Army Black Knights quarterback Bryson Daily (13) celebrates with wide receiver Samari Howard (29) Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Army holds off Navy with game-winning goal line stand

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 12/9/23

The 124th edition of the Army-Navy game came down to a matter of inches. Army was able to hold on for a 17-11 win thanks to an impressive goal-line stand in the closing seconds of the game.

Navy was attempting to pull off an incredible comeback after falling behind 17-3 with under five minutes to play in the fourth quarter.

But thanks to a 14-yard touchdown pass from Tai Lavatai to Jayden Umbarger, the game was brought to within a touchdown. After forcing a three-and-out on the ensuing Army possession, Navy was able to drive down to the Army two-yard line for a fourth-and-goal with just seven seconds to play.

That is when Lavatai was stopped on a quarterback sneak to turn the ball over on downs. Have a look.

IT CANNOT GET CLOSER.

ARMY STOPS NAVY AT THE GOAL LINE. pic.twitter.com/Lf6d7KHsDR
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 9, 2023

Army ended up taking an intentional safety with one second remaining to bring the game to its final score. That safety was significant for a segment of sports gamblers that have made a habit out of betting the under in service academy football games. The over/under for Saturday's game was set at 27.5 points. The intentional safety brought the total to 28 points.

Army's win on Saturday brings the all-time series to 65-55-7 in favor of Navy. Army has now won consecutive games in the series, as well as three of the past four and six of the past eight games. Saturday's game was played in Foxboro for the first time in the history of the rivalry.

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