By Garin Turner
The Navy Midshipmen (3-0, 2-0 AAC) return home Saturday to host the Rice Owls (3-1, 1-0 AAC) in a key American Athletic Conference clash. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. EST on CBSSN.
Season Recap
Navy has looked sharp through the first three weeks, outscoring opponents by a combined 132–54. The Midshipmen opened the year with a 52-7 rout of VMI, followed by a 38-24 win over UAB. Last week, they passed their first road test, overcoming turnovers to defeat Tulsa 42-23.
Offensive Firepower
Navy’s triple-option rushing attack has been unstoppable, leading the nation with 375.3 yards per game on the ground. Overall, the offense ranks 16th in FBS at 493.3 yards per game and sits 13th in scoring with 44 points per contest.
Three players already top the 200-yard rushing mark:
• Alex Tecza: 45 carries, 272 yards, 4 TDs
• Blake Horvath (QB): 41 carries, 245 yards, 3 TDs
• Eli Heidenreich (WR): 24 carries, 209 yards, 3 TDs
Horvath has also shown efficiency through the air, completing 72% of his passes for 328 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Heidenreich leads the receivers with 10 catches for 126 yards and a score.
Defensive Leaders
On defense, Navy has relied on steady playmaking in the front seven:
• MarcAnthony Parker: 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT
• Landon Robinson: 19 tackles, team-high 3.5 sacks
Keys to the Game
Navy’s ability to control the ground game will once again be central. The Owls enter averaging 246.3 rushing yards per game (15th in FBS), meaning Navy’s defense will need to hold its own in the trenches. On the flip side, Rice has allowed 132.5 rushing yards per game (62nd nationally), a number that Navy’s offense will look to exploit.
Prediction
Both teams thrive on pounding the ball, and this matchup should feature plenty of long, clock-eating drives. In the end, Navy’s balance and relentless rushing attack should prove too much for Rice.
Prediction: Navy 35, Rice 21
