Navy's victory over Army today didn't mean much in the college football standings. Both teams' postseasons have already been determined. Navy is playing in the Poinsettia Bowl against San Diego State and Army will face SMU in the Armed Forces Bowl.
But it meant a whole lot more to a whole lot of people. The Army-Navy game is one of the greatest traditions in all of sports.
As Ben Kercheval of College Football Talk writes, this is much more than just another lopsided win in a lopsided series.
Never mind that Navy’s 31-17 win over Army today put the Midshipmen at a 9-game winning streak in the series. The event itself is such a large part of our country’s heart and soul that, in many ways, it’s more than just a game. Chants of “Beat Army!” and “Beat Navy!” are timeless in nature. The stories of fallen heroes who played in the game remind us so much of what has been sacrificed to keep our nation what it is.
The singing of the alma maters after the game is enough to give you goosebumps.
True, true. Seeing the two teams stand together following the game is one of the greatest visuals you'll see at a sporting event. Kind of puts it all in perspective.