By Darin Introduction
December 2, 1950, marks a date etched in college football lore as the day an unthinkable upset finally shattered a dynasty. The No. 2 Army Black Knights, coached by the legendary Red Blaik, entered Municipal Stadium in Philadelphia riding an unbelievable 28-game unbeaten streak. Their opponent? The unheralded Navy Midshipmen, struggling at 2-6. The stage was set for a coronation, not a battle, with over 101,000 fans, including President Harry S. Truman, in attendance. What transpired, however, was a shocking display of defensive grit and pure rivalry intensity that delivered one of the greatest upsets in college football history, ending Army’s reign with a resounding thud.
Unthinkable Dominance
The Midshipmen played a game fueled by rivalry pride, achieving a level of dominance that defied their season record. The Navy defense was relentless, completely stifling an Army offense that had averaged over 20 points per game. The Black Knights, who came into the contest undefeated at 8-0, were held to a meager five first downs and a pitiful 137 total yards for the entire game. The only points Army could muster were two points from a safety, underscoring Navy’s defensive wall.
The Midshipmen’s aggression centered on Army quarterback Bob Blaik, whom they harassed constantly. Navy intercepted Blaik five times, forcing turnovers that dictated field position and momentum throughout the afternoon. The final score of 14-2 wasn’t just a win for Navy; it was a total dismantling of one of college football’s great streaks.
A Streak Snapped Before the President
The sheer magnitude of the upset cannot be overstated. A struggling Navy team shut down the powerhouse Army program, ending a streak that began in 1947, and did so in front of a capacity crowd and the President of the United States. This single performance not only gave Navy a monumental victory but also defined the inherent chaos and unpredictability of the sport’s greatest rivalry. The final 14-2 score forever signifies one of college football’s most memorable moments of David-versus-Goliath triumph.
Conclusion
The December 2, 1950, Army-Navy game remains a timeless reminder that in rivalries, records are meaningless. Navy’s 14-2 victory over the No. 2 Black Knights was a masterclass in defensive execution and tenacity, snapping Army’s 28-game unbeaten run and proving that courage and determination can conquer even the mightiest dynasty.
Article from Dec 3, 1950 Daily News (New York, New York)