By Garin Turner
Navy’s perfect start to the season remained intact Saturday as the Midshipmen overcame three first-quarter turnovers to defeat Tulsa 42-23. Quarterback Blake Horvath fueled the win with three rushing touchdowns and a passing score, pushing Navy to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the American Athletic Conference. Tulsa dropped to 1-2 and 0-1 in AAC play.
Early miscues, quick Tulsa lead
It was far from a smooth beginning for Navy. Horvath threw an interception on the game’s opening drive, lost a fumble on the next series, and tossed another pick three plays later. Tulsa capitalized each time, turning the giveaways into 14 quick points and building a 14-7 lead after the first quarter.
Midshipmen settle in
Momentum began to shift late in the opening quarter when Alex Tecza powered in from a yard out to cut the deficit. Navy’s defense soon joined the turnaround. Julien Moutome’s sack of Baylor Hayes forced a fumble, and Luke Pirris pounced on it, setting up Horvath’s first touchdown run — a two-yarder that tied the game at 14.
Tulsa briefly regained the lead with a field goal, but Navy struck back for good. Horvath connected with Luke Hutchison for a two-yard touchdown pass that gave the Midshipmen a 21-17 halftime advantage.
Navy takes control
The second half was all Navy. Eli Heidenreich scored from 10 yards out, and Tecza added his second touchdown on another one-yard plunge to extend the lead to 35-17. Horvath later capped his day with another rushing score before Brandon Chatman added a short touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Tulsa managed one final score but never threatened a comeback.
Key Performers
Passing
- Blake Horvath: 6 of 10, 94 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Rushing
- Horvath: 21 carries, 159 yards, 3 TDs
- Alex Tecza: 15 carries, 72 yards, 2 TDs
- Eli Heidenreich: 8 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD
- Brandon Chatman: 3 carries, 25 yards, 1 TD
Defense
- MarcAnthony Parker: 11 tackles, 0.5 sacks
- Luke Pirris: 8 tackles, 1 fumble recovery
What’s next
Navy now turns its attention to Rice next weekend before a high-stakes showdown with Air Force. The Midshipmen also have marquee matchups looming against 0-2 Notre Dame and No. 18 South Florida ahead of the annual Army-Navy clash that will close the season.
