The age-old rivalry between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen once again captivated college football fans in their 2024年度 matchup. For those wondering, Where Is The Army Navy Game 2024 was held, the answer is Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, home of the Washington Commanders. This location set the stage for a thrilling contest where Navy emerged victorious, securing a 31-13 win over Army. This victory not only gave Navy bragging rights but also clinched their 17th Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, their first since 2019.
Game Location Spotlight: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
Northwest Stadium, known by many as FedExField, provided a fitting backdrop for this historic clash. Situated in Landover, Maryland, just outside of Washington D.C., the stadium is a prominent sports venue capable of hosting large-scale events like the Army-Navy game. With a seating capacity exceeding 60,000, it created an electric atmosphere for the passionate fans of both academies. This wasn’t the first time Northwest Stadium hosted this iconic game; it also served as the venue in 2011, further cementing its place in Army-Navy game history. Choosing a neutral, high-capacity venue like Northwest Stadium ensures that as many fans as possible can witness this time-honored tradition.
Navy’s Dominant Performance: A Recap of the 2024 Game
From the kickoff, Navy showcased a commanding performance, leaving no doubt about their intentions. Quarterback Blake Horvath was the star of the show, amassing a staggering 196 rushing yards and accounting for four touchdowns – two on the ground and two through the air. Navy’s offense proved too potent for Army’s defense, outgaining them significantly with 378 total yards compared to Army’s 178.
Navy’s offensive prowess was evident from their opening drive. A well-executed slip screen pass to fullback Alex Tecza quickly placed them in scoring position, and Horvath capitalized with a one-yard quarterback sneak, putting Navy ahead 7-0 early in the game. This early deficit was an unusual position for the Black Knights this season, setting the tone for an uphill battle.
While Army’s offense struggled to find its rhythm, Navy continued to apply pressure. Army quarterback Bryson Daily, despite rushing for 53 yards and throwing for a touchdown, faced challenges in the passing game, throwing three interceptions. One of these interceptions, by Navy cornerback Dashaun Peele, led directly to another Navy touchdown. Horvath connected with Brandon Chatman for an 18-yard touchdown, extending Navy’s lead to 14-0.
Army managed to respond in the second quarter when Daily connected with Hayden Reed for a 21-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 14-7. However, Navy remained in control. In the second half, Horvath’s 52-yard touchdown pass to Eli Heidenreich widened the margin again to 21-10. Army managed to add two field goals, bringing the score to 21-13, but Navy consistently answered.
A crucial moment in the fourth quarter saw Navy execute a successful fake punt, converting a fourth down and ultimately leading to another Horvath rushing touchdown. This extended Navy’s lead to 28-13, effectively sealing the victory. Another interception thrown by Daily on the following drive further hampered Army’s comeback efforts, and a subsequent Navy field goal solidified the final score at 31-13.
Saluting the 101st Airborne: Uniforms with a Story
Beyond the gridiron action, the 2024 Army-Navy game held special significance as Army honored the 101st Airborne Division with their uniforms. These dark uniforms paid tribute to the “Screaming Eagles” and their heroic stand during the Battle of the Bulge nearly 80 years prior. The uniform colors mirrored the foggy and snowy conditions of the Ardennes forest during that battle, and the game presentation included a flyover by four AH-64E Apache helicopters from the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, adding a powerful visual tribute to the division’s legacy. This meaningful gesture underscored the deep connection between the Army football team and the U.S. Army’s storied history.
Game Notes and Key Takeaways
Several noteworthy points emerged from the 125th meeting between Army and Navy:
- Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy: The game determined the winner of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for the first time since 2017, adding extra stakes to the rivalry.
- Historical Context: This matchup marked only the fifth time since 1978 that the Army-Navy Game was a winner-take-all for the trophy.
- Series Trends: Despite the loss, Army still holds a 6-3 record in their last nine games against Navy.
- Turnover Margin: Navy dominated the turnover battle, winning 3-0 with all interceptions, significantly impacting the game’s outcome.
- Individual Performances: Navy’s Landon Robinson led all players with 13 tackles, while Army linebacker Kalib Fortner led his team with eight. Army slot back Hayden Reed scored his first career receiving touchdown.
- Bowl Game Change: It was announced during the game that Louisiana Tech would replace Marshall University as Army’s opponent in the Independence Bowl due to Marshall’s player losses to the transfer portal.
- Future Matchup: Mark your calendars – the 126th Army-Navy game is set for December 13, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
Conclusion: Landover Hosted Another Memorable Chapter
The 2024 Army-Navy game, played at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD, delivered another chapter in this legendary rivalry. Navy’s dominant performance, fueled by Blake Horvath’s exceptional play, secured them a decisive victory and the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Beyond the game itself, the event served as a powerful tribute to the 101st Airborne Division, reminding everyone of the values of service and dedication that both academies represent. For fans asking “where is the Army Navy game 2024,” Landover, Maryland, proved to be an excellent stage for this historic American tradition.
