Eight straight in this series has gone under and 20-of-25 service academy matchups have as well. The uniqueness of the option offense often gives teams problems, but both of these teams face it in practice, have plenty of time to prepare in this big rivalry and can defend it.

Defenses rely more on emotion than offenses and there is plenty of emotion in this rivalry. In particular Navy speed wise matches up very well on defense against the offense of the Army.