LANDOVER, Md. — This season, Army and Navy have successfully secured 19 victories in 23 games, marking a significant resurgence in their college football programs. Both military academies are set to participate in bowl games for the first time since 2017. However, the excitement surrounding these accomplishments takes a backseat to the anticipation for the highly-anticipated Army-Navy game scheduled for Saturday.

“This game stands alone in terms of significance,” expressed Army coach Jeff Monken on Tuesday. “We’ve had a successful season, but it’s crucial to cap it off with a win in this upcoming match. That’s the reality for us.”

Currently ranked 19th in the nation, Monken’s Black Knights earned their title after a decisive victory against Tulane, clinching the American Athletic Conference championship. With an impressive record of 11-1, they remain undefeated in their inaugural season within the AAC, with their only defeat coming from Notre Dame, a team competing in the College Football Playoff. Army looks ahead to their matchup against Marshall in the Independence Bowl.

Navy, also riding a wave of success, will face Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl, concluding their first winning season since 2019. Still, the Midshipmen are completely focused on the upcoming Army-Navy rivalry, not allowing thoughts of the future to distract them prior to the showdown.