SPECIAL EDITION OF "COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY" KICKS OFF NETWORK'S COVERAGE

Harrison Ford Lends his Voice to Broadcast's Open

Army-Navy Notes with CBS Sports' Lead Play-by-Play Announcer Verne Lundquist

CBS Sports broadcasts the 110^th meeting of the Army-Navy football classic, one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports, live from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. on Saturday, Dec. 12 (2:30 PM, ET).

Last year CBS Sports extended its agreement to broadcast the annual Army-Navy football game through the 2018 season. As part of the new agreement, the game will now be played a week later on the second Saturday in December to conclude college football's regular-season.

Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson, CBS Sports' lead college football announce team, call the action from Philadelphia with Tracy Wolfson reporting from the sidelines. Craig Silver, the Network's coordinating producer of college football, produces and Steve Milton directs.  CBS Sports' national broadcast of Army-Navy also is broadcast in HDTV.

Motion Picture icon, Harrison Ford lends his voice to the opening of CBS Sports' broadcast of the Army-Navy game. The patriotic opening pays tribute to the men and women of the United States Military as we hear from proud military parents across the country about their children's decision to serve their country. Pete Radovich produces.  

A special edition of COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY, CBS Sports' pre-game, halftime and post-game studio show, kicks off coverage of the Army-Navy classic featuring the traditional parade of the Brigade of Midshipmen and the Corps of Cadets onto the field prior to the game (2:00, PM, ET). Also the show is highlighted by interviews with seniors from both Army and Navy as they prepare for their final rivalry game and what lies ahead after graduation, as well as a look at campus life leading up to the game. Tim Brando serves as host along with analyst Spencer Tillman. Vin DeVito produces and Linda Malino directs. Harold Bryant is Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.

Additionally, CBS Sports' broadcast of the Army-Navy game will also be streamed live on CBSSports.com.

                                                                                                  * * * * *

Army-Navy Notes with CBS Sports' Lead Play-by-Play Announcer Verne Lundquist

(On game being moved to second Saturday in December): I'm among those who are really thrilled that this game has moved to the second Saturday in December.  It deserves to stand on its own and get the attention of a national audience, and this insures that it will. 

(On what makes this broadcast special): Almost every other game that we televise throughout the year involves a lot of X's and O's.  This one is all about the rivalry and the emotions that are a part of the game, but also the emotions that surround the game.  You can never get too far removed from the commitment that everybody on the field has given this country.  You're reminded that these young men and young women in the stands who attend the academies have promised at least five years of service to the country and that's always a part of the fabric of the game.  We're also always very conscious of the Armed Forces Network telecast of our presentation that goes around the world.  And that we've got men and women who are committed to serving this country watching in very dangerous places. You never have them very far from your thoughts as you're doing this game. 

(On this year's game): This will be the second time I've been lucky enough to broadcast Army-Navy.  The first one was in 2000 and I learned then that this is a case where the records really don't mean anything.  Back in 2000, we had two 1-10 teams against each other.   And they played a classic that all of us enjoyed.  This year, there's a little more on the line.  You have Navy that already has earned a right in the Texas Bowl. Army has a chance to get into one for the first time in years if they win.  So there's a lot at stake for both of them

* * * * *

CBS Sports Contact:    Jen Sabatelle                           

                                    (212) 975-4120

                                    jsabatelle@cbs.com