Improving Service Academy Football

[Bigdaddydvo]

I've considered starting this thread for a long time, but Navy's landmark win over ND seems to be the perfect time. There's a number of reasons that quality Academy teams are important for the college football landscape. First is the great tradition. Army dominated college football in the 1940's led by Heisman winners "Mr Outside" Glenn Davis and "Mr Inside" Doc Blanchard. Navy's had its share of powerful teams, including the 1963 juggernaut led by Roger Staubach. Air Force has terrorized the WAC for much of the 80's and 90's. Army/Navy is possibly the most pure rivalry in all of sports, but the quality of teams playing does make a difference. Watching the 1996 game where the winner recieved an Independence Bowl birth had a level of excitement not seen when a couple of 3-8 teams meet.

Academy Football, though lacking the pure atheletes of the SEC, is characterized by great execution, hard work, discipline, and few mistakes. It's refreshing watching guys playing for love of the game and not worrying if your QB is on a booster's payroll. However, Army and Air Force have struggled to surpass the 8 or so wins Navy has earned the past few seasons. Army's last winning season was my plebe year in 1996. Air Force's results, while better than Army's, have also been unspectacular.

There's a lot of knowledgeable college football fans on this forum that I'd like to pose this question: What steps can these schools take to improve their programs? I recommend using Navy as the modern standard for Academy football success: 7-8 wins and a minor bowl game appearance.

Among issues for discussion are reducing/eliminating service obligations for athletes with professional potential, ideal coaching candidates, recruiting, and weakening schedule strength.