This Saturday evening in San Diego, California the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Navy Midshipmen will strap it up for the 92 year in a row.

This rivalry began in 1927, the teams have played every year since. That makes its the longest uninterrupted intersectional rivalry in college football.

During World War II many colleges were falling on hard financial times. Many were forced to close their doors, and it seemed that was going to be the fate for Old Notre Dame.

However, enter Navy…

Wikipedia “The US Navy made Notre Dame a training center for V-12 candidates and paid enough for usage of the facilities to keep the University afloat”

Most people don’t know this or understand “why Notre Dame has to play Navy every year?”

They don’t “have to” they feel honored to.

Wikipedia “Notre Dame has since extended an open invitation for Navy to play the Fighting Irish in football and considers the game annual repayment on a debt of honor. The series is marked by mutual respect”

Their first meeting took place on October 15, 1927 in Baltimore, MD. The Irish were victorious 19-6. Notre Dame leads the 91 year old series 75-13-1. No the games have not all been close, Notre Dame even won 43 straight years from 1964-2007, when Navy finally won in triple overtime.

Image – cbssports

…But this game means so much more than wins and losses. It’s about honor, it’s about respect, it’s about tradition. The Notre Dame family feels that they are forever indebted to Navy and this game will always have a special place in their heart.

Some rivalries are more than just rivalries; they're friendships. No. 3 @NDFootball is always proud to battle the Midshipmen on the field… and then stand behind them for their alma mater. They'll do the same again on Saturday.#GoIrishpic.twitter.com/yed3mYO7m8 — The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) October 23, 2018

The game does not always take place in South Bend or Baltimore. Like I said tomorrow the schools will meet in San Diego. They have also played in Philadelphia, Cleveland, New Jersey, Orlando and Jacksonville.

In 1996 and 2012 the teams played in Dublin, Ireland. And, it was announced this week that the game is heading back over the pond to Ireland in 2020.

The Irish ag dul ar ais go hÉirinn On August 29, 2020 the Irish will face off with the Midshipmen at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland: https://t.co/RfiZnRAvAT#GoIrish ☘️🇮🇪 #BeatNavy pic.twitter.com/6jTWGrVeR6 — Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 25, 2018

Like any great rivalry, especially one on a 92 year streak… The teams must play for a great trophy. These two play for the Rip Miller Trophy.

Image – goirish

After each game, no matter who wins and who loses the same tradition happens. Both teams stand arm and arm for each others Alma Maters. They will perform the away team’s together in one end zone and then as one head to the other end of the field for the home team’s.

It is truly one of the greatest things to see in sports.

Even though the Irish lead the series big, Navy always gives them a fight. Their option attack is not easy and Notre Dame always gets beat up.

I can not wait for this storied rivalry to be renewed on Saturday night. Notre Dame is the #3 ranked team in the country and look to stay undefeated and keep their college football playoff dream alive!

I am a huge supporter of our armed forces but when Navy and Notre Dame face off, it’s all…

GO IRISH!!

-Kevin “That Irish Guy”

Follow Me on Twitter: @kmess22

Follow Us on Twitter: @branded_sports

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