The Crab Bowl Classic, the football rivalry between the Maryland Terrapins and the Navy Midshipmen, saw a significant revival in the mid-20th century after a suspension in 1934. This period, particularly from 1950 to 1964, was marked by renewed competition, notable games, and escalating tensions both on and off the field. The proximity of the two institutions, coupled with their distinct cultures, contributed to a rivalry that was often fueled by more
than just football.
The Revival and Early Maryland Success (1950-1952)
The series resumed in 1950 when Navy had a last-minute opening in its schedule after Georgetown unexpectedly canceled a game. Maryland agreed to fill the slot and hosted Navy for the dedication game of Byrd Stadium, drawing a then-record crowd of 43,836 fans in the Washington area. Since their last meeting in 1934, Maryland had hired head coach Jim Tatum, an innovator of the split-T offense, who had brought consistent success to the program. Despite predictions favoring Navy due to Maryland's inexperienced quarterbacks, led by 19-year-old sophomore Jack Scarbath, the Terrapins secured a victory.
In the 1950 game, Scarbath, who would later become a Heisman Trophy runner-up, scored on a quarterback keeper in the first quarter. He then completed long touchdown passes to Stan Karnash and Pete Augsburger. Although Navy responded with scores, Maryland maintained control, with Elmer Wingate returning an interception for a touchdown and Ed Modzelewski rushing for another after a Navy fumble. Maryland won 35–21. The rivalry continued in 1951, with pranks returning to both campuses, including Midshipmen painting "N" on Maryland buildings. In the 1951 game, Navy's Frank Brady returned a punt 100 yards, giving Navy a rare lead in Maryland's undefeated season. However, Maryland quickly responded, with Scarbath throwing for 285 yards, leading to a 40–21 Terrapin victory.
Navy's Resurgence and the "Middle-Finger Incident" (1958-1964)
Following Maryland's success in the early 1950s, Navy experienced a resurgence, winning three consecutive games from 1958 to 1963. This period of renewed competitiveness set the stage for one of the most controversial moments in the rivalry's history: the 1964 game, often remembered for the "middle-finger incident." Before the game, Maryland supporters stole Navy's mascot, Bill the Goat, indicating the escalating animosity. On the field, Maryland players, particularly Jerry Fishman, sought revenge for what they perceived as rough play against Darryl Hill in the 1963 game.
During the 1964 game, after a punt return, Fishman was penalized for a hard hit on receiver Skip Orr, directly in front of the Navy stands. In response to the crowd's heckling, Fishman approached the Brigade of Midshipmen section and raised an extended middle finger. He repeated the gesture after another late hit on Navy's Heisman Trophy quarterback, Roger Staubach. High-ranking Navy officers witnessed the act and were incensed. This incident, described by Navy sports information director Bud Thalman as "so out of character it was stunning," led Academy officials to allow their contractual obligation to the series to lapse after the 1965 game, putting the rivalry on hiatus for 40 years. Despite the controversy, Maryland won the closely contested 1964 game 27–22, with Ken Ambrusko returning a kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown in the final minutes.
