The Notre Dame vs Navy rivalry is all about respect

The storied rivalry between the Notre Dame Irish and the Navy Midshipmen is not one base upon a close geographic proximity, but rather on a closeness that is deeply rooted in respect and honor.

Since 1927, the proud football programs of Notre Dame and Navy have been dueling on the football field. This matchup represents college football’s longest continuous intersectional rivalry.

The series has been heavily one-sided, to point out the obvious. Notre Dame leads the 92-year series with a 76-13-1 record against the Midshipmen. Until the Irish were upset in 2007 in a triple overtime game that resulted in a 46-44 victory for Navy, Notre Dame had won 43 straight contests between the two teams, a streak that lasted from 1964-2006. The series is currently scheduled to continue indefinitely.

As a result, some Irish fans and pundits have questioned whether it is time to end the rivalry between these two storied teams. They point to the fact that Navy has not historically been a contender to be among the college football elite programs. They contend thus, the rivalry hurts Notre Dame’s changes of being selected to play in the College Football Playoff.

The average sports fan likely does not know the history behind the longevity of this series. This rivalry isn’t between conference foes from the same state. This rivalry doesn’t involve two branches of the military squaring off to do battle against one another on the gridiron. This isn’t a rivalry that is seething with hatred for the other program. On the contrary — it is a rivalry of great respect and gratitude.

During World War II, many colleges across America struggled with the financial crisis brought about by the Great Depression and World War II that followed immediately after. Following the strain caused by the depression, many of the universities in America were all-male colleges. The financial woes were worsened by the fact that the majority of males were off fighting the war, not attending classes.

Knowing of the lack of revenue coming in and the struggles that it was facing, the Navy agreed to create a training center on the Notre Dame University campus to train V-12 candidates. The newly formed program would provide enough income for the university to remain open, allowing the storied history to remain a vibrant part of South Bend, Indiana and this great nation.

In a gesture of appreciation, honor and respect, Notre Dame agreed to play the Navy Midshipmen in college football annually, as they had since 1927. This well documented rivalry has been a must watch spectacle every year, regardless how lopsided the matchup had been in favor of the Irish.

The teams played and the spectators tuned in, so that they could watch these two college programs — with their long history of iconic players and coaches — face off in a game that seemed much more than an average college game.

It is about respect for one another, regardless of the outcome. It is a bond that could be likened to two best friends squaring off on the football field. While both teams aim to defeat the other, they do so with the utmost respect and admiration for the opposing players and coaches.

So for those who may suggest that the rivalry that the Notre Dame Irish and Navy Midshipmen football team have, represents something that could hinder Notre Dame’s chances at being included in the college football playoff, I would suggest the opposite. Navy is quite literally the reason that Notre Dame football can compete for their college football playoff and National Championship aspirations, which is why it is critical this series continues on in all its glory.