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Air Force secured a major leg up in the chase for the Commander-in-Chief's trophy on Saturday as the Falcons knocked off Navy 23-3 and improved to 2-0 on the season while dropping Navy to 0-2. Stingy defense defined the win for Air Force, which allowed just 68 total yards and only 1.1 yards per carry against Navy's option attack.
The victory was Air Force's second straight in the series, marking the first time since 2010 and 2011 that the Falcons have knocked off Navy in consecutive seasons as the teams had traded victories the past seven years. But Saturday's game was also about more than just football as the 20-year anniversary of 9/11 added another layer to a historic rivalry.
Both teams ran onto the field toting American flags and wore alternate uniforms honoring the military. Ultimately, Air Force's option attack generated more push up front as fullback Brad Roberts mustered 97 yards rushing and two touchdowns while quarterback Haaziq Daniels contributed 51 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Air Force returns home next week to face Utah State in Mountain West play, while Navy is off next week before beginning AAC play at Houston on Sept. 25.
