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Notre Dame Football vs. The Service Academies: A Brief History Lesson

By Sonny Martinez

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 01: Members of the Navy Midshipmen stand with members of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish following their 49-39 loss at FedExField on November 1, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 01: Members of the Navy Midshipmen stand with members of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish following their 49-39 loss at FedExField on November 1, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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ANNAPOLIS, MD – DECEMBER 28: Safety Sean Williams #6 of the Navy Midshipmen looks on from the sidelines against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images                                                                                                Navy
ANNAPOLIS, MD – DECEMBER 28: Safety Sean Williams #6 of the Navy Midshipmen looks on from the sidelines against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images                                                                                                Navy /

First meeting: October 15, 1927. 19-6 ND

Last meeting: November 18, 2017. 24-17 ND

Next meeting: October 27, 2018 (in San Diego, CA)

Series record: Notre Dame leads, 76-13-1

This is a “rivalry” built on mutual respect and appreciation. It’s not USC or Michigan, but still a game almost everyone looks forward to.

During World War II, Notre Dame was an all-male college that was quickly losing money and students. Navy made Notre Dame a V-12 training center, giving the school both the students and money to stay open. The contract guaranteed the university $487,711.

Because of this, the friendly rivalry remains, but turns fierce for four hours one Saturday a year.

Notre Dame and Navy have met every season since 1927. Of course, the most notable part on the field is Notre Dame’s 43-game win streak that came to and end in 2007 in one of the most crushing defeats in recent Notre Dame history.

Since that time, Navy has won four of the last 11. Their last such streak was 5 of 8 from 1956-1963.

The last couple have been thrillers, being decided by a total of eight points.

Future matchups are scheduled through the 2029 season, although more neutral site games should be expected.

Next: Notre Dame Football 2018 Fact or Fiction

Navy will remain on the schedule for as long as they would like, keeping a rivalry that is one of the most legendary in college football history alive.

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