The history of Navy Rice Football, also known as the Navy-Rice Rivalry, dates back to the early 20th century and has become an iconic and historic rivalry in college football. This annual matchup between the United States Naval Academy (Navy) and Rice University has not only produced thrilling games but has also fostered a unique and enduring tradition within the sport.
A Historic Rivalry: Origins and Evolution
The first meeting between Navy and Rice took place on October 10, 1914, at Westervelt Field in Houston, Texas. The game ended in a 10-0 victory for the Midshipmen, and thus began a rivalry that would span over a century.
Throughout the years, the Navy-Rice rivalry has been characterized by its consistency and the close nature of the games. Of the 45 meetings between the two teams, Navy holds a slight edge with a record of 26-18-1. However, the rivalry has seen numerous memorable moments and upsets, keeping it highly competitive.
One of the most significant periods in the rivalry's history was the 1950s, when Navy and Rice played each other annually from 1952 to 1959. During this time, the teams traded wins, with Navy taking the series 5-3-1. The 1953 game, in particular, is remembered for Navy's dramatic comeback, erasing a 19-point deficit to win 26-20.
The Significance of the Rivalry
The Navy-Rice rivalry extends beyond the football field. Both institutions have a rich history and unique academic focus. The United States Naval Academy, founded in 1845, has a primary mission of educating and commissioning officers for the Navy and Marine Corps. Rice University, established in 1912, is known for its academic excellence and research contributions.
The rivalry provides an opportunity for these two institutions to showcase their athletic prowess and institutional pride. The games often attract a large audience, with fans traveling from across the country to witness the historic matchup.
Key Moments and Memorable Games
The Navy-Rice rivalry has produced several iconic moments and games that have left a lasting impact on college football history.
The 1953 Comeback
As mentioned earlier, the 1953 game between Navy and Rice is one of the most memorable in the rivalry’s history. Trailing 19-0 in the third quarter, Navy staged a remarkable comeback, scoring 26 unanswered points to win the game. The victory showcased the resilience and fighting spirit of the Midshipmen and remains a defining moment in the rivalry.
The 1961 “Game of the Century”
The 1961 matchup between Navy and Rice was billed as the “Game of the Century” and lived up to its hype. Both teams entered the game undefeated and ranked highly in the national polls. In a thrilling contest, Navy emerged victorious with a 21-15 win, solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the nation.
The 2006 Comeback
In 2006, Navy faced Rice in a game that would become another classic comeback story. Trailing 24-14 with just over three minutes remaining, Navy mounted a furious rally, scoring two touchdowns in the final minutes to win the game 28-24. This comeback not only kept Navy’s perfect season alive but also showcased the team’s determination and never-say-die attitude.
Recent Years and Future Outlook
In recent years, the Navy-Rice rivalry has continued to produce exciting games and memorable moments. The 2019 game, for instance, saw Navy pull off a dramatic 27-20 win, thanks to a late touchdown pass from Malcolm Perry to Tyler Mitchell.
Looking ahead, the future of the Navy-Rice rivalry appears bright. Both teams have shown a commitment to maintaining the tradition and competitiveness of the matchup. With the constant infusion of talented players and innovative coaching strategies, the rivalry is poised to continue producing high-quality games and memorable moments.
The Impact of Scheduling Changes
One potential challenge to the future of the rivalry is the changing landscape of college football scheduling. With conferences realigning and non-conference schedules becoming more unpredictable, the annual Navy-Rice matchup could be impacted. However, both institutions have expressed a desire to continue the rivalry, and with careful scheduling, the tradition can be preserved.
Additionally, the rivalry has the potential to grow in popularity and attract even more attention from college football fans nationwide. With the increasing focus on historic rivalries and the unique nature of the Navy-Rice matchup, it is well-positioned to become an even more prominent fixture in the college football landscape.
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Navy | 34-27 |
| 2021 | Rice | 27-25 |
| 2020 | Navy | 59-7 |
| 2019 | Navy | 27-20 |
| 2018 | Navy | 28-24 |
What is the all-time record between Navy and Rice in football?
+As of my last update in January 2023, Navy leads the all-time series with a record of 26-18-1 against Rice.
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<h3>When was the first Navy-Rice football game played?</h3>
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<p>The inaugural Navy-Rice football game was played on October 10, 1914, at Westervelt Field in Houston, Texas.</p>
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<h3>What is the largest margin of victory in the Navy-Rice rivalry?</h3>
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<p>The largest margin of victory in the Navy-Rice rivalry belongs to Navy, who defeated Rice 63-0 in 1946.</p>
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