Even though the rivalry has been one-sided in recent years, the Army-Navy game remains one of our favorite sporting events.

This is the true essence of college sports - kids playing for the sheer love of the game. The storied rivals clash for the 110th time Saturday in Philadelphia, which really should be the permanent home for one of the great spectacles in sports.

The talent level on display Saturday won't match what you see in any of the BCS conferences, but that's what makes this game so special. It's all about the pageantry and tradition that is associated with the contest.

The players are realistic to know they won't be playing in the NFL. Heck, a few of them might wind up in Afghanistan in a few months.

A little extra is on the line this time, as first-year Army coach Rich Ellerson has done a credible making the Black Knights competitive again. With a win, Army (5-6) will become bowl eligible and face Temple in the EagleBank bowl on December 29. A loss puts UCLA in the bowl game against the Owls.

Army has dropped seven straight to the Mids, failing to score even a touchdown in the last two meetings, but you have to love the school's enthusiasm.

On the home page of the team's web site, is the following proclamation in big, bold letters: "Beat Navy, go bowling."

Indeed, this game is timeless