The more things change, the more things stay the same. This is one of life's greatest clichés. Sometimes, it's great to be a college football fan: great rivalries; school pride; campus atmosphere. When you sift through all the commercialism and corporatism that is overwhelmingly pervasive in big-time college sports, the core values of attraction to the sport shine through.
This Saturday, as is the case once a year, the true spirit and design of what college football should be about takes place. Its buried beneath the mega-conference championship games, with their corporate sponsors and million-dollar BCS tie-in payoffs. I'll be watching those games, too, don't get me wrong. There's too much at stake after a season of indecision and intrigue over who will play for the mythical national championship.
It's just that, early in the day and before these made-for-TV showcase showdowns with fabulous prizes behind door number two play out, I'll be reminded about the true soul of the game that still exists. As college football fans and analysts, we get so caught up in all of the Heisman nonsense and the BCS mess, that we sometimes forget the true essence and roots from where the sport gained a national foundation.
That's why the 105th edition of the Army/Navy game is one that I circled on my master schedule this year, as I do every year. Seeing as how my uncle was a Naval officer for nearly 30 years, and yet I somehow joined the Army out of high school, this is always an intriguing matchup because its one of the few games that I root for both sides and wish they both could win. The fact that each team has had former players that took part in recent matchups, and have given the ultimate sacrifice oversees this year, is a sobering thought, and serves as a reminder of how truly special these brave young men are.
So, for those of you not too familiar with either of these teams (which is the majority of you), allow me to provide a thumbnail sketch.
Navy enters the contest at 8-2 this year, enjoying another highly successful season under coach Paul Johnson. A win on Saturday would give them the most wins by the school in a season since the magical 1963 campaign, when Roger Staubach won the Heisman Trophy. The Midshipmen have accepted a bid to play in the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco (December 30) against either New Mexico or Wyoming. Navy has won four of the last five meetings with Army, and a victory Saturday would even the all-time series at 49 wins apiece.
Two players to watch are quarterback Aaron Polanco, who is second on the team in rushing and has a passer rating of 141.9, and running back Kyle Eckel, who leads the team in rushing averaging nearly 5 yards per carry. And when it comes to drama, you don't need to watch Navy NCIS, just watch the Middies. That's because in games decided by four points or less, they are 4-0.
Army has struggled in recent seasons, but they appear to be turning the corner this year under first-year coach Bobby Ross. Though they enter the game at 2-8, those two wins came against Cincinnati and South Florida, teams that are both headed for the Big East next year. They've been competitive in most games this season. Ross, who guided Georgia Tech to a national title in 1990, then led the San Diego Chargers to the Super Bowl four seasons later, is changing the attitude, and it has shown on the field.
Just like their opponent this weekend, the Black Knights are ranked in the top 10 in the country for fewest penalties, meaning they play smart and disciplined. Two players to watch for are Carlton Jones, who has rushed for 1,171 yards and 17 scores this season, and linebacker Greg Washington, who leads the nation in tackles with 134. Washington, who also has 20 tackles for loss, was recently selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game in January.
This game always stands out for the true college football fan because it strikes at the core of how the sport was built. It has all the ear markings of what the sport, and the institutions they represent, is about: courage, dedication, commitment, integrity, and sportsmanship. For three hours, both teams will battle each other with every ounce of effort they have.
But what really makes this game stand out is when it ends. The significant amount of mutual respect they have for each other is most evident when they stand as one to honor each schools alma mater. It's a truly unique game for the seniors because they enter the game as foes in gridiron battle, and leave the game as brothers in arms, united in purpose in defense of our country.
By the way, allowing myself to channel comedian Bill Maher for a moment, "New rule. If you've never been to an Army/Navy game live, you are not allowed to call yourself a true college football fan." To get a true sense of the pageantry, you don't have to see it live, but it sure enhances and reinforces the pure essence of the sport, and of our country.
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