No. 22 Navy Accepts Military Bowl 2015 Bid

The United States Naval Academy has accepted a bid to play in this year’s Military Bowl against an opponent from the Atlantic Coast Conference, organizers said Tuesday.

Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 28, at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. The game will be televised on ESPN.

The bowl game is sponsored by Northrop Grumman and benefits the USO.

“What a great way for the Navy Midshipmen to conclude their sensational season playing an ACC team on their home field,” Military Bowl president and executive director Steve Beck said. “We feel fortunate to have a team like Navy in our game and look forward to a great atmosphere on gameday.”

The Midshipmen have a 9-2 record so far, with losses to Notre Dame and Houston. The team takes on rival Army at 3 p.m. ET Dec. 12 in Philadelphia. CBS will broadcast the matchup.

“Exposure to the great city of Washington with all of its historic attractions will be a wonderful experience for our Midshipmen,” said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. “Then with the main event on our home turf against a successful team from the ACC completes what I call the total post season package.”

Tickets in the Navy allotment can be purchased through the Navy Ticket office or by calling 1-800-US4-NAVY. Additional tickets, including hospitality-inclusive options, are available at militarybowl.org or by calling 1-888-841-2787.

Navy’s ACC opponent will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 6, after the pairings for the New Year’s Six bowl games are determined.

“Our players are excited about the opportunity to play one last game in what is hallowed ground at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium,” said Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo. “Having the opportunity to represent the American Athletic Conference against a team from a Power Five conference makes it that more exciting. The 32 seniors that will be playing their last football game for Navy deserve to play in front of a full house at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium one final time.”

On gameday, festivities begin with the Official Tailgate at 9 a.m. and the Military Bowl Parade at 11 a.m., traveling from City Dock to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

This will be the Midshipmen’s 12th bowl game in the past 13 seasons. Included in that stretch in 2008 was a 29-19 loss to Wake Forest in the inaugural EagleBank Bowl, the predecessor to the Military Bowl.

Navy is in the midst of a season to remember. The Mids have been nationally ranked for four consecutive weeks, the first time that has happened since 1978. If Navy beats Army it would tie the school record for most victories in a season. Quarterback Keenan Reynolds, who is among the contenders for the Heisman Trophy, holds the Football Bowl Subdivision record with 83 career rushing touchdowns and is tied for the record with 83 career total touchdowns.

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