Army-Navy Game: Recent History On The Side Of The Midshipmen

 

On Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (CBS), the Army Knights and Navy Midshipmen will face each other for the 111th time. The Army-Navy Game is among the longest-standing traditions in American football, and unlike many of these meetings, this year's game features two teams that are headed for bowl games.

While the Mids are headed to the Poinsettia Bowl and the Black Knights are going to the Armed Forces Bowl, this game is at least as significant. After more than a century, Navy leads the series with 54 wins, 49 losses, and seven ties. Navy has dominated in recent history -- the Midshipmen have won eight in a row against the Knights, and eight of the last 13.

The game draws national attention every year, but the rivalry was at its height in 1944 and 1945 as World War II drew to a close. In both of these games, Army was ranked No. 1 in the country, while Navy was No. 2. Army won the first, 23-7, and the second, 32-13.

This rivalry saw the first-ever use of what is considered to be the modern football helmet. In 1893, Navy's Joseph Reeves was advised by a doctor that if he took another blow to the head, he would risk death or "instant insanity." He requested the services of a shoemaker, who built him a leather helmet for him to use in the Army-Navy game. Reeves, as it happens, went on to become an admiral in the Navy, and was later credited with playing a major role in the Navy's adoption and utilization of aircraft carriers.

The 111th installment of the Army-Navy Game kicks off at 2:30. Stay tuned to this StoryStream, which we'll be updating before, during, and after the game.