By Mark Pszonak
Alabama/Georgia was a great addition to the long list of memorable games that will happen across the country in the next two months. But while all the power programs are getting most of the attention, as usual, something interesting is happening in West Point and Annapolis. Army and Navy are undefeated. And my hope is that they stay undefeated so that when they play on December 14th it will matter to the entire country.
For Army, after a 6-6 season last year, which culminated in a 17-11 victory against Navy, the Cadets are impressing during their 5-0 start. Already 4-0 in their first season in the AAC, they have won these four by an average of 27.5 points.
The Midshipmen finished 5-7 in 2023, but had the Army loss in the finale to help motivate them throughout the off-season. That motivation has worked, as they are also 5-0, undefeated in the AAC and have been equally impressive in doing so. They have won their three conference games by an average of 20.7 points, including a 56-44 win over Memphis, one of the preseason favorites to win the conference.
The Academies have three remaining common opponents. The annual game against Air Force, which Navy defeated today, East Carolina, and a third that will grab the most attention.
Notre Dame is the major obstacle laying in wait, and both are in neutral sites. Navy gets the first crack on October 26th when they meet the Irish at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A little less than a month later, on November 23rd, the Irish return to the Tri-State area to play Army at Yankee Stadium.
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The Irish have a long history of playing Army and Navy, recently more so with the Midshipmen who have become a regular on their schedule. For the Cadets, this will only be the third time they will be playing Notre Dame since 2010, with both being substantial losses (27-3 & 44-6). Navy has experienced some success against the Irish during the same time period, with wins coming in 2010 (35-17) and 2016 (28-27).
So, is it possible that both Academies beat Notre Dame this season? The Irish hold the all-time series lead against Army 39-8-4, with the Cadets last win coming in 1958. While the Midshipmen have had more recent success against the Irish, but their all-time series record is 13-81-1. And the last time Army and Navy both defeated in the same season was……1944. So, while it isn’t likely, is it impossible?
It is possible and everyone who isn’t a true Notre Dame fan should want this to happen. The annual Army/Navy game is always special, but imagine the excitement associated with the game if it involved the possibility of the winner earning a playoff berth? For now, I’ll be hoping that both Academies stay undefeated and then on October 26th I’ll be wearing my Navy hat against Notre Dame.
I never imagined that this would be a possibility, but now I want it and need it to happen.
