The traditional Army-Navy college football game will air this Saturday, Dec. 8, and the pre-game traditions are already in swing.
The United States Naval Academy (USNA) marching band visited the Pentagon on Thursday for its traditional pre-game hype visit.
A video posted to the U.S. Department of Defense Twitter page shows the Navy’s spirit on full display. Watch it below:
#NavyPride filled the hallways of the #Pentagon as the @USNavyBand showed who they’re supporting this weekend! #GoNavyBeatArmy #GoArmyBeatNavy #ArmyNavy pic.twitter.com/l3jtdis4VY
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) December 6, 2018
The band and cheerleaders were accompanied by the USNA’s mascot, Bill the Goat, who has represented them since 1893.
The United States Military Academy (USMA) marching band is expected to make its traditional Pentagon visit on Friday.
Navy held its traditional pep rally on Tuesday, but canceled its usual bonfire out of respect for the National Day of Mourning declared for former President George H.W. Bush, Capital Gazette reported.
The Army maintained its plans, holding their pep rally and bonfire Wednesday night.
USNA and USMA will go head-to-head for the 119th time on Saturday.
“From the very beginning, it’s always started the same way.”
Last year, we began The Army-Navy Game with a celebration of every man and woman who has committed their life to protecting our country. pic.twitter.com/f8rupi91iN
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 6, 2018
The Army is going into the game with a 9-2 season record, and second-best rushing offense in the nation with an average of 303 yards, according to the Army.
The Navy holds a 3-9 season record and has the third-best rushing offense in the nation with a 288-yard average.
Army is the favorite to win this year, though upsets aren’t out of the question.
In 2016, the Navy was expected to secure its 15th consecutive win against Army, when Army pulled a sudden win that prompted its own winning streak.
If the Army wins this Saturday, it will be the team’s third consecutive win in as many years.
The Navy leads the series overall with a record of 60-51-7 in the 118 times the two teams have faced off, CBS Sports recently reported.
The Navy Midshipmen will don white uniforms with blue and gold details featuring their mascot, Bill the Goat.
The Army Black Knights will wear black uniforms with red and gold details commemorating the Army’s 1st Infantry Division during the World War I era.
Both teams have released their uniforms for the 119th Army-Navy Game.
Who won the uniform battle? pic.twitter.com/RCNPP4kidA
— Army-Navy Game (@ArmyNavyGame) December 3, 2018
After the game, Army and Navy will take turns singing one another’s alma maters.
The teams will join together and first sing the losing team’s alma mater on the losing team’s side of the field. Then they will move together to the winning team’s side of the field and sing the respective alma mater.
The 119th Army-Navy game will take place at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field this Saturday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. EST. It will air on the CBS network and can be viewed online at CBSSports.com.
