Is Navy in a bowl game this year? Exploring the Midshipmen's bowl chances after defeating Army

The Navy Midshipmen pulled off an impressive 31-13 win over the No. 22-ranked Army Black Knights in their annual rivalry game on Saturday. Although that game does not impact rankings or bowl game eligibility, it is always an important game emotionally. Fortunately for the Midshipmen, they still have one more game this season as they qualified to play in a bowl game.

Is Navy bowl eligible?

Yes, Navy is bowl-eligible this season. To qualify for a bowl game in college football, a team must have at least six wins, except in some rare circumstances where five-win teams can be selected. The Midshipmen (9-3) far exceed the requirements to qualify for a bowl game.

In fact, the Navy ensured it would play in a bowl game in its first six games of the season itself, as it went undefeated through its first six games of the year. Although the Midshipmen were unable to keep their undefeated record, they were able to finish top three in the AAC and qualify for a bowl game.

The Midshipmen will play in the Armed Forces Bowl on Friday, Dec. 27, at 12 p.m. ET. They will play against Oklahoma (6-6) in a matchup between two teams that were near the AP Top 25 Poll at different points in the season.

What were the last five bowl games Navy played in?

Qualifying for a bowl game this season means the Midshipmen will play in their first bowl game since 2019. Here is a list of their last five bowl games.

#5 December 31, 2019

The Midshipmen played in the Liberty Bowl on New Year's Eve in 2019 against the Kansas State Wildcats. In that matchup, the two teams were competitive throughout, but the Midshipmen came out with a narrow 20-17 win over the Wildcats.

#4 December 28, 2017

While they missed out on a bowl game in 2018, the Midshipmen qualified in 2017 and participated in the Military Bowl. They were matched up against the Virginia Cavaliers and put on a dominating performance. In the game, the Midshipmen quickly jumped out to a lead and controlled the entire game, winning 49-7.

#3 December 23, 2016

The year prior, the Midshipmen had their most recent bowl game loss. They lost 48-45 to Louisiana Tech in the Armed Forces Bowl.

#2 December 28, 2015

They played in the Military Bowl in 2015, this time against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Navy was able to come out on top with a convincing 44-28 win.

#1 December 23, 2014

In 2014, the Midshipmen played in the Poinsettia Bowl. They had a narrow 17-16 win over the San Diego State Aztecs.