The Army-Navy game is a unique and special event in the college football calendar. The rivalry between the two service academies is steeped in history, ferocity, and pageantry, making it a must-watch for fans every year. This year, however, things are a bit more complicated.
Both Army and Navy are undefeated and ranked this season, with the Black Knights sitting at No. 23 with a 7-0 record and the Midshipmen at No. 24 with a 6-0 record. The introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff means that both teams are now legitimate Playoff contenders if they can win the American Athletic Conference.
This season marks the first time since 1926 that both Army and Navy have started a season 6-0. The Black Knights have been dominant, leading the nation in rushing offense behind quarterback Bryson Daily, who has accounted for 26 total touchdowns. Army is also undefeated in AAC play, setting up a potential showdown with Navy in the conference championship game.
Speaking of which, the possibility of Army and Navy playing twice in one season looms large. If both teams meet in the AAC championship on December 6th, they could face off again in their annual rivalry game on December 14th. However, the outcome of Navy’s game against Tulane could impact their chances of making it to the conference championship and, ultimately, the Playoff.
While the Army-Navy game itself will not count towards the College Football Playoff, a potential meeting in the AAC championship would. The selection committee will have to make their decisions on December 8th, six days before the Army-Navy game, so there could be some interesting scenarios at play.
In terms of Playoff chances, there is a 29.6% chance that either Army or Navy makes it to the Playoff. Navy’s odds could increase to 10% with a win over Notre Dame, while Army faces slightly easier opponents in Air Force and Notre Dame.
Ultimately, both teams will need to keep winning and secure the AAC title to have a shot at the Playoff. The Mountain West conference could also play a role in their fates, with teams like Boise State and UNLV potentially impacting the Group of 5 Playoff bid.
While Army and Navy have claimed national championships in the past, the road to a modern-day Playoff berth is still a challenging one. With key matchups against tough opponents ahead, both teams will need to stay focused and keep their eyes on the ultimate prize.
In the end, the Army-Navy game remains a special tradition in college football, showcasing the best of what the sport has to offer in terms of competition, camaraderie, and tradition. As the season unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the story of these two historic programs continues to unfold.
