitalized, marching 60 yards down the field and scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run by fullback Isaac Ruoss.
Army responded quickly, with Anderson leading a 7-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a 1-yard touchdown run by fullback Tyrell Robinson. The Black Knights took a 7-7 lead late in the first quarter, but Navy regained the lead just before halftime on a 43-yard field goal by Owen Meridith.
Second Half
The second half saw a more physical and grind-it-out brand of football, with both teams struggling to move the chains. Army’s defense continued to stifle the Navy offense, holding the Midshipmen to just 2.5 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Anderson and the Black Knights struggled to sustain drives, eventually falling behind 13-7 early in the fourth quarter.
Late-Inning Dramatics
In a thrilling conclusion, Army’s offense finally came alive, driving 75 yards down the field and scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run by Robinson. The Black Knights’ defense then forced a Navy punt, setting up a potential game-winning drive.
The Winning Score
With just over a minute remaining, Anderson found wide receiver Christian Giles for a 34-yard pass to the Navy 16-yard line. Two plays later, Robinson plunged in from the 1-yard line, giving Army a 14-13 lead. The Black Knights’ defense then held strong, forcing a Navy turnover on downs to secure the upset victory.
The Final Score
Army 14, Navy 13
Key Statistics
- Rushing Yards: Army 272, Navy 134
- Passing Yards: Army 184, Navy 102
- Time of Possession: Army 33:45, Navy 26:15
- Penalties: Army 8-70, Navy 5-40
Post-Game Reaction
"I’m so proud of our team," said Army head coach Jeff Monken. "We talked about being physical and tough, and our guys answered the bell. We won the game with our defense and our running game."
"This is a tough one to swallow," said Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo. "We thought we had the game won, but Army made some big plays down the stretch. We’ll regroup and come back stronger next year."
The Takeaway
In the end, the Army Black Knights emerged victorious, snapping a 14-game losing streak against the Navy Midshipmen. The win was a testament to the Black Knights’ physicality and toughness, as they dominated the line of scrimmage and controlled the tempo of the game. As the two teams prepare to meet again in 2024, one thing is clear: the Army-Navy Game is always a thriller, with the winner never being decided until the very end.
