By Garin Turner
The Navy Midshipmen (2–0, 1–0 AAC) look to extend their winning streak to six games dating back to 2024 when they host the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1–1, 0–0 AAC) on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+. This marks Navy’s first 2–0 start since 2016–17, and they’ll try to keep the momentum rolling in American Conference play.
Series History
- Navy leads the all-time series 8–2.
- The last meeting came in 2022, a dominant 53–21 Midshipmen win.
- Tulsa has not beaten Navy since 2016.
Midshipmen Offense Rolling Early
Navy has leaned on its ground game and efficiency from its quarterbacks:
- QB Blake Horvath has been steady, completing 12 of 15 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 86 rushing yards and two scores on 20 carries.
- QB Braxton Woodson has also made an impact, rushing seven times for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
- RB Alex Tecza leads the rushing attack with 200 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries.
- Additional contributions: Shane Reynolds and Michael Barrow each have rushing touchdowns.
Through two weeks, Navy ranks:
- 1st in FBS in rushing at 379.5 yards per game.
- 19th in scoring at 45 points per game.
Passing Game Options
While Navy’s identity is on the ground, the receivers have stepped up when needed:
- Eli Heidenreich: 8 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD.
- Luke Hutchison: 2 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD.
- Cody Howard: 1 catch, 65 yards.
Explosive plays have complemented the run-heavy scheme, giving defenses another wrinkle to worry about.
Navy Defense
The Midshipmen defense has been solid, holding opponents to just 15.5 points per game (51st nationally).
Key defenders:
- Landon Robinson: 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks.
- Luke Pirris: 10 tackles, 0.5 sack.
- Job Grant & Griffen Willis: 10 tackles each.
- Justin Ross & Jaxson Campbell: 8 tackles each, 0.5 sack apiece.
- Kendall Whiteside, MarcAnthony Parker, Phillip Hamilton: all with sacks.
Navy has already recorded multiple sacks across the roster, showing a balanced defensive front that gets pressure from several spots.
What Tulsa Brings
Tulsa enters 1–1, looking for its first conference win. The Golden Hurricane are still searching for consistency on both sides of the ball and will need to control tempo to hang with Navy’s relentless rushing attack.
Keys to the Game
- Can Tulsa slow down Navy’s run game? Few teams have managed to in recent years, and the Midshipmen look as sharp as ever.
- Quarterback efficiency: Horvath and Woodson give Navy a dual look that could wear down Tulsa’s defense.
- Defensive pressure: Navy’s defense has spread the sack production; continuing to disrupt Tulsa’s backfield will be critical.
- Turnover margin: In close AAC matchups, giveaways often decide the outcome.
Prediction
Navy’s rushing attack looks unstoppable through two weeks, and their defense has been sturdy enough to keep opponents at bay. Tulsa will need big plays early to avoid falling behind, but Navy’s discipline and run-game dominance should carry them through.
Projected Final: Navy 34, Tulsa 17.
