The No. 22 Army Black Knights are gearing up for a crucial showdown as they host the 8-3 Navy Midshipmen in the 2024 Army Navy Game on Saturday, December 14 (12/14/2024) at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. This game holds immense significance for both teams and their respective seasons.

The Rivalry That Defines College Football Seasons

Army's Journey to the Game

Army, led by coach Jeff Monken, has had an outstanding season. After routing Tulane to win the American Athletic Conference, they are ranked 19th in the country and enter the game with a 11-1 record. Their only loss came against College Football Playoff-bound Notre Dame. Standout quarterback Bryson Daily has been a key player, with 29 touchdowns tied for the most in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision with Boise State Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty.This season, Army has combined with Navy to win 19 of 23 games and has re-emerged as a nationally relevant college football program. For the first time since 2017, both military academies are going to a bowl game. But for the players and coaches, the 125th rendition of the Army-Navy game is what truly matters.

Navy's Road to the Game

Navy, under the leadership of coach Brian Newberry, is also having a successful season. They will face Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl to cap their first winning season since 2019. Despite this, the Midshipmen are focused solely on the Army-Navy game. Linebacker Colin Ramos said, "Oklahoma's not on our mind right now because it's all Army-Navy. This is our No. 1 goal."Senior captain Daba Fofana feels the intensity of each practice leading up to the game and understands its importance. He said, "It's definitely amped up. We put a lot of emphasis on it naturally, but our mentality to deal with the big stage and just to play like we do, it's another game. We've played this since we were young kids."

The Significance of the Game

For both teams, the Army-Navy game is more than just a football game. It's a tradition that dates back decades and holds a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike. Athletic director Mike Buddie understands the importance of the game and feels nervous about this weekend despite the team's success so far.He said, "Thrilled that we've had the season that we've had, but the beauty of this game is this is the one that matters. They know that this is a big game, and our guys know this is a big game. We're hoping we can stay focused the way we've been able to do so far and make Saturday really special, but it won't be easy."Coach Monken refuses to apologize for making the Army-Navy game a talking point 365 days a year. He ends some conversations with the phrase, "Beat Navy." And for Daily, playing in this game on the biggest stage possible, with millions of people watching and a sold-out NFL stadium, is what it's all about. "Records don't matter. Rankings don't matter. All that goes out the window for the Army-Navy Game."Navy coach Newberry called this "the most complete, well-rounded Army football team, the best Army football team" he has seen since arriving in Annapolis in 2019. Facing a talented SEC opponent like Oklahoma in a bowl game is important, but winning the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy in this game is their most important goal.