The first service academy game took place between the Army and Navy in November of 1890 and has taken place every single year since, other than in 1928 and 1929, in one of the most iconic traditions in college football. The game has always marked the end of the college football regular season and will take place this year on Saturday, December 14th. More importantly for the academies it is also the last game in a triple competition between the Army Black Knights, Navy Midshipmen, and the Air Force Falcons for one of the most prestigious awards in college football—The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
With the first Air Force Academy class not graduating until the end of the 1950’s it took until 1972 for them to start competing every year against both of the other academies, alternating each year prior to that. Although last to the party, as far as the competition goes the Falcons have won the trophy 20 times, the Navy 15 times, and the Army 8 times, with four shared trophies. If there is a tie, the trophy is retained by the previous winner.
According to SBNation; “The 2.5 foot-tall, 170-pound trophy is topped with three footballs that rise above figurines of the mascots of the three academies.” Last year’s game between Army and Navy was won by the Army 17-10 for only their 3rd win against the Midshipmen in the last 20 years and if the current rankings are any indication, the Black Knights stand the best chance to win not only that game again, but the 2019 Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy as well.
Service Academy Game Schedule for 2019:
Saturday, October 5th
Air Force at Navy-12:30pm on CBSSN
Saturday, November 2nd
Army at Air Force-12:30pm on CBSSN
Saturday, December 14th
Army vs Navy-12:00pm on CBS