As the 2024 football season heats up, one of the most anticipated matchups in college sports looms large: the Army-Navy Game. This iconic rivalry is known for its passionate fan base, rich traditions, and fierce competition. This year, both the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen entered the season with high hopes, each making waves with impressive performances. However, despite early excitement, there will only be one Army-Navy Game this season—thanks to Tulane’s Green Wave.
The 2024 Season for the Navy Midshipmen
The Navy Midshipmen began their 2024 season with a lot of promise, securing early wins and impressing fans and analysts alike. Midway through the season, Navy was undefeated, with hopes of clinching a spot in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship Game. Fans were thrilled with the possibility of watching two Army-Navy Games in one season—first in the AAC Championship on December 6, followed by the traditional Army-Navy Game on December 14.
However, Navy’s dreams of playing twice against their historic rivals were dashed when Tulane’s Green Wave handed the Midshipmen a crushing 35-0 loss on November 16, 2024. This loss ended Navy’s bid for an AAC Championship berth, meaning there will be only one Army-Navy Game this year.
Army-Navy Game: More Than Just a Rivalry
The Army-Navy Game is more than just a regular rivalry game; it’s a deeply rooted tradition that holds a special place in college football. This matchup doesn’t even fall under the traditional Rivalry Week; it has its own designated weekend, taking place after most conference championships. Since 2009, it has been a standalone event on the second Saturday in December. This year, the game will occur on December 14, 2024, at 3 p.m. Eastern at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
Despite the possibility of a second Army-Navy Game this season due to both teams being in the American Athletic Conference after SMU’s departure, Navy’s early-season loss to Tulane sealed the fate of a single meeting. The last time both Army and Navy were ranked in the Top 25 together was during the Vietnam War era, and this season marked an exciting return to that level of prominence.
Challenges Ahead for the Army Black Knights
While the Army Black Knights remain undefeated and ranked No. 18 as of November 2024, their path to the Army-Navy Game is not without challenges. They have yet to face any significant opponents in their schedule, and their first real test came on November 23, when Army faced No. 6 Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium. The Fighting Irish previously defeated Navy 51-14, and Army is currently a 16-point underdog for their matchup.
Army’s undefeated record, while impressive, hasn’t been tested against top-tier teams. Their upcoming game against Notre Dame will be a pivotal moment in shaping expectations for the Army-Navy rivalry. Even if Army comes out of this challenge with a win, they will still face a determined Navy squad on December 14.
The 2024 Army-Navy Game: What’s at Stake
When the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen face off on December 14, there will be much more than just pride on the line. Both teams have made waves this season, each securing dominant victories, including a pair of wins over Air Force Falcons. Army will be fighting to retain the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy, while Navy will look to spoil their rival’s season.
This year’s Army-Navy Game promises to deliver all the excitement and intensity fans have come to expect from this historic rivalry. With so much at stake and both teams eager for a win, the game will undoubtedly be a thrilling spectacle.
Watch the Army-Navy Game
The 125th Army-Navy Game will be held on December 14, 2024, at 3 p.m. Eastern. Fans can tune in to watch the game, along with the pregame festivities, on CBS. Whether you’re cheering for the Army Black Knights or the Navy Midshipmen, this year’s showdown is sure to be one for the history books.