Yards And Stripes: A Wild Week 1 For Service Academies

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Week 1 of the college football season delivered plenty of drama for the service academies, and Yards and Stripes has it all covered. Hosts Price Atkinson and Steve Carney break down the surprises, highlights, and what’s next for Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Black Knights Stumble To Start 2025

Army’s opener at Michie Stadium stunned fans. The Black Knights fell 30–27 in double overtime to Tarleton State. Turnovers and missed field goals proved costly, though quarterback Dewayne Coleman showed promise with 229 total yards. Despite the loss, Army’s season goals—beating Navy, winning Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, bowl eligibility, and a strong AAC run—are still on the table.

Midshipmen, Falcons Start Season With Definitive Victories

Navy, meanwhile, flexed in a 52–7 rout of VMI. The Midshipmen showcased a dynamic one-two punch at quarterback. Starter Blake Horvath was efficient through the air, while Braxton Woodson ripped off explosive touchdown runs. The offense piled up more than 550 yards, leaving fans excited about the depth and versatility Brian Newberry’s squad can bring to the American Conference race.

Air Force also opened strong, cruising past Bucknell 49–13. Quarterback Josh Johnson added a new wrinkle by throwing two touchdown passes, something the Falcons struggled to do last season. With nearly 270 yards on the ground and big plays through the air, Troy Calhoun’s team looked sharp on both sides of the ball.

Navy Looks For 2-0 Start, While Army Hopes To Rebound

Looking ahead, only two of the three academies will play in Week 2. Navy opens conference play against UAB, while Army faces a major road test at Kansas State. The Midshipmen look to improve to 2-0 against a jump in competition. Meanwhile, the Black Knights will look for any chance to get out from the proverbial 8-ball and avoid an 0-2 start.

With one week in the books, service academy football already feels like a roller coaster—and Yards and Stripes is your front-row seat.