Who Won the Army Navy Game Last Year?
The Army-Navy Game is one of the most anticipated and revered annual college football rivalries in the United States. The game between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy) has a rich history, dating back to 1890. The game is not just about winning, but about tradition, camaraderie, and honor.
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Background and Tradition
The Army-Navy Game has been played annually since 1890, with a few exceptions due to war and other conflicts. The game is often referred to as the "Game of the Century" and has been played on the third Saturday of December since 1926. The tradition is steeped in pageantry, with both teams marching onto the field at halftime, a tradition known as the "March-On."
Last Year’s Game
The 2021 Army-Navy Game took place on December 11, 2021, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Navy won the game 20-17, with a late game-winning field goal by Bijan Nichols with 26 seconds remaining. The Midshipmen, led by head coach Ken Niumatalolo, improved to 9-3 overall and 6-3 in the Patriot League with the win. The Black Knights, led by head coach Jeff Monken, finished the season 9-4 overall and 6-2 in the Patriot League.
Game Recap
The game was a closely contested and back-and-forth affair. Navy took an early lead, but Army responded with a touchdown late in the first half. The game was tied at 17-17 entering the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, Navy’s quarterback Xavier Arnett led a drive down to the Army 34-yard line, setting up Nichols’ game-winning field goal attempt. Nichols booted the 51-yard field goal, giving Navy the 20-17 victory.
Notable Statistics and Trends
- Navy’s passing game: Navy’s Arnett threw for 194 yards, his highest output of the season. Navy’s passing offense averaged 175.7 yards per game, improving significantly from 2020.
- Army’s rushing attack: Army’s rushing attack was led by fullback Tyncore Griffin, who ran for 81 yards on 15 carries. The Black Knights averaged 246.3 yards per game, ranking fifth in the FBS.
- Red Zone Performances: Navy went 3-for-5 in the red zone, while Army was 1-for-4. The Midshipmen converted 5-of-11 third-down conversions, compared to Army’s 2-of-10.
College Football implications
- Patriot League standings: The win kept Navy in contention for a Patriot League championship, as they finished 6-3 in the conference.
- FBS postseason: The game had significant implications for both teams in terms of bowl eligibility and postseason play. Army earned a spot in the Quick Lane Bowl, while Navy clinched a spot in the Military Bowl.
Facts and Figures
| Team | Record | Conf. Record | Bowl Eligible | Postseason Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | 9-3 | 6-3 | Yes | Military Bowl |
| Army | 9-4 | 6-2 | Yes | Quick Lane Bowl |
Conclusion
The 2021 Army-Navy Game was an instant classic, with a thrilling finish and significant implications for both teams. The game is more than just a football rivalry; it’s a symbol of pride, tradition, and patriotism. As the two academies look ahead to their next matchup, fans around the country can’t help but eagerly anticipate the excitement and drama that comes with the Army-Navy Game.
