Brothers in Arms: Army-Navy

Duty. Honor. Country.

For some of us they are just words. Words that have no special meaning to them. Words that are said on a daily basis.

For others, it’s the way of life.

Saturday, Army and Navy meet for the 112th time in this storied rivalry.

It’s a game that will have no impact on the national championship, something Army has won three times. There won’t be a Heisman Trophy winner coming out from this game or first round draft picks.

What there will be is passion.

Passion to beat the other team but then put their arms around each other and help them serve this wonderful country of ours.

This game is truly about brothers in arms.

How many college football games have the pageantry of Army-Navy? How many games have four thousand cadets and midshipmen walking into a stadium that is packed by more than 85,000 fans?

There is no bowl berth on the line this season – only pride. Army comes in with a 3-8 record and losers of six in a row. While Navy comes in at 4-7, and missing a bowl game for the first time in four years.

These institutions don’t care about that, however, at least not on this day.

They care about bragging rights. They care about the streak. Army is looking to defeat Army for the first time since 2001. Nine-straight years the midshipmen have come out on top in this rivalry – and Army wants to change that.

"Everybody on that field has chosen a very unique path in their young lives," Army coach Rich Ellerson said last week at a news conference. "We're great competitors. But, ultimately, turn the page and we're on the same team."

That’s what makes this rivalry so great. After 60 minutes of trying to beat each others brains in, they will fight for each other.

"We know how much they sacrifice for our school and our program," Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo says, "and will sacrifice for our country, on both sides."

So, if you are looking for some real college football. The way it should be played. Then tune in to CBS at 2:30 p.m. and watch to great academies go at it for the 112th time.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.