Unstoppable Service Academies: Army and Navy's Undefeated Surge Shakes Up the College Football Landscape

The 2022 college football season has been full of surprises, and two of the most unexpected contenders have emerged from the most unlikely of places – the U.S. Service Academies. Both Army and Navy have burst onto the scene with undefeated starts, positioning themselves as potential dark horses in the race for the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.

Commanding Attention: Army and Navy's Dominant Performances

Unstoppable Army Steamrolls the Competition

Army's dominance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. The Black Knights have raced out to a perfect 5-0 record, including a commanding 49-7 victory over Tulsa. What's even more impressive is that Army has won each of its games by double-digit margins, with four of those wins coming by 17 points or more. This level of consistent and overwhelming performance has not gone unnoticed, and the Black Knights are poised to receive serious consideration for a spot in the top 25 rankings.The key to Army's success has been its relentless ground game and stifling defense. The Black Knights' triple-option offense has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, with the team averaging over 300 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Tyhier Tyler has been the driving force, leading the charge with his decision-making and ball-handling skills. On the defensive side, Army has been equally dominant, limiting opponents to just 14.2 points per game.

Navy Sails Past Challenges with Ease

Not to be outdone, the Navy Midshipmen have also made a strong case for national recognition. Like their service academy counterparts, the Midshipmen have raced out to a perfect 5-0 start, including a convincing 34-7 victory over Air Force. This marks the first time since 1945 that both Army and Navy have been undefeated at this stage of the season.Navy's success has been fueled by its ability to win convincingly, with each of its victories coming by double-digit margins. The Midshipmen's biggest win of the season came in Week 3, when they defeated CFP hopeful Memphis 56-44 – a statement victory that has put the rest of the college football world on notice.The Midshipmen's triple-option offense, led by quarterback Tai Lavatai, has been the driving force behind their success. Navy's ability to control the tempo of the game and grind out long, methodical drives has been a constant thorn in the side of their opponents. Defensively, the Midshipmen have been stout, limiting opponents to just 18.2 points per game.

The Significance of the Army-Navy Rivalry

The annual Army-Navy game has long been one of the most storied rivalries in all of college sports, and this year's matchup could hold even greater significance. With both teams undefeated and potentially ranked in the top 25, the December 14th showdown could have major implications for the College Football Playoff race.While the game itself will not count towards the CFP rankings, the winner could still find themselves in the conversation for a potential at-large bid. Additionally, the AAC title game could have a significant impact on the playoff picture, as one of the contenders could emerge as the highest-ranked Group of Five team, potentially earning a spot in the 12-team field.The 1945 season marked the first time the Army-Navy game was broadcast nationally, with both teams ranked in the top two spots in the country. While this year's matchup may not feature the same level of national prominence, the stakes have never been higher, as both programs look to cement their status as legitimate contenders in the college football landscape.