Army and Navy Teams Are Contending in the College Football Playoff, Opening the Possibility of Facing Each Other in Two Games.

The Army-Navy game is a unique fixture on the college football calendar, rich in history, intensity, and tradition. Taking place on the Saturday after conference championship weekend in December, it stands apart from other games. While the game itself may not always have direct implications on national rankings or the championship race, this year things are different.

Both the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen are undefeated and ranked in the top 25. With the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format, they are legitimate Playoff contenders, provided one of them can emerge victorious in the American Athletic Conference.

The intriguing twist this season is the timing of the Army-Navy game, which falls after the Playoff field is set on Dec. 8. Additionally, as conference opponents in the AAC, there’s a possibility that they could meet again in the conference championship game on Dec. 6 and then in their traditional matchup on Dec. 14.

How did we get here?

This season marks the first time since 1926 that both Army and Navy have started with a 6-0 record. The Black Knights are currently 7-0 and have not trailed in any game, boasting the nation’s top rushing offense led by quarterback Bryson Daily. They are undefeated in AAC play with only two conference games remaining.

The Midshipmen, at 6-0, are also having a stellar season, highlighted by a key matchup against Notre Dame. They are undefeated in AAC play as well and hold the top two spots in the conference standings alongside Army.

So … could they play twice?

Yes, there is a possibility of Army and Navy facing each other twice in consecutive weeks. They could meet in the AAC championship game on Dec. 6 and then again in their traditional rivalry game on Dec. 14. However, challenges like competing with other teams like Tulane in the AAC could impact these scenarios.

Will the Army-Navy game count towards the CFP?

The AAC championship game could factor into the College Football Playoff picture, but the annual Army-Navy game itself will not. Selection Day for the Playoff falls on Dec. 8, a week before the historic matchup. This means that even if one of the service academies earns a spot in the Playoff, the Army-Navy game will be more about pride than Playoff implications.

While the game may not influence the Playoff directly, winning the AAC and securing a Playoff berth could add another layer to the storied rivalry between Army and Navy.

Would Army or Navy have less time to prepare for a Playoff game?

If either Army or Navy makes it to the Playoff, they would have less time to prepare for their postseason opponent due to the timing of the Army-Navy game. With no other teams playing that week, the service academy would have a tighter turnaround, adding another challenge to their Playoff journey.

What are the chances Army or Navy makes the Playoff?

There is roughly a 29.6 percent chance of either Army or Navy making it to the College Football Playoff. The individual probabilities for each team depend on the outcomes of their upcoming games.

For Navy, a win against Notre Dame could increase their odds to 10 percent, while a loss would diminish them to 5 percent. On the other hand, Army’s chances are higher due to facing a seemingly easier opponent in Air Force. Their likelihood of winning the AAC is also higher compared to Navy, according to projections.

External factors like Mountain West teams’ performances could also influence the service academies’ Playoff hopes, particularly with teams like Boise State and UNLV in the mix.

What else needs to happen for either team to make the Playoff?

For Army or Navy to have a shot at the Playoff, they would need to continue winning and secure the AAC championship. The chances of making it as an at-large team are slim, so winning the conference is crucial. Additionally, results from other conferences, like the Mountain West, could influence the Playoff landscape.

So, for fans rooting for Army or Navy to reach the Playoff, keeping an eye on key matchups and conference standings beyond the service academies’ games will be essential.

Has Army or Navy ever won a national championship?

Led by 1946 Heisman Trophy winner Glenn Davis, Army claimed national titles in 1944, 1945 and 1946. (Bettmann via Getty Images)

Both Army and Navy have historic national championship claims, with Army boasting titles in 1914, 1916, 1944, 1945, and 1946. Navy, on the other hand, shares a part of the 1926 national title. While both teams have illustrious histories, their recent rankings in the AP poll date back to the 1960s.

What’s next?

As the regular season winds down, Army and Navy have crucial matchups ahead. Army will face Air Force, North Texas, Notre Dame, UTSA, and ultimately Navy. On the other hand, Navy’s schedule includes Notre Dame, Rice, South Florida, Tulane, East Carolina, and the traditional Army-Navy game.

(Top photo: Barry Chin / The Boston Globe via Getty Images)