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Does Navy throw the ball?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 21, 2026

Navy has never thrown the ball very often, but has always been very effective when it does. That's because slotbacks and wide receivers that block on almost every play are usually wide open on the rare occasions they release downfield on a passing route.

Why does Army and Navy only run the ball?

Army and Navy have many good reasons for running the flexbone. It's not easy to recruit football players to the service academies. The academic requirements are rigorous, and players need to be committed to post-graduate military service.

What type of offense does Navy run?

Navy runs a flexbone triple-option offense that was once one of the premiere systems in football. As players got bigger, strong and faster, the flex began to fall by the wayside with the introduction of pro style, run-and-gun, west coast and spread offenses.

Why does Army never pass in football?

It has nearly eliminated passing this season for several reasons, starting with personnel. The triple option is an equalizer, allowing a smaller offensive line to not block an enormous defender, instead allowing the quarterback to read him and distribute or keep the ball.

Who wins Army or Navy?

2020 marked the 121st edition of the rivalry and Army came out on top in a 15-0 win.

37 related questions found

When was last time Navy won?

On December 10, 2016, Army defeated Navy for the first time since 2001 with a 21–17 victory, snapping its 14-game losing streak against Navy.

How many times has Navy beat Army?

The Army and Navy have faced off a total of 116 times. To date, Navy has 60 wins, Army has 49. There have been seven ties.

Do Marines play for Navy football?

While the Marines are a separate branch, they're under the umbrella of the Naval Academy. During their time at Navy, Midshipmen can select the Marine option, if it's something they're interested in. In 2015, out of 32 seniors, 15 were sent to the Marine Corps.

Do you have to be in the Navy to play Navy football?

Army and Navy football: Are players in the military? When these two teams are playing in their annual matchup, they are not enlisted in any branch of the military.

Can Navy football players play in the NFL?

In recent years, there have been a few big names that have been drafted by NFL teams, including Bryce Fisher and Chad Hennings from the Air Force, but by far the standout was the Dallas Cowboys picking Roger Staubach from Navy.

Does Navy still run the triple option?

The Notre Dame football team takes on the Navy Midshipmen in Week 10 of the college football season, a team that runs the triple-option. The triple option is an old-school offensive system that is rarely used in the modern game, and the Notre Dame football team will take on a team that runs it on Saturday.

Does Army run the triple option?

Army is one of the few teams in college football that still runs a true, under-center triple option – along with the other academies and a few FCS programs. If you've watched a high school football game in the last 50 years or so, you know what I'm talking about here.

What is the triple option in football?

The triple option is an American football play used to offer several ways to move the football forward on the field of play. The triple option is based on the option run, but uses three players who might run with the ball instead of the two used in a standard option run.

Does Army football throw the ball?

While this style of play does sound intriguing due to its options, it can be sniffed out with defenders playing assignment defense. There is really no threat of the offense throwing the football and the defense isn't asked to blitz as often as it would be in a normal game.

Why do military schools run the triple option?

Their players have to maintain a certain weight due to military guidelines. This means the offensive lineman cannot be as big as lineman at other schools. The triple option is the best way to stay competitive with the weight deficits.

Does Air Force run the option?

As you can imagine with it being a service academy, Air Force is one of the few teams in college football that still runs the triple option. They almost never throw the football, averaging 8.6 passing attempts per game, compared to a whopping 65.1 rushing attempts.

How long do Navy football players serve?

Cadets of the Naval Academy are typically required to serve in active duty for five years immediately after graduation. The Memphis, Tenn. native played in 27 games over his four-year college career at Navy. He had 88 total tackles, one interception, and 12 passes defended.

Are there any Army or Navy players in the NFL?

Army (2020) — Philadelphia Eagles

Elijah Riley, a defensive back during his time at Army, declared for the NFL draft in 2020 and went undrafted, but later signed a free-agent deal in Philly as a safety. Riley appeared in five games as a rookie.

Do the Marines have special forces?

Marine Corps and Navy special operations forces: Raiders, Force RECON and SEAL teams. First, the Marine Corps has two primary special operations forces: The Marine Raiders and the Force RECON units. As part of the Special Operations Command, the Marine Raiders run small lethal teams to eliminate targets.

How long has Navy played Army?

The series started in 1890. Navy beat Army 24-0 that year. The game has been played each year since 1930, even during World War II. However, there have been cancellations, some for years.

Do the Marines have their own academy?

The Marine Military Academy is a private college preparatory academy located in Harlingen, Texas, US, offering a college preparatory curriculum for boys in grades 7–12 plus one year of post-graduate study. The school was founded in 1965.

What does the star above the Navy N mean?

Varsity-letter winners wear a specially-issued blue cardigan with a large gold "N" patch affixed. If they belong to a team that beats Army in any sport designated "Star" competition, they are also awarded a gold star ("N-Star") to affix near the "N" for each such victory.