The football rivalry between Navy and Maryland will return.
Navy and Maryland announced Wednesday the teams will play each other on Sept. 4, 2010, at M&T Bank Stadium in what will be the schools? first meeting since 2005.
The agreement comes about a little more than a month after it appeared Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk and his Maryland counterpart, Debbie Yow, would not reach an agreement regarding a game between the state?s premier football teams. However, talks between the schools in neighboring counties resumed a few weeks ago.
“This game is special to many Marylanders and we are pleased it will be played in the 2010 season,” Yow said in a statement. “Our fans enjoy the game atmosphere in M&T Bank Stadium.”
It will be the first game between the state’s two Football Bowl Subdivision teams since Maryland rallied for a 23-20 win in front of 67,809 fans at M&T Bank Stadium to open the 2005 season. The Mishipmen lead the all-time series, 14-6.
“The game in 2005 was a memorable event and terrific game,” Gladchuk said in a statement. “Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and a rematch certainly seems in order. M&T Bank Stadium is a first-class venue and we appreciate the Baltimore Ravens organization and its help in making this game possible.”
Previously, Gladchuk questioned Maryland’s desire to play Navy after it opted not to face the Midshipmen in last year’s Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte, N.C. Instead, the Terrapins traveled to Orlando, Fla. and played Purdue in the Champs Sports Bowl.
Yow said Gladchuk did not return any of her correspondences, causing her to seek another opponent to open the 2010 season.
“I’m really excited about it because I think, with the pageantry of college football, it’s outstanding to have it any time,” said Dennis Mannion, Ravens Senior Vice President for Business Ventures. “It’s especially great to have it at the beginning of the season. It gives us another opening. It’s just a great way to kick off football.”
Staff Writer Sean Welsh contributed to this story.
