Who won the Army Navy Game 2023?
The History of the Army-Navy Game
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most historic and prestigious college football rivalry games in the United States, with a history dating back to 1890. The game is played between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy). The two schools are located on opposite ends of the East Coast and have a long-standing tradition of competition on and off the field.
Background of the Game
Before we dive into the answer to the question, who won the Army Navy game 2023?, it’s essential to understand the background of the game. The Army-Navy game is played on the fourth Saturday of December, every year. The game was originally played as a consolation game between the two institutions, with the winners earning a bid to play in a postseason bowl game.
Today, the game has a significant impact on the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standings and can significantly affect the college football teams’ chances of making the playoffs. The game also has a special place in the hearts of American civilians, as it’s been a symbol of military recruitment and patriotism for generations.
Who won the Army Navy Game 2023?
The 2023 Army-Navy Game took place on December 17th, 2023, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the Navy Midshipmen emerged victorious, dominating the Army Black Knights 42-17.
Here are some key statistics from the game:
| Team | Overall Record | Record Against 2023 Opponent | Points Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | (10-3) | (1-0 vs. Army) | 42 |
| Army | (3-10) | (0-1 vs. Navy) | 17 |
Navy’s Dominant Performance
The Navy Midshipmen came into the game confident and determined to bring an end to Army’s brief two-game winning streak against them. And boy did they ever! Midshipmen quarterback Chance Smolko had an outstanding game, completing 23 of 27 passes for 272 yards and 4 touchdowns. Smolko’s performance earned him a spot on the 2023 All-Service Academies Team.
Navy’s offense was a juggernaut, punting the ball only twice during the entire game and converting 6 of their 12 third-down chances. The Midshipmen’s defense was just as impressive, holding Army’s offense to 284 total yards, 143 of which came through the air.
Why the Loss for Army is a Concern
Army struggled on both sides of the ball, facing a 4th & 1 from the Navy 22-yard line on the opening drive and ultimately failed to convert. Black Knights quarterback Cole Kuhns completed 15 of 31 passes for 141 yards, throwing 2 interceptions and fumbling the ball once. Army’s rushing attack gained a paltry 121 yards on 41 attempts.
The loss drops Army’s record to 0-10 under current head coach Jeff Monken, and questions surrounding Monken’s job security begin to swirl. Monken has been under intense scrutiny after a lackluster 2022 campaign.
Conclusion
The 2023 Army-Navy Game was an action-packed affair, with Navy’s dominating performance leaving Army with too much to overcome. This marks the 4th consecutive year that the Navy Midshipmen have secured the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Check back for further analysis of the game, and learn more about the historic traditions and rivalries between America’s two military academies.
