On a historic day in Denver, an overwhelming victory over a longstanding rival helped Army secure more than just bragging rights after years of losing to Top-25 opponents.
Army (3-6) ended the program’s 52-game losing run against AP-ranked teams on Saturday by stunningly defeating No. 25 Air Force (8-1) 23–3, ending the Falcons’ five-game losing streak going into the game.
Remarkably, Army’s historic victory occurred precisely 51 years to the day after its previous victory over an AP-ranked squad. It turns out that the opponent on that fateful November 4, 1972, was the Air Force, ranked No. 19, who suffered a 17–14 defeat at West Point.
The 2023 Black Knights overcame the Falcons thanks to a strong showing from junior quarterback Bryson Daily and their defense. Despite only having 40 passing yards, Daily ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries in the first half. Meanwhile, the defense forced six turnovers and limited Air Force to one field goal in the second quarter.
Following Saturday’s blowout, Air Force has now lost three of its last four meetings against Army, despite winning the match 13–7 the previous season. Furthermore, the loss may have put the program—like the ’72 squad—in danger of missing out on the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
Army would win the yearly round-robin competition between the service academies and take home the CIC Trophy for just the tenth time on December 9 if they defeated Navy. In the event of a defeat, however, Air Force, the 2022 winner and 21-time winner, would continue to hold the award.