The Army-Navy Game is one of the most prestigious and historic rivalries in college football. Every year, the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen face off in a game that showcases their values, traditions, and pride. The 2023 edition of the game will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and it promises to be an exciting and emotional affair.
The game will also have implications for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, which is awarded annually to the winner of the series between the three service academies: Army, Navy, and Air Force. The trophy has been contested since 1950, and each service academy has won it at least once. However, Air Force has dominated the trophy race in recent years, winning it 21 times since 2001. Navy has won it 16 times since 1950, while Army has won it three times since 2017.
This year, Army needs to beat Navy to secure its first Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy since 2017. The Black Knights have been riding a late-season surge under coach Jeff Monken, who was extended for another year after a 2-1 start to the season. Army defeated UTSA in early November to snap a five-game losing streak that included two shutouts. However, Navy is not an easy opponent to beat. The Midshipmen are led by coach Brian Newberry, who is in his first year at Navy after replacing Ken Niumatalolo at the end of last season. Niumatalolo was a key figure in Navy’s 14-game winning streak from 2002 to 2015, which stands as the longest winning streak in the rivalry’s history.
The last time these two teams met was on Dec. 9, 2022 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia⁴. That game was a thrilling two-overtime affair that ended with a dramatic touchdown pass from quarterback Zach Abeyta to wide receiver Jalen Camp with just four seconds left on the clock. The final score was Army 20-17 Navy. It was Army’s first win over Navy since 2016, when they also won by one point thanks to a late touchdown run by running back Jovan Swann.
The stakes are higher this year for both teams as they vie for bragging rights and national recognition. The game will also feature some of the best players from both sides of the ball, such as quarterback Bryce Young from Alabama for Army and quarterback Jack Zaycich from Notre Dame for Navy. Both quarterbacks have been impressive this season and have led their teams to bowl games: Young will play against Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Jan. 10, while Zaycich will face Michigan State in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.
The Army-Navy Game is more than just a football game; it is a celebration of honor, tradition, compassion and civility that unite our nation. It is also a showcase of talent, skill and passion that captivate millions of fans around the world². This year’s game will be another memorable chapter in this storied rivalry that dates back to 1890. Don’t miss it!