The 9-3 Navy Midshipmen emerged victorious against their long-standing rivals, the 11-2 Army Black Knights, snapping a two-year losing streak in a thrilling contest. In the 125th edition of “America’s Game,” Navy showcased a powerful performance led by quarterback Blake Horvath, while Army struggled to maintain possession, plagued by turnovers that ultimately cost them the game.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
Navy’s offense had a standout day, racking up a total of 378 yards, with an impressive 271 of those coming on the ground. Horvath was instrumental in this success, completing 4-of-9 passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns. But he didn’t stop there—his legs were just as effective, as he added 204 rushing yards and two more scores. This dual-threat capability kept Army’s defense on its heels throughout the game.
The Midshipmen jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, establishing control early. However, Army’s quarterback Bryson Daily responded by connecting with Hayden Reed for a 23-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 14-7 at halftime. The stage was set for a fierce second half.
Second Half Action
Army opened the second half with determination, driving down the field and capping off their efforts with a field goal, narrowing the gap to 14-10. But Navy wasted no time in responding. Horvath unleashed a 52-yard touchdown pass to Eli Heidenreich, extending Navy’s lead to 21-10. Army managed to respond with another field goal, but it became evident that they were struggling to keep pace with the Midshipmen’s relentless attack.
Daily, who finished fifth in Heisman voting this year, had a day to forget. He threw three interceptions, two of which came in the second half. With only 65 yards passing and a single touchdown, his inability to protect the football allowed Navy to dominate possession. The Midshipmen’s defense effectively limited Daily’s rushing ability as well, holding him to just 52 yards on the ground.
Final Score and Bowl Game Outlook
As the game wound down, Navy solidified their victory with a 27-yard field goal from Lance Gossett, pushing the score to 31-13. With time running out, Navy began to kneel down, sealing the win and marking a significant moment in their rivalry with Army.
Both teams will have another chance to showcase their talents in bowl season. Army is set to face Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl on December 28, while Navy will take on Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl on December 27. These matchups promise to be exciting as both teams aim to build on their seasons.
Game Statistics
The game statistics tell the story of Navy’s dominance:
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | F | |
| Army | 0 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 13 |
| Navy | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 31 |
Game Recap
The game began with Navy striking first. Horvath’s one-yard touchdown run put the Midshipmen ahead 7-0. After an interception by Daily, Navy capitalized with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Horvath to Brandon Chatman, extending their lead to 14-0.
Army finally found their rhythm, as Daily connected with Reed for a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Navy’s momentum. The Midshipmen’s defense consistently pressured Daily, forcing him into mistakes that would ultimately define the game.
As the clock ticked down, Navy’s fake punt play became a highlight of the game, demonstrating their creativity and confidence. The successful play led to another touchdown, further sealing Army’s fate.
Looking Ahead
With the rivalry game behind them, both teams will now shift their focus to their respective bowl games. These matchups will be crucial for showcasing their skills and potentially setting the stage for next season. Fans can expect both teams to come out strong, eager to end the season on a high note.
This year’s Army-Navy game was not just a battle for bragging rights; it was a testament to the spirit of college football, where tradition and rivalry come together in a celebration of athleticism and camaraderie. As we look forward to the bowl games, one thing is clear: the passion and intensity of college football are alive and well.
