The Triple Option Live at the Army Navy-Game From USAA's Rendezvous Point

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Triple Option – Live at the Army-Navy Game from USAA’s Rendezvous Point

Date: December 13, 2025
Hosts: Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone
Special Guests: Jeff Monken (Army Head Coach), Juan Andrade (USAA CEO), Robert Griffin III (RG3)
Location: Baltimore, Live Event

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Overview

This live special of The Triple Option, set against the backdrop of the historic 126th Army-Navy game, dives into the meaning and magnitude of college football’s most revered rivalry. Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone—joined by Army coach Jeff Monken, USAA CEO Juan Andrade, and Heisman winner RG3—explore what makes Army-Navy unique, reflect on the traditions and culture of service academies, and analyze the football matchup and its impact on the broader football landscape.

The episode blends heartfelt tributes to military service, in-depth football analysis, and lighthearted banter, all while capturing the emotion and community spirit that the Army-Navy Game inspires.

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1. The Significance of the Army-Navy Game

Military Upbringing and Respect ([02:19])

• Urban Meyer shares how his family’s military background shaped his reverence for the game, describing Army-Navy as “way bigger than football… about honor, sacrifice, and service.”
• “I was really lucky. I grew up in a family that we were taught and learned to love our country… and I tear up every time I see [the March On]. God bless America and those men and women who serve our country.”
  — Urban Meyer [02:19]

The Legacy and Emotion ([03:18])

• Mark Ingram II reflects on the game’s emotional weight: “This is way bigger than football… it's young men who are gonna serve our country. That's what it's all about.”

The Purity of the Game ([04:14])

• Rob Stone underscores how Army-Navy stands apart from the modern swirl of NIL, transfer portal, and playoffs: “This is pure football. This is the way it used to be. This is the way a lot of people feel it should be.”

Veterans Honored ([04:52])

• Tribute moments to veterans and current service members present in the audience.

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2. Rivalry Mindset and Cultural Impact

Embroidering the Date ([06:14])

• Army, after losing in 2024, embroidered “December 13, 2024” on team gear—a constant, visceral reminder of the game’s lasting impact.

Urban Meyer on Rivalries ([06:49])

• “When I hear someone stand up and say, ‘Hey, we treat this like any other game.’ The hell it is. It's a rivalry game, man… this one is with you the rest of your life.”
  — Urban Meyer [06:49]

Player Perspective ([08:04])

• Mark Ingram II: “It's about pride and it's about bragging rights… you want to be kind of legendary in this game as a player.”

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3. 2025 Game Preview: Stats & Strategy

Army Snapshot ([08:55])

• Slow season start, 5 wins in last 7 games, 6-5 record coming in.
• QB Case Hellums: More runner than passer; last in nation in pass attempts/yards; 264 carries, over 1,000 rushing yards.
• “That's old school right there.”
  — Urban Meyer, on Army’s run-heavy style [09:50]

Navy Snapshot ([09:51])

• 9-2 record, strong campaign under Coach Brian Newberry.
• QB Blake Horvath: 1,390 pass yards, 9 TDs, 5 INTs, over 1,000 rushing yards; team balanced but leans run-heavy.

The Triple Option Offense ([10:46])

• Urban Meyer traces the triple option’s role as “the great equalizer,” comparing his own Bowling Green (first spread offense, 2001) and Army/Navy’s wishbone roots.
• “If the dive, quarterback, and pitch or the screen part of it’s not covered, it's going to be a long day.”
  — Urban Meyer [12:09]

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4. Interview: Army Head Coach Jeff Monken ([12:42])

On the Game’s Evolution:

• “I don't know if it's evolved. It just has always been such a great rivalry… both teams play so hard.”
  — Jeff Monken [12:42]

Army’s Turnaround:

• “We've just continued to fight. We got good leadership in our locker room… we really have played hard and played teams closely all year. We've had eight one-score games…”
  — Jeff Monken [13:30]

Conference Championships & Game Timing:

• Discusses playoff expansion squeezing December weekends; game could move, but tradition is paramount.

Uniforms & Tradition:

• Army’s 250th Anniversary commemorated with special “1775” uniforms:
  “Each year, we've honored one of our army units… this year, because it's the 250th year of the army, we're honoring that milestone.”
  — Jeff Monken [15:57]

Culture Cornerstone:

• Mark Ingram II asks for the non-negotiable in Army’s culture:
  “Love for each other. That's an investment in each other and that's where our program is built. …a true sense of brotherhood and an obligation to serve each other.”
  — Jeff Monken [19:28]

Sign-Off:

• Every email/text ends “Beat Navy.” (Always lowercase “navy.”)

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5. College Football Landscape & Bowl Game Trends

Whole Teams Skipping Bowls ([21:19])

• Surge in Notre Dame, Iowa State, and Kansas State electing to skip bowl games.
• Mark Ingram II: “I remember having some great bowl experiences with my teammates… it's kind of got me dumbfounded right now.”
• Bowls as opportunities for program growth and young player reps are highlighted.

Urban Meyer’s Best Bowl Memories ([23:04])

• Utah’s first conference title and Fiesta Bowl as non-BCS school; Rose Bowl win at Ohio State:
  “Never got the Rose Bowl until my last year… we were not going to lose that damn Rose Bowl.”

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6. Community, Service, and Family: USAA Segment

USAA CEO Juan Andrade ([27:23])

• On his favorite Army-Navy memory: “The walk on to the field… always a very emotional experience.”

RG3 on Military Family Roots ([29:46])

• “My dad serving 21 years in the military in the army and my mom serving 14, you know, they truly showed us like sacrifice, what it means to be disciplined.”
• Details USAA and Fox’s community projects, like giving vehicles to deserving service members.

USAA’s Community Initiatives ([30:56])

• $500 million “Honored Through Action” commitment for jobs, financial security, and well-being for the military community.

“Drip” and Uniforms ([32:01])

• Lively banter about who has more “drip” (fashion/style, per Mark Ingram).
• “If you look good, you play good, and if you play good, eventually they gonna pay good. And if you pay good, you stay good.”
  — Juan Andrade & Mark Ingram II [32:30]

Building Community and Legacy ([33:01])

• USAA leveraging the Army, Navy, Marine Corps 250th anniversaries to strengthen community.

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7. Analysis & Predictions: Army vs Navy 2025

Coaching Chess Match ([37:17])

• Urban Meyer: “Army, Navy… coaching makes a difference because it’s very rare now when they gots what you gots… That’s why I love this game… it’s a chess match when everything’s equal.”

Final Predictions

• Mark Ingram II: “I think Navy’s going to win, 20 to 17.” [39:46]
• Urban Meyer: “Letting my bias take over… Army, 28–26. Walk-off field goal.” [40:16]
• Rob Stone: Playfully abstains, jokes “I’m going to pick Air Force,” but ultimately sides with Navy: “Navy wins it in Baltimore.” [41:57 – 42:22]

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8. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “The hell it is. It’s a rivalry game, man.” — Urban Meyer on treating rivalries differently [06:49]
• “Love for each other… that’s where our program is built.” — Jeff Monken [19:28]
• “If you look good, you play good, and if you play good, eventually they gonna pay good.” — Juan Andrade [32:30]
• “Drip mean that jacket you got on, that’s drip.” — Mark Ingram II teasing Meyer [32:39]
• “[Army-Navy is] the only time that Army and Navy are not working together to support our country and protect us… that’s why the game is so special.” — RG3 [27:57]
• “This is America’s game… the ability to be able to sponsor… is just another way we give back.” — Juan Andrade [30:56]

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9. Noteworthy Segments & Timestamps

• 02:19 – Meyer on military upbringing and Army-Navy meaning
• 06:49 – Meyer & Ingram on rivalry mentality
• 10:46 – Meyer dissects the triple option
• 12:42 – Jeff Monken interview (tradition, season recap, culture)
• 19:28 – Monken on Army’s core value
• 21:19 – Bowl boycott discussion
• 23:04 – Meyer’s non-Natty bowl memories
• 27:23 – USAA CEO Juan Andrade’s Army-Navy memory
• 29:46 – RG3’s military family story
• 32:01 – “Drip” and uniforms banter
• 37:17 – Coaching matchup analysis
• 39:22 ~ 42:22 – Hosts and guests predict the game outcome

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Summary

This episode of The Triple Option delivers a heartfelt, in-depth, and entertaining look at the Army-Navy Game—blending reverence for military service with a coach's and player's breakdown of football tradition, strategy, and culture. The hosts and guests intertwine stories of leadership, sacrifice, and family with engaging, expert analysis and predictions, giving podcast listeners not just a feel for the game but for the spirit of American sport and service.

Transcript

[Juan Andrade]

Light it.

[Rob Stone]

To the triple option. We are live from the Army Navy game right here at USAA's rendezvous point Baltimore.

[Urban Meyer]

Good afternoon.

[Rob Stone]

Happy Friday. Good to see you guys. Bmo, thanks for braving the elements. I'm Rob Stone. Mark Ingram, Urban Meyer back here with you. Thanks for joining us. Remember, out there in the podcast world. Rate. Subscribe. You can find us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, wherever you get your podcast. We're on social media at 3x option. Show new episodes come your way Every Wednesday on YouTube, wherever you get your podcast. Let's give these guys a proper introduction, by the way. Right, let's start right here. Deuce. Young lady, right there, I'm ready to hear you scream.

[Mark Ingram II]

Hey, I love you.

[Rob Stone]

What's your name?

[Mark Ingram II]

Love you. Appreciate you.

[Rob Stone]

He is Mark Ingram. He is Deuce. Deuce. He is a national champion at Alabama. He's a Heisman trophy winner. He's a former Baltimore Raven. Mark Ingram ii, everybody.

[Mark Ingram II]

Let's go, let's go.

[Rob Stone]

I see an oh over here. I see an oh. Which gets us to our next.

[Urban Meyer]

We had a Gator there too.

[Rob Stone]

Is there a Gator?

[Urban Meyer]

Right there.

[Rob Stone]

There.

[Urban Meyer]

Oh, wow. We got them all. We got huge.

[Rob Stone]

Any Bowling Green.

[Mark Ingram II]

Wow.

[Rob Stone]

Oh, man, they're all. There's the Gators.

[Mark Ingram II]

You got all the alma maters.

[Rob Stone]

He is three time national champion coach. He is newly inducted into the College Football hall of Fame as of Tuesday.

[Mark Ingram II]

Show him that ring.

[Rob Stone]

Admire everybody.

[Mark Ingram II]

And. And the hall of Fame varsity jacket to be clean, right?

[Rob Stone]

Pretty good, man. So where's our army people? We got army people here. Let's hear a hoorah. Oh, there's some. Yeah, There we go. All right. Navy. Navy, we in the house.

[Urban Meyer]

Oh, army crowd.

[Rob Stone]

So, yeah, a little more hoorah than hoo ya. Right at this point. So great to be back here at the Army Navy game. 126th matchup coming your way tomorrow from just down the road here in downtown Baltimore. Let's start with talking about what this game really means. And coach, I know you have a military upbringing through your family. And what does Army. Navy mean to Urban Meyer and his family?

[Urban Meyer]

Well, thanks for being here. And this is special to me. This is my F was Army Armored Division. My sister was Air. Air Force. And we never missed a game. It was a family gathering. When we would watch the game, I was really lucky. I grew up in a family that we were taught and learned to love our country and even love our men and want to serve more. And I'm just grateful that we. We're here. You Know my favorite part? This is my third game now. I. I brought my son one time. He's supposed to be here. He couldn't make it. But as much as I love the game, I love the march on even better. You know, I'm there. I make sure I go early. I'm invited into the army locker room because I'm friends with Coach Monken. But in this world of chaos, all you got to do is watch the men and women, the elite of the elite, the midshipmen, and the cadets come walking in. It's called the March on. And it's. I tear up every time I see it. So God bless America and those men and women who serve our country.

[Mark Ingram II]

I mean, how can I follow that up? You know what I mean? Like, no, it's just grateful, honored, and appreciative to be here right now. Obviously, the Army Navy game is way bigger than football. It's about honor, sacrifice, and service. Just watching this game, man, it just. I remember it's like the only game on. You know what I mean?

[Rob Stone]

Second Saturday, December, game on.

[Mark Ingram II]

So I remember watching it. And just like, like coach said, the march, just so much history and tradition that goes with this game. And this is way bigger than football. You know, obviously, once this whistle's over, it's young men who are gonna. It's gonna. It's young men who are gonna serve our country. And that's what it's all about, man. I'm appreciative. I'm thankful for every, Every. All the. All the schools that, you know, serve our country, man. It's just amazing to be here. It's amazing to experience it. And I'm just so thankful and appreciative, grateful, honored to everyone who is involved and serves our country.

[Rob Stone]

So the three of us are really fortunate to travel around this great country covering college football with big noon kickoff for Fox Sports. And we've been at great games. Right last Saturday, we're in downtown Indianapolis for one versus two Ohio State, Indiana. But in those conversations, it's nil and it's transfer portal and it's playoffs. This is pure football. This is the way it used to be. This is the way a lot of people feel it should be. And then to see what these student athletes have sacrificed on the field to make that commitment to go to these institutions and then to know what they're going to do in the future to protect us, to protect my family, to protect this country. Different type of people.

[Urban Meyer]

Coach, can I ask the veterans to raise your hand? Any veterans that are Here. And then how about current men and women serve our country. Thank you for your service. Thank you. Thank you. God bless you.

[Mark Ingram II]

Thank you.

[Rob Stone]

By the way, you know you're at Army Navy when the hotel gym is popping with fit cats, right? I was working out today. I was like, I got to get off this bike, man. This dude is doing laps around me. They're doing things I've never seen on bars and whatever, but here we go. So as we approach America's 250th birthday next summer. Let's go us. That's going to be a hell of a birthday. NHTSA is inviting Americans to celebrate our great nation by exploring its roads and doing it safely. The great American road trip. We all love a good road trip, don't we? It honors the freedom, adventure, and shared responsibility that define our country. And speaking of the great American road trip, let's take a look at the roads that these two programs traveled to get to here in Baltimore. First, a little history on this rivalry. A lot of you folks might know this, but if not, let's get you caught up. My Navy folks, they lead the series 63 to 55 overall. There have been seven ties, okay? Army has won six of the last 10 matchups. But who won last year?

[Urban Meyer]

Navy.

[Rob Stone]

Navy won last year.

[Urban Meyer]

30. Underdog. They were underdog.

[Rob Stone]

31. They were underdogs.

[Urban Meyer]

31.

[Rob Stone]

13. Very first matchup back in 1890. A Navy shutout, 24, nothing over Army. I want to talk about the mental approach of a rivalry game, and I did some research here and I pulled out some stats that will excite both of you. Coach, you don't know this one. This one is for you. Since last year's loss, the date December 13, 2024, has been embroidered on Army's team gear. You know about rivalries. You know, Michigan and Ohio State. Army, Navy falls into that category.

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah, it doesn't. I. I would. It's none of my business. Some of the other coaches, but I was always. I grew up in the ten year war with B. Shim Beckler and Woody Hayes and Ohio State versus that team up north. And so I don't want to say I get confused, but when I hear someone stand up and say, hey, we treat this like any other game. The hell it is. It's a robbery game, man. This is. This is. And. And Coach Monkin, who's a dear friend of mine, said, this one is with you the rest of your life. And I agree with him. I mean, this is one that you're going to see and the team. Here's the best thing, Mark, you played in the Iron bowl, that team. And this is what I would just emphasize with my players. Whether it's Florida, Georgia, whether it was Florida, Florida State or Ohio State, the team up north or Utah, byu, Bowling Green, Toledo, the great robberies that I coached in, you are going to get the very best of the best on that person across from you. So enough silly, no silliness. You get ready to go play. Because whatever that guy looked like on film, Mark, you're going to get a better version of what you saw, so you better have your best version. That was always my emphasis going to the game. So I'm army because my father, father's Army. That Navy team is really good. They're going to be really, really good tomorrow because it's a rivalry game.

[Rob Stone]

So that's a coaching perspective. What's the player perspective for a rivalry game?

[Mark Ingram II]

Man, it's about pride. It's about pride. I mean, you got, you know, states fans that live and have memories of these games. And so you want to be kind of legendary in this game as a player, you know what I mean? Because you got fans who are supporting you, have been watching this rivalry for a long time. And so like coach said, you're going to get the best from the other team, but it's all about what you do, you know what I mean? And you want to be able to whip that other team and have your bragging rights. Because when somebody asks you what your record is in a rivalry game, you want to make sure it's 3 and 0 or 4 and 0, because that's what it's all about, man. And you know those memories, and you have legends that are coming from these rivalry games. And all these fans will remember it and you'll remember it. So it's about pride and it's about bragging rights.

[Rob Stone]

All right, let's talk about these two programs real quick. A snapshot. Army, kind of a slow start to this season. 1 five of their last seven to get here. They enter this game at six and five. They were the favorite last year, as you mentioned, and they Lost to Navy, 31 13. Their quarterback, Case Hellums, he is a runner. He's not much of a passer. 504 yards through the air, three touchdowns, two picks on the ground, though, 264 carries for your quarterback, over a thousand yards. Those are law, law, law. That's running the quarterback a lot. So we know army loves to run the ball. Mark, this is my stat for you. They are Last in the nation in pass attempts and pass yards. You know what that means?

[Mark Ingram II]

They run the ball.

[Rob Stone]

They run the ball. There's the smile and time of possession. They lead the nation with 35 minutes and 16 seconds of possession per game.

[Urban Meyer]

I love it.

[Rob Stone]

That is old school.

[Urban Meyer]

That's old school right there.

[Rob Stone]

That is a big, big number. On the flip side, Navy sitting there at 9 and 2. Brian Newberry has done just a remarkable job. Again, remember, Navy, for a while was in conversation to win the American and maybe get themselves to the college football playoffs. Blake Horvath, he is the tip of the spear, if you will. 18 total. I'm sorry, Horvath. 1390 yards. Right. Nine touchdowns, five picks. Ran it for another thousand. 40. 23 total touchdowns for Blake Horvath in this one. So the coaches lean a little bit more on the running game than the passing game, for sure. We are going to hear from Jeff Monken in just a moment and we're going to talk about the triple option offense that both of these teams like to employ. Coach, you loved quarterbacks that could run the ball, right. How does that change the attitude and the approach for your side and for the opposition?

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah. When I was a assistant coach at Notre Dame and I was offered the job to be my first head coaching job at Bowling Green, I took over a program that was, I think, 1 in 10 and 2 and 9 and we had to play some. Some pretty good opponents. Missouri was one of them and some other ranked teams, Marshall and. And I knew Dan Mullen was my assistant. And so going in to be the head coach, I needed the great equalizer. And the great equalizer is the quarterback. Run and option football. Now, we actually thought and discussed putting in the wishbone. I've always studied the wishbone. I understand it quite a bit. And then we made a decision to invent something. How about this? In 2001, there was no spread offense. Bowling Green was the first team to run the spread offense in 2001. And what is it? It's wishbone principles from spread set. Now, you still throw the ball more than a wishbone team, but it's exactly the same count that wishbone people use with the veer option. So it's a great equalizer. And the beautiful thing about the wishbone offense or option offense, where the quarterback can run, you're going to see it maybe not as much tomorrow because they're used to seeing in practice, but we would face teams back in 01. We played North Carolina one time. We had 700 yards on them and they had better players than we did. Yeah. Because they weren't used to it. And if you don't have the dive, the quarterback and the pitch covered, it's a long, long day. I'm going say it again. The dive.

[Rob Stone]

Yeah.

[Urban Meyer]

Which is the back and in the spread offense, it's a tailback. The quarterback, which is a quarterback. And then the pitch. It's no different when, when fans see the rpo, that's triple option Mark. Yeah. Instead of the quarterback running it, they flip it out there. So triple option. If the dive, quarterback and pitch or the screen part of it's not covered, it's going to be a long day.

[Rob Stone]

So we were able to talk to army head coach Jeff Monkin ahead of this game. And we started our conversation by asking him if this rivalry has evolved.

[Jeff Monken]

Oh, I don't know if it's evolved. It just has always been such a great rivalry. I mean, for decades, for over a century. And both teams play so hard. It means so much to, to the players and coaches and the academies and the graduates and they got a really good team. And, and, and, and it's, it's a hard game to win. They'll be hard to beat. They're hard to beat every year.

[Urban Meyer]

You know, one of my favorite people, Coach Monk. And good to see it. It's so great when both teams, I mean, even when teams are struggling, it's a great rivalry. But Now Navy's on 5 and 2 in your last seven games. So I talked to you throughout the fall, started a little slow. What, what's clicking, you know, in the last seven, five and two, we've had a great run here.

[Jeff Monken]

I think we've just continued to fight. We got, got good leadership in our locker room. We got tough guys and we, we really have played hard and, and played teams closely all year. We've had eight one score games and we lost a couple of those early in overtime. It's hard when you lose, you lose in overtime. I mean, you're, you're a play away from being in the winner's circle, but that it doesn't affect you the same. You know, you don't, you don't have that satisfaction of coming out of the game with a victory. So your confidence can get bruised. And I really appreciate our guys and the approach that they've taken each week. And even when we started 1 and 3, they had a great week of practice the next week and we kind of stack those weeks. And as you said, we've had better success down the stretch. And so hopefully we're playing our best football right now. We're going to have to play our very best football game next Saturday against these guys. And that's how this game is won. You've got to perform. And every possession and every play just seems like the whole game's hanging in the balance.

[Mark Ingram II]

I just want to talk to you about the conference championships in College Football Playoff. We spent a lot of time talking about that. And now that you and Navy are in the same conference, would you like to see this game moved up ahead of conference championship weekend?

[Jeff Monken]

Oh, I don't know if I'm at liberty to say what I think about it. I'll leave that to folks that truly make those decisions. But I think likely there's probably something going to have to. To happen. Just it's probably going to be forced. And I think it's awesome that we got a playoff that it's expanding. We're including. We're going to include more teams. I think it's terrific. Which obviously that starts to pull weekends from December and this being a pretty important weekend in December for us. It may, it may end up getting moved. But we'll see. We'll see what the future holds.

[Juan Andrade]

Yeah.

[Rob Stone]

Let's talk about your quarterback, Cale hellums. All right, so 5102 05. He's had over 30 rushing attempts four times this season against Kansas State. You let him run it 41 times. Is he asking for more?

[Urban Meyer]

But I think a listener should be. It is unbelievable. I still get chills to this day when I see the history. When I walked in your locker room last year.

[Jeff Monken]

It really is. It really is pretty fantastic to be a part of this game. The history of the army, the history of the rivalry, the history of this academy. We are fortunately, fortunately we don't have to take part in any of the other stuff that's going on outside of our preparation for the game. And we prepare much like we do for a typical football game. We do travel a day early, so we'll get down to Baltimore on Thursday. But we're really focusing on our team and we've got our players and our coaches and our staff really focusing on Saturday and trying to be prepared for that. But the locker room is awesome. So obviously pairing with Nike, which is just a tremendous brand. I think the, the best brand in sports, they. They years out. I'm told that the, the uniform for next season has already been completed. They've already got it done. So the, the history department at Nike, which they have one. I didn't realize that works with the history department here at West Point. And each year we've honored one of our army units. And this year, because it's the 250, 250th year of the army, we're honoring that, that, that milestone in the 250 year history of the great greatest fighting force the world's ever known. That's the U.S. army. So it's, it's going to be just a great honor and privilege to wear those uniforms. And like you, Urban, I'm looking forward to seeing the locker room too. It's, they, they, they do a complete skinning of the walls and the lockers.

[Urban Meyer]

And it's Mark, I've never seen Mark. You've been in great law. I've never seen it like it. The entire, the entire locker room is all taped up and wallpapered up and it's, I sat there for an hour just reading all about the history of. And then this year will be the 250. That's incredible.

[Rob Stone]

They call them the 1775 uniforms. Coach, did you get a look at them ahead of time and what was your, your take or your feedback you gave Nike?

[Jeff Monken]

I saw them for the first time the day we revealed them. I got a chance to see them on the models that were coming out in front of the corps of cadets. But I typically don't get a long term or way ahead of time view of those uniforms. And that's fine with me. I'm as excited and I anticipate that as much as anybody. But you know, Nike does such a great job and we are, we really are fortunate that they've taken on this project with us and that it means a lot to them and they do it every year for our program and for our school and for the Army.

[Rob Stone]

What was the kids reaction when they saw those uniforms? Because there's a lot going on.

[Jeff Monken]

Yeah, they're always fired up. I mean it's an exciting day to see that because they are so different. They're different from our traditional uniforms. And I think they're excited about what they look like, but also who we're going to represent and the story behind it. They're as interested in that as everybody else.

[Mark Ingram II]

Coach, there's so much history and tradition. I just appreciate it and I just admire it. And obviously army has one of the strongest cultures in college football. What's the one non negotiable standard you hold everyone to in your building?

[Jeff Monken]

Love for each other. That's an investment in each other and that's where our program is built, that we have a true sense of brotherhood and an obligation to serve each other. And I think when that's existent in a culture and an organization, then that organization has a great chance to succeed.

[Rob Stone]

How do you sign off on your emails and your texts?

[Jeff Monken]

The same every time. Beat Navy. Capital B, E, A T and lowercase N A V, Y.

[Rob Stone]

All you need to know, man. All you need to know is sign it off. Jeff Monkin, head coach of of army football, man, thanks so much for joining us. Can't wait for the games on Saturday.

[Jeff Monken]

Thanks, guys. Be Navy.

[Rob Stone]

Thanks, coach, every day. All right, thank you to Coach Monkin for joining us. Right there. We also want to let you guys know, at the end of this podcast, there will be a separate question and answer period where you guys are allowed and encouraged to ask questions. There is Dan. There he is. You guys see Dan holding his hand up right there? The handsome gentleman on the floor with the good looking kicks over there? Go to Dan if you've got a question. And there is some triple option swag if you ask a question and it makes it. All right, time now for three and out, brought to you by Google. We take a look at what fans are searching for this week. And remember, no matter what question comes next, you can just ask Google. So we have seen a 5,000% increase in searches asking why do teams skip bowl games? That was probably triggered by Notre Dame taking their ball and going home, saying, if we can't go to the playoffs, we're not going to go to a bowl game. But Iowa State, Kansas State also not playing in bowl games. Why do you think the conversation has gone from players skipping out on bowl games to programs walking out on the ability to play in a program.

[Mark Ingram II]

To be honest, I don't know the answer to that question. Especially for teams like Iowa State and Kansas State, like new head coaches, I mean, that's.

[Rob Stone]

That's all I can point to.

[Mark Ingram II]

Yeah, yeah, maybe new head coaches. I guess that would have an impact. But in Notre Dame's case, I think they're just being salty because they got left out. But at the end of the day, you know, I'm sure you had plenty of seniors on that team that didn't expect their last time being on the field for that to be their last game. And I remember having some great bowl experiences with my teammates. Like I went to a Sugar Bowl. Obviously my second year we won the national championship, but my third year we went to a Capital One bowl and just, I don't know if they do that still. But the gifts that we would get.

[Rob Stone]

Yes, I've heard. Yeah, yeah.

[Mark Ingram II]

All the gifts they would get and just being able to spend time for a week in a different state with your, with your guys. I mean that was times that I always remember spending time with my brothers and my teammates and my coaches. But I truly don't under. Maybe they feel like since there's a 12 team playoff, since if I'm not going to make the playoff, why play in a bowl game? Why risk injury? Why risk. If I'm going to the NFL or if I'm going to transfer to a new team, why risk the possibility of injury? But in the, at the end of the day I'm just kind of haven't grasped why people are, why whole teams are stopping to play ball games. It's just not making a lot of sense to me.

[Rob Stone]

Yeah. And they serve such a great purpose, particularly for programs that are on the rise. Get those extra practices, you know, get that momentum heading into next year and by the way, another opportunity to end your season on a win, I know on a high note and kickstart your next season.

[Mark Ingram II]

And also, and, and also if you have veterans who aren't playing, it's a shot for your young guys to get weeks of practice and get some more experience going into the next season. So it's kind of got me dumbfounded right now.

[Rob Stone]

Coach was 12 and 3 in bowl games. Coach your top three bowl games that weren't national championship games. And let's Utah is one and two right. Or the first two right now.

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah. I just want to add that Mark agreed that some of the greatest moments I had is when you go, you spend a week with your team in some, you know, usually really nice area, they treat you great and then you get one last shot. But Utah hadn't been to and won the conference and I think 50 or 60 years. 60 years and we won our first conference championship at Utah. We went, Alex Smith was a young quarterback, went and played Southern miss and won 17 zip. And then we went back the next year and became the first small school, non BCS school to make a BCS bowl game, the Fiesta bowl and put it all over Pitt that day. Mark. It was a good day for the gate for the University of Utah. But I would say non national championship was the Rose Bowl. That was a, you know, a bowl game that I grew up watching. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and like I said it was the Wolverines and Buckeyes in the ten year war. But to get the nod I'd been to, you know, many Many bowl games. Never got the Rose bowl until my last year. Wow. At Ohio State. And we went and jumped up to a 28.3lead with Dwayne Haskins, rest his soul. He was on fire that day. And then I think I could kind of see our players pump their brakes a little bit. I was trying to rally them up and, and Coach Peterson and the Huskies came back and as we won the game, but we had to recover an outside kick at the end of the game. So I was losing my mind in the Rose, but we were not going to lose that damn Rose Bowl.

[Rob Stone]

By the way, both army and Navy off to bowl games. Army will take on UConn in the Fenway Bowl. Navy meets your school, Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl. Coming up next, we're going to double our Heisman Trophy count on the set. We already got Deuce Deuce. Now we're going to have a third RG3. Robert Griffin III and USAA CEO Juan Andrade joins us next on the triple option coming your way live ahead of Army Navy game from USAA's rendezvous point here in downtown Baltimore.

[Mark Ingram II]

Light it.

[Juan Andrade]

Light it.

[Rob Stone]

We welcome you back to the triple option coming your way live ahead of the Army Navy game. We are with you from USAA's rendezvous point here in Baltimore. Count down the hours to one of the greatest clashes of the college football season. The Army Navy game presented by USAA. And this year marks the 126th meeting between the Black Knights and the Midshipmen. Both going to be going all out in their quest for victory and the chance to sing second, one of the great traditions in college football. As the proud presenter, USAA knows this game is about so much more than football. We've been talking about it all afternoon. It's also a time for fans like you all out here to come together and recognize the commitment, the teamwork and the sacrifice our service members make for our country. And USAA, founded by a group of soldiers over 100 years ago, stands with the military community, taking care of those who served and their families with insurance and banking backed by award winning service wherever life takes you. So whether you're rooting for Army. Who's rooting for Army?

[Urban Meyer]

All right.

[Rob Stone]

Whether you're rooting for Navy.

[Juan Andrade]

Okay.

[Rob Stone]

All right. All right. That's right. Just know USAA is proud to join you in honoring and celebrating one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports. For more, visit USA.com all right. We are lucky enough to be joined by the new CEO of usaa, Juan Andrade. Juan, thanks for Joining us here and former Heisman Trophy winner, our Fox Sports colleague, Robert Griffin III. RG3 in the house.

[Urban Meyer]

Hey, there is no formal.

[Mark Ingram II]

There is no former. You always the Heisman winner. You know, ain't no forward.

[Rob Stone]

Just tell the Heisman guys. Right?

[Urban Meyer]

That cleared up.

[Mark Ingram II]

Ain't no former.

[Urban Meyer]

Just.

[Rob Stone]

Coach. I'll let you go first.

[Urban Meyer]

Juan, great. Great to see you and thanks for having us. We spoke earlier and you said you've been to many of these. My. It's my third time at Army Navy, but I've watched them growing up with my father, who's Army. What's your greatest memory of the game and what's your favorite part of the game? Two questions.

[Juan Andrade]

Yeah, so my. My favorite memory of the game is basically the walk on to the field when you get to see those cadets and those midshipmen marching onto the field. And that, to me, is always a very emotional experience.

[Mark Ingram II]

RG man, here we go. Heisman, brother.

[Juan Andrade]

My guy.

[Urban Meyer]

I'm gonna get out of the way.

[Mark Ingram II]

You know, if y' all don't got one Heisman, y' all got two too high, man.

[Rob Stone]

She know.

[Mark Ingram II]

I mean, no. I gotta ask you, man. You joined us last year on the show and you're back again this year on the show. What is important to you about events like the Army Navy game?

[Juan Andrade]

Well, first and foremost, love being here with you guys. Support y' all Fox Sports brethren.

[Jeff Monken]

Yes, sir.

[Juan Andrade]

You guys doing a great job. I enjoyed being on Big Noon with you as well. But you talk about this game and, you know, I was talking with Juan and we. This is the only time that army and Navy are not working together to support our country and protect us and protect our freedoms. So it's part of the reason the game is so special, because one time a year in between those white lines, they get an opportunity to really strap it up and go against each other and have bragging rights for the next 365 days. So to me, that's important. And then what we've been able to do with USAA and giving back to our military communities, I'll tell you guys a story. We did our Recycled rides event a few days ago, and we gave a vehicle to a Navy member and also to an army member. And I didn't say free car because they weren't free. They just didn't have to pay for them because they paid their dues with how they serve our country. And to do that and give back to them. Petty Officer 1st Class Jamil Lewis was the member from the Navy and his son 9 year old was in the front seat of the car for 30 minutes after the event was over.

[Urban Meyer]

Wow.

[Juan Andrade]

And like to, to him, he got to realize like, yeah, my dad did something that USAA thought enough of him to give him this vehicle. And I think that is the lasting impact that we've been able to, to have on our military and true them and truly show them that they're not forgotten.

[Rob Stone]

Wow. Classic kids, right? Can't wait to get behind the wheel, take it out, sneak it out after dark. I got teenage drivers. I, I don't, I don't need any of that. By the way, Robert is a military brat, born in Okinawa, Japan. There we go. His parents met in Japanese in this, I think.

[Urban Meyer]

Tell us about your mom and dad. I love this. I didn't know this until last year.

[Juan Andrade]

Yeah. So the blessing of it is that my mom and dad were both born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Right. And they didn't know each other until they got into the military and met in Colorado. So the bond that they were able to create. And then my dad serving 21 years in the military in the army and my mom serving 14, you know, they truly showed us like sacrifice, what it means to be disciplined. And, you know, I'm a baby in the family, so, you know, my sisters, you know, hated me for the fact that I did everything, was supposed to do everything the right way and saw them get spanking. So I didn't get no spankings growing up. Appreciate the older ones and, you know, for me, being able to go through that and experience that with my parents lived in Japan for two and a half years, so I don't remember a ton. But looking forward to getting back and showing love to our military members who are continuing to serve over there till this day.

[Rob Stone]

One of the great things about Army Navy here on the second Saturday of December, it's the only game in town. It's the only game that the whole country is tuned into. So how does USA use this massive platform to take care of those currently serving and the millions of veterans that have proudly protected and served this country?

[Urban Meyer]

Juan?

[Juan Andrade]

Well, that's an easy one. This is America's game. And so for us, the ability to be able to sponsor and to be the title sponsor for this game is just another way that we give back to our community. And we do a number of different things. For example, last week we launched Honored through Action, which is a $500 million commitment for the military commission community focused on quality jobs, focused on financial security, and focus on, well, being mental Health and physical. And so that is just another example. Like this is on how we give back to our community.

Yeah.

[Rob Stone]

Thank you for all you do. And they're going to be looking good out there on the field tomorrow, right, Mark?

[Jeff Monken]

Yeah, yeah.

[Mark Ingram II]

You know, we love the drip. Rg you know, he got the cowboy hat on, My boy got the mink on the hood. You know, we stay looking good.

[Urban Meyer]

No, but you're talking, man. I just try to try to hang in there. You guys are talking.

[Mark Ingram II]

No, but you know, the uniforms are fire. Once again this year, celebrating the 250th anniversary of both army and Navy, I got to ask you, Swag King.

[Juan Andrade]

Yes, sir.

[Mark Ingram II]

Which one do you like the best?

[Juan Andrade]

Oh, I mean, I'm for sure going to say the Army. Listen, it's biased, perhaps extreme. I would be getting a couple call right now if I said anything positive about Navy this week. So it is go army, beat Navy. And you know, you talk about that drip like it's the least that we can do for our service members to at least have them out there feeling good, looking good, you know, because if you look good, you play good, and if you play good, eventually they gonna pay good.

[Mark Ingram II]

And if you pay good, you stay good.

[Juan Andrade]

Yes, sir.

[Urban Meyer]

So, so just to people over 60, what is drip? What's that mean?

[Rob Stone]

Drip? Come on, coach, don't do this to yourself.

[Mark Ingram II]

Drip mean that jacket you got on, that's drip.

[Urban Meyer]

That's drip.

[Rob Stone]

That's drip.

[Urban Meyer]

Is a hat drip.

[Juan Andrade]

The hat. The hat is drip.

[Mark Ingram II]

That's fine.

[Juan Andrade]

That's drippy by Juan.

[Urban Meyer]

Get away from this for a minute. 250 year celebration of this incredible country. How is USAA thinking about using moments like this to strengthen community with and for those in the military?

[Rob Stone]

Yeah, it's.

[Juan Andrade]

It's a tremendous question. So we have been celebrating the 250th for the Navy, the Marine Corps, in the army so far this year. And what really hits you is the fact that we could not have been a country without having them. And so that's incredibly important to us. And so putting an event like this together for us is really our way of being able to give back to our community.

[Rob Stone]

All right, so the big game tomorrow just down the road in Baltimore, the two of you, we're going to give you our predictions coming up in a moment. Juan, do you have. Are you gonna be able to make a pick in this one? Unlike rj, America is the winner. Exactly.

[Juan Andrade]

I'm Switzerland. I gotta be neutral on this one. You know, we support the, the Midshipman we support the cadets, and for that matter, we support all the academy athletic programs. And for me, what's important is the history, the rivalry, and just the. The sheer emotion of this game.

[Rob Stone]

Okay, wait.

[Juan Andrade]

Well done. That was great.

[Rob Stone]

Well done. Let's leave Switzerland and go to Fort Hood over here for a quick thought. Let's go. Navy is favored in this one.

[Juan Andrade]

Yes.

[Rob Stone]

Who wins it?

[Juan Andrade]

Oh, come on, guys.

[Urban Meyer]

Come on.

[Juan Andrade]

You can't ask him.

[Mark Ingram II]

He already says he's ultimately biased.

[Urban Meyer]

I love you guys.

[Juan Andrade]

There's no hard feelings here. There will be no booing. There will be no booing.

[Mark Ingram II]

There will be no.

[Juan Andrade]

There will be no booing. So to answer your question, yes, I believe army wins this one. Kale Helms, quarterback. I mean, you got Blake Horvath for Navy. Like these two guys.

[Rob Stone]

If.

[Juan Andrade]

If you love running quarterbacks, like, you need to watch this game because these guys might run it 50 times.

[Rob Stone]

Are you a little jealous? I mean, I know you ran it a lot at Baylor.

[Juan Andrade]

I didn't want to run it 50 times.

[Rob Stone]

No.

[Juan Andrade]

Hey, I was in the backfield with Mark Ingram when we had the Heisman. The Heisman package. So, you know, we. I like to hand the ball off some times, too, with. Throw the ball. But I think this game is going to be fascinating. Last year, army came in as a favorite, and Navy kind of. Kind of gave it to him. So we're looking to give them a little bit of. Of their own medicine this year and come out on top. But I do have to say one thing about Juan. And, you know, we've had this. These conversations as we've been walking around all day, and you talk about how we can give back to the military. Well, he's the new CEO of usa and he has all of his executive staff here. And the one thing I noticed was they had their families with them. Yes, Right. So when you talk about what's the true mark of a leader, it's how they live. It's how they. About how amazing of a leader this man has been to them. And the fact that he has his fan, the families here with them, and they feel comfortable to bring their families with them, that, to me, is what USAA is all about. That's what any organization and leadership structure should be about. You want it to be about the people. So I want to say thank you.

[Urban Meyer]

Thank you for that.

[Juan Andrade]

And I got your back. It's go Army B Davy.

[Mark Ingram II]

Okay, mic drop. That was heavy.

[Rob Stone]

That's a mic drop right there. It started to feel like Switzerland part two over there. Hey, everybody. Army combat veteran and also current governor of the state of Maryland, West Moore here. And I'd like to welcome you all to Baltimore. And while I wish both teams good luck tomorrow, let's be clear. Go Army P Navy. So we welcome you back to this live edition of the triple option. We are here ahead of Army Navy game at USAA's rendezvous point. Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone back here with you. The governor getting us juiced up for this game. The cool part about that one, the governor served in the army, but as the governor of Maryland, he represents Navy, of course, with Navy being based just down the road in Annapolis. So he's seen this one from both sides of the rivalry. Now let's talk about the game coming our way tomorrow. Unique offenses that they run, unique head coaches as well. As we dive into the particulars of this game with our winning combo presented by Wendy's and Diet Dr. Pepper. No tendes combo meal is complete without a diet Dr. Pepper order now in the Wendy's app. So we're talking about winning combos. Well, how about the two head coaches in this one, Jeff Monken and Brian Newberry and what they bring to the field and to these programs. Coach?

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah, I follow these this these two programs really closely throughout the year. One because Jeff Monkin's been a dear friend for probably 25 years, and then Newberry just because I want to see what's coming down the pipe. And Navy was hot early. They still are. Army started real slow and then caught fire here as a result. It's going to make this game incredible. But here's what's really neat, Mark, about Army, Navy, and then I'm going to talk about my career at the Mid America Conference. I think that's where coaching makes a difference because it's very rare now when they gots what you gots. That makes sense. Yeah. So Alabama, they play a schedule where on the other sideline, there's only a few teams that got what you got. Same when I was at Ohio State and Florida. Now Bowling Green, that other team at every time what we had. Because in ma conference when all the teams drag out, they all look alike. Yeah. There's not Ohio State against someone, if that makes sense. Army, Navy, they gots what you gots and they recruit the same players. So that's what's so intriguing to me. This is a coaching. I know it's players absolutely player first, but it's also coaching matchup because there's not just one team that's so much better than the other. That's why I love this game and I love when I see the strategy and chess match when everything's equal and you can speak to that one. It's. You know, you had those great games against Auburn, but a lot of times you as a player, you looked over there and you were better than that over there. Yes, sir. Very rarely. Army, Navy always should be. And it really much for the. Pretty much the history. You can see the, the records are pretty close. It's even coaching matchup.

[Rob Stone]

Yes, sir. 126th edition of America's game coming away tomorrow. Army, Navy. There's that great cliche in sports, right? Throw out the record book. It doesn't matter in this.

[Urban Meyer]

True.

[Rob Stone]

This is exactly why that phrase was brought up. Like it does not matter what army is or what Navy is coming into this game. But as we mentioned, Army 6 and 5. Navy at 9 and 2, they are the favorite. Mark, start with you. Who wins it tomorrow?

[Mark Ingram II]

I think it's going to be a great game. I think it's going to be a really good game. It always is. My man. Look, you got the army right there. Don't, don't, don't jump on me. No, no, man. But I can't wait to watch the game. I think it'll be a really good game. Both quarterbacks run the ball. I think Navy has a little bit of advantage throwing the football, but army with that triple option, man, they're going to control the ball.

[Urban Meyer]

You talked about.

[Mark Ingram II]

They control the ball for over 30 minutes a game this year. And that's going to be tough because if Navy can't get the offense going and army can control the football, it's going to get ugly. So with that being said, I think Navy is going to win Mark 20 to 17. I think it's going to be a close game. I think Navy's going to win 2017.

[Rob Stone]

All right, so one vote for Navy. We got a couple happy people here. Coach meyer, Army, Navy, 126th edition.

[Urban Meyer]

You know, last year I got to sit up with the president and I got to sit up with his team. And I watched army as a prohibitive favorite last year going to the game and Navy from the first drive until the end of the game, they pushed them all over the field. And I talked to Coach Monken about that. They've been, like you said, they've got that embroidered in their uniforms all year long dealing with it. I would set about five, six weeks ago, and I was really worried about it. Navy was going to roll them because Navy's a real. This is one of the best versions of Navy. They've been really good, but they are a really good team this year. And then army caught fire, man. Army's playing his best ball of the year. So I'm letting my bias take over a little bit here because I love the coach. I love Army. I'm saying 28, 26. That ball goes through the uprights. Walk off field goal.

[Rob Stone]

We got a walk off field goal for Army.

[Urban Meyer]

Army. 28, 26.

[Mark Ingram II]

All right.

[Rob Stone]

It'll be only the ninth time that the Commander in Chief's trophy will have been up for grabs for both programs.

[Urban Meyer]

Incredible.

[Rob Stone]

Entering the game.

[Juan Andrade]

Right?

[Rob Stone]

So Commanders in Chief trophy.

[Urban Meyer]

What that means to these players.

[Rob Stone]

Oh, insane. Navy's won it 17 times. Army has won it 10 times. Alabama, save it, guys.

[Urban Meyer]

Forever.

[Rob Stone]

It's Roll Tide.

[Mark Ingram II]

Always there forever. No matter where you go, you lose.

[Rob Stone]

We had to get Alabama into the. You gonna see that?

[Mark Ingram II]

Script Day no matter where you go in the world.

[Urban Meyer]

And it's roll tie right now.

[Rob Stone]

My goodness, you're the best. Hey, everybody in Baltimore, thank you so much for joining us. Another Script Day out here everywhere. Remember, we got Q and A coming up here in a moment. Come on out, ask some questions to the three of us here. There's free swag, and that's going to do it for us.

[Urban Meyer]

Did you make your pick?

[Rob Stone]

I. I wasn't told.

[Urban Meyer]

You got to make a pick, pal.

[Rob Stone]

I'm going to pick Air Force.

[Juan Andrade]

What?

[Rob Stone]

You're about to get hurt. They're not even here. They don't matter. That'll do it.

[Urban Meyer]

You're gonna get hurt. Security. Make a pick.

[Rob Stone]

Dude, you gotta pick somebody. Navy's got the best defensive player in the conference. They can run it and they can pass it. Navy wins it in Baltimore.

[Urban Meyer]

That's it.

[Juan Andrade]

All right.

[Rob Stone]

For the triple action coming your way from USA's rendezvous point. We'll see you next week on the triple option. The best house in the business right here.