Alohi Gillman was just one win away playing for a National Title at Notre Dame. Clemson’s 30-3 win in the semi-final game ended this dream.

Gilman would not revisit that game from his college career if he could.

Gilman told the media this week, “If I could play another college football match, it would have to be Army-Navy.” “When you are out there, it is a war.” There are a lot of guys on both sides who are just trying to blow each other’s head off.

Army and Navy are scheduled to play at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, 3 pm. The America’s Game will be the 126 ^th match between the two service academy.

Gilman is one of the two Ravens, along with reserve fullback Lucas Scott who have played in this rivalry match. Gilman and Scott, who were at different academies because of their age differences, never met at any point. But that hasn’t prevented them from joking around.

Gilman stated that “Lucas has been my archrival for the past two weeks,” adding that Scott had caught some good passes from him during practice when he was on the scouts team.

Scott played four seasons for the Army before signing with the Ravens in the undrafted free agents’ pool and joining the practice squad.

Scott saw two victories against Navy in the years 2022 and 2023. Gilman cannot say the same.

Scott stated, “[Gilman] played only one game but that game [in 2016] marked the first time in over [14] years that Army had beaten Navy. I just had to rub it in his face.”

Gilman and Scott both agreed that this Army-Navy match is unique. Gilman called the game both teams’ Super Bowl. Scott said that it is the most important week of the school year for both academies.

Scott described the experience as “unreal, very frightening.” It’s difficult to comprehend unless you have experienced it yourself and are in the academy. It’s difficult to describe the brotherhood each team feels because they go through so much together.

Scott will tailgate and watch the game with his parents since he is not traveling to Cincinnati to play the Bengals on Sunday. Scott will also have a seafood meal with his former Army teammates, who are now assistant graduate coaches.

Scott, a former offensive lineman who fought as a Black Knight in the middle of the field, has gritted his teeth. On Saturday, Scott will be in the crowd soaking up all of it.

When you see the flyover you get chills. Scott said, “It’s an awesome day.”