Army's Case For the Camellia Bowl
Army's could have a Camellia Christmas this year as history and other factors connect them to the Montgomery bowl.
Last week, the Army Black Knights reached bowl eligibility after a dominant win against hapless Bucknell. The Black Knights sit at 6-3 with three games left to boost their resume. This year, the Black Knights have a tie-in with one of the ESPN-owned-and-operated bowl games.
While many prognosticators have Army going to Texas per usual in December, one bowl has a logical bid for the Black Knights. That bowl is none other than Montgomery's Camellia Bowl.
The Camellia Bowl's home, the Cramton Bowl was the longtime home of the Blue-Gray Classic, an all-star game on Christmas for players not playing bowl games. Many legends like Jerry Rice and Jason Taylor got their start in that game.
The first Army player to play in the Blue-Gray Classic was All-American Dan Foldberg in 1950 and the last was punter Dan McElroy in 2002 before the bowl ended in 2003.
In all, 13 Army players played in the Blue-Gray Classic, giving the Black Knights a strong connection to Montgomery. Additionally, the Army has a large post two hours away at Fort Benning, Georgia, something that undoubtedly aids ticket sales. With Army being a national brand, a military post nearby, and the Cramton Bowl seating only 20,000, a sellout would almost be a slam dunk.
Army would likely get a quality opponent as well. The ESPN bowls have the first choice of bowl-eligible teams from the Sun Belt. The Camellia Bowl grabbing a 12-1 Louisiana team is a legitimate possibility for the bowl, which would be Army’s best bowl opponent maybe ever. It would also grant Army a chance for their first win over a ranked team in 49 years.
With a national brand having a solid year playing a 12-win team, the Camellia Bowl could have the feel of a New Year's Six game for the Group of Five. Additionally, the idea of having a first-time opponent in Louisiana is a unique benefit for the Black Knights.
For years, Army has spent their bowl seasons in Texas. The Camellia Bowl offers a great change-of-pace for a deserving fanbase. For a program with as much grandeur as Army, the historic setting of the Cramton Bowl is the perfect fit.