Army-Navy Game: A Thanksgiving Tradition in the Making?
Could a historic rivalry game be on the move? Army football coach Jeff Monken has proposed a bold idea that might just shake up the college football calendar. He's suggesting that the iconic Army-Navy game be relocated to Thanksgiving weekend, a change that could have significant implications for the College Football Playoff (CFP).
The Army-Navy game, a fixture since 1890, has traditionally been played on the second Saturday of December, a date chosen to avoid clashing with conference championship games. But Monken argues that moving it to Thanksgiving could benefit both the Army and Navy teams and the broader college football landscape. And here's where it gets controversial—he's willing to sacrifice the game's protected status to make it happen.
The current CFP structure begins two weeks after conference championships, partly to accommodate the Army-Navy game. Monken, however, believes that starting the CFP earlier is in the sport's best interest. He envisions a condensed season, concluding with a championship game around New Year's Day, a date many fans would welcome.
But with the potential expansion of the CFP to 16 teams or more, the schedule becomes more complex. Starting the Playoff the week after conference championships could push the championship game to early January. Alternatively, eliminating conference championships and starting the Playoff immediately after could be an option.
Monken's proposal has a twist: the Army-Navy game currently occurs after the CFP field is set, despite both teams being eligible. He believes moving it to Thanksgiving would be better for both teams, even if it means playing their main rival between the conference championship and a first-round CFP game.
The Army-Navy game has even caught the attention of the White House. President Donald Trump expressed his support for the game's exclusivity, suggesting an executive order to ensure a dedicated four-hour television window. Yet, the enforceability of such an order remains uncertain.
Monken's vision is to secure a similar exclusive window on Thanksgiving weekend, ensuring the game's prominence. This move, he argues, would protect the game's tradition while accommodating the evolving CFP landscape.
While challenging due to the packed Thanksgiving weekend schedule and multiple TV partners, Monken believes it's feasible with the right motivation. He suggests that both Army and Navy could benefit from this change, especially with their playoff aspirations. For instance, in the 2024 season, Army's impressive 11-1 record, with their only loss to Notre Dame, could have secured them a CFP spot if not for Boise State.
Monken's proposal raises an intriguing question: should teams have to choose between the CFP and a historic rivalry game? He believes the only solution is to move the Army-Navy game to Thanksgiving, allowing teams to pursue both goals.
What do you think? Is moving the Army-Navy game a good idea, or should traditions remain untouched? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a lively discussion on the future of college football's calendar and its beloved rivalries.
