Navy vs. Air Force score, takeaways: Midshipmen snap four-game losing streak in rivalry, advance to 5-0

Air Force may have something in QB Quentin Hayes

John Busha, who started at quarterback against Navy, provides experience on an Air Force team that is desperately short of it. But the Falcons turned to sophomore Quentin Hayes in the second quarter and they probably shouldn't turn back. 

Hayes wasn't perfect, but he was a spark. He delivered Air Force's first passing touchdown of the year -- and only touchdown Saturday -- with a 45-yard strike to Tre Roberson. He also had a nice 34-yard pass in the third quarter, connecting with Roberson on third-and-13 while Navy defenders crashed down on him. 

Hayes produced three passing plays of at least 25 yards against a solid Navy secondary. He wasn't as effective with his legs, managing 17 yards on 11 carries, but Air Force also struggled to generate explosive rushing plays as a team. Hayes' arm, it seems, gives Air Force a chance to move the ball, at the very least. 

Drew Cronic emerges as one of nation's best coaches

Final: Navy 34, Air Force 7 

If you aren't familiar with the Navy offensive coordinator's name, it's time to educate yourself. He has been key to the Midshipmen's 180-degree turn this year and, just short of the season's midway point, he is establishing himself as one of the best coaches in the nation. 

Saturday's win against Air Force was a masterful display of his creative genius. Navy had several plays that took advantage of the motion that defenses expect from the triple option. Just look at this 34-yard touchdown, which starts as a speed option look and ends in some sort of jet sweep that puts the ball in the hands of Navy' fastest player, with nothing but green grass in front of him: 

Cronic has also introduced a legitimate passing element to Navy's offense. Instead of taking away from the triple option, though, it serves as a perfect complement. The Midshipmen have several plays that look like runs, at first, before evolving into a pass attempt. 

Like this connection between quarterback Blake Horvath, who fakes a quarterback power run to the left side of the field before pulling up and throwing across his body, and Eli Heidenreich, who makes a phenomenal toe-tapping catch to finish the play: 

Cronic's play calling twists opposing defenses into a pretzel, and it's a joy to watch a service academy be this creative and multi-faceted. 

Navy, end zone, again 

Final: Navy 34, Air Force 7

This game may be well in hand for the Midshipmen, but offensive coordinator Drew Cronic is still in his bag. Navy just added to its lead with a very creative touchdown. After the snap, two players lined up in Navy's backfield ran to the left side of the field. But Alex Tecza went the opposite direction and took the pitch from quarterback Blake Horvath. Air Force's defense, which bit on the false motion, was out of position to stop Tecza, who strolled into the end zone from 12 yards out. 

Navy's defense bends, but doesn't break 

Air Force had its best scoring opportunity of the day, as it moved the ball all the way to Navy's 11-yard line in eight plays -- its longest drive of the game. But Navy buckled down at that point and forced a fourth-and-5. Down 20 points, the Falcons had to go for it. Quarterback Quentin Hayes, who dropped back to pass, came under immediate pressure and was unable to get rid of the ball before Navy's defenders dragged him to the ground. Hayes has played well since entering the game in the second quarter, but that's a situation where you have to do everything you can to at least put the ball in play. Air Force comes away from its best scoring opportunity with nothing to show for it as a result. 

Navy in cruise control 

End 3Q: Navy 27, Air Force 7 

Navy's fourth touchdown of the afternoon, scored in the third quarter, means that the Midshipmen have now managed 211 points through (almost) five entire games this season. That means they are two points short of exceeding their 12-game total from the 2023 campaign. If you're still wondering whether or not Navy's offense is for real, the answer is a resounding yes. This game is the perfect showcase. 

Blake Horvath has stolen the show, but the Midshipmen's deep skill talent is also flexing. Eli Heidenreich had a phenomenal toe-drag grab in the second quarter, and back Alex Tecza looks comfortable toting the rock out of the backfield. That's not to mention speedster Nathan Kent, who took a reverse for a 34-yard touchdown, and powerful runner Daba Fofana. This Navy offense can hurt teams in so many ways. 

The good news for Air Force is that it may have found something in new quarterback Quentin Hayes. He delivered Air Force's first passing touchdown of the year and also had a nice 34-yard pass, with pressure in his face, to Tre Roberson in the third quarter. He's been a bit of a spark, at the very least. 

Navy misses field goal 

Okay, maybe one of Navy's units isn't firing on all cylinders. The Midshipmen missed an extra point earlier in the fourth quarter following their fourth touchdown of the game, and they just had a field goal attempt near the end of the third quarter blocked. The punting team has had a solid day, but so far Navy's field goal squad is the only part of this team getting a failing grade. 

Navy finds the end zone again 

Late 3Q: Navy 27, Air Force 7 

Navy may have just ripped Air Force's heart out. The Midshipmen embarked on a 14-play, 76-yard drive to score their fourth touchdown of the afternoon. Alex Tecza capped things with a 7-yard rushing touchdown, as he ripped through the middle of the Falcon's defense untouched. Navy's drive took 6:20 off the clock, and it came right after the defense cut Air Force's second-half opening drive short after just four plays. 

Navy also converted its second fourth-and-2 of the game -- despite the fact that it appeared as if Air Force had quarterback Blake Horvath dead to rights in the backfield -- to open the door for Tecza's touchdown run. A 20-point hole might be too deep for this Air Force offense to dig out of. 

Air Force needs big second half 

Which isn't great news for the Falcons, as the last 30 minutes have not been kind to them this season. Air Force is averaging 3.3 points in the second half of games, which is fewest in FBS. Its rushing production also drops by over 50 yards to 60.3 yards per game and its total yards drops by almost 70 to 86.8 per game over the third and fourth quarters, as well. That's not going to do when you're facing a 21-7 deficit against one of your biggest rivals. 

Navy parlays excellent catch into touchdown 

Late 2Q: Navy 21, Air Force 7

Navy made full use of Eli Heidenreich's phenomenal toe-drag catch, which gave the Midshipmen the ball on Air Force's 13-yard line. A handful of plays later, Horvath kept the ball for his second touchdown of the game. The Midshipmen have now scored touchdowns in all 16 of their red zone trips on the season. This is also Horvath's fifth multi-touchdown game in 2024, and third in the last four in which he managed at least two rushing touchdowns. 

Heidenreich snags phenomenal catch

Another awesome play call from Navy offensive coordinator Drew Cronic, with awesome execution from Navy's skill players. Quarterback Blake Horvath initially acted like he was going to run a quarterback power play to the left side of the field. Before passing the line of scrimmage, though, he pulled up to pass and delivered a cross-field throw to back Eli Heidenreich. Heidenreich made a phenomenal play to reach out and secure the ball while dragging one foot in bounds. The play was initially called incomplete, but replay showed that Heidenreich got a toe down before falling to the sideline. 

Air Force drops chance to fully shift momentum 

After scoring its first passing touchdown of the year and forcing Navy into a fourth-and-20 with solid defense and penalties, Air Force had a real chance to completely shift momentum. The Falcons, who dug themselves into a 14-0 hole, missed out on the opportunity. They were forced into a third-and-5 and, instead of putting the ball into new quarterback Quentin Hayes' hands, they ran a quick pitch outside the tackles that Navy stuffed well short of the line to gain. Another punt, and now Navy can expand its lead back to two possessions. 

QB change pays off for Air Force

Early 2Q: Navy 14, Air Force 7 

Maybe Air Force has found something. The Falcons benched starting quarterback John Busha on their first offensive drive in the second quarter, turning to sophomore Quentin Hayes in his stead. After a couple of nice gains, and a personal foul on Navy that moved the ball into Midshipmen territory, Hayes dropped back to pass on first-and-10. He threw a dart to wide receiver Tre Roberson on a crossing route. Hayes did the rest of the work, breaking a couple of tackles and racing down the sideline for a huge 45-yard touchdown. 

That might be the spark that Air Force's offense needs after tallying 31 yards of offense in the entire first quarter. It certainly swings some momentum, thanks to a gutsy change from Troy Calhoun and his coaching staff. 

Air Force makes a change at QB 

Air Force is doing what it can to spark a stagnant offense. After amassing just 31 yards of offense in the first quarter, the Falcons are turning to sophomore Quentin Hayes at quarterback. Starting QB John Busha missed on both of his first two pass attempts and also threw an ill-advised interception that led to Navy's second touchdown of the year. This is Hayes' second appearance of the year, and of his career, after he earned brief playing time against Baylor earlier in the season. 

Navy has big lead after one 

End 1Q: Navy 14, Air Force 0 

So far, Navy has looked exactly like we would expect. The Midshipmen shook off a sluggish start on offense to open up a comfortable lead, scoring touchdowns on each of their last two drives in the first quarter. While quarterback Blake Horvath did hit on a couple nice passing plays, Navy -- as one would expect -- got a lot of work done on the ground. It had exactly 100 yards rushing, with one of its touchdowns coming on a 1-yard keeper from Horvath and the other on a 34-yard reverse from Nathan Kent. 

With that, Navy had at least 100 yards rushing in a single quarter for the sixth time this season. Hat tip to Navy's defense, which also flexed its muscles. The Mids held Air Force to 0-for-3 on third-down conversions and allowed just 31 net total yards. Navy also came down with an interception, which it turned into its second touchdown of the day. 

Navy turns overturned fumble into touchdown 

Late 1Q: Navy 14, Air Force 0

Just a couple plays after Navy's defense intercepted a pass and returned the ball into Air Force territory, the Falcons' defense came up with what looked like a huge play to keep things from rolling out of control. Navy back Alex Tecza ripped off a big run. As he was going to the ground, though, an Air Force defender ripped the ball out of his arms. The Falcons jumped on the apparent fumble and took possession. However, replay review showed that Tecza was down by contact before he lost possession. 

Air Force's defense did make a stop on third-and-2, but the Mids lined up to go for it. Navy offensive coordinator Drew Cronic drew up a beautiful play to not only net the conversion but score a touchdown that extended Navy's lead. It appeared as if quarterback Blake Horvath was going to keep it on a speed option look, but at the last minute he pitched it to Nathan Kent, who was running a reverse. Kent ran into wide open space on the opposite side of the field and used his speed to finish the 34-yard score. 

Navy's defense making a difference 

Not to be outdone, Navy's defense just had a game-changing play of its own. Air Force was forced into a third-and-7 on its ensuing drive after Navy's long touchdown mark. With plenty of yardage to gain, Air Force quarterback John Busha rolled to the left and lofted a pass deep downfield. There were plenty of Navy defenders around the ball, but it was Midshipmen defensive back Dashaun Peele that got a nice jump on the ball and snagged it out of the air. A nice 21-yard return from Peele gave his offense the ball at Air Force's 41-yard line. 

Navy strikes first 

Mid 1Q: Navy 7, Air Force 0 

It certainly didn't take long for Navy to find its footing. After a sluggish, out-of-sync start, Navy's offense returned to its high standard on the second drive. The Midshipmen didn't have a single negative play and quarterback Blake Horvath did a lot of the work himself, including a 24-yard pass that put the ball right on the doorstep of Air Force's goal line. There, Horvath plunged in from one yard out to give his team an early lead. Navy is now 15-for-15 in red zone scoring opportunities this season, the longest such streak in a decade. All 15 of those scores have been touchdowns. 

Sluggish start in Colorado 

Two possessions, two punts. Neither Navy nor Air Force could make much happen on their first drives. In fact, the Midshipmen finished with a net loss in yardage if you count a false start call. The Falcons were able to at least make it fourth-and-1, but elected to punt the ball away. That could have been a smart decision. Navy return man Eli Heidenreich fielded the ball with one knee down and the play was called dead at Navy's own 13-yard line. 

Navy's explosive offense will get things started 

Air Force won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, which means that Navy's explosive offense will take the field first. The Midshipmen currently lead the American Athletic Conference in scoring with 46 points per game, behind the arms and legs of star quarterback Blake Horvath. But Air Force has had Navy's number in recent years. Amid a four-game winning streak for the Falcons, Air Force is allowing just 6.5 points per game. It's always a fascinating chess match when these two face off. 

Navy vs. Air Force prediction 

Although history certainly isn't on Navy's side, this is a game -- on paper, at least -- that the Midshipmen should win hand handily. Air Force has last each of its three games against FBS opponents by at least two possessions. The Falcons haven't been particularly great on either side of the ball. They scored in double digits for just the second time this season by putting 19 points on the board against Wyoming in Week 5 and they still lost 31-19. Two of Air Force's opponents this year have broken the 30-point mark, and now it has to face a Navy team that leads the AAC in scoring with 46 points per game.  Pick: Navy -9.5 (-113)

Navy vs. Air Force live stream, where to watch, TV channel, kickoff time, prediction, pick, odds, spread

Will Backus

A look into Air Force's struggles 

While Navy's offense has been lighting opponents up, Air Force's has struggled to establish any sort of momentum this year. It's not an exaggeration to call the Falcons one of the worst offenses in the entire nation. Just take a look at the numbers: 

• Points per game: 12.5 (131st in FBS) 
• Yards per game: 243 (131st) 
• Yards rushing per game: 176.8 (Fewest since 1981) 
  
• Passing touchdowns: Zero (Only school in FBS without one)

Air Force's struggles extend well beyond this season. After a scorching 8-0 start to the 2023 campaign, in which the Falcons earned their first College Football Playoff ranking in program history, they're 1-7 in their last eight games. Take out a win against FCS Merrimack, and that translates into 0-7 against FBS opponents since Oct. 28, 2023. The Falcons haven't started a season 1-4 since 2017. 

Horvath keying Navy's surprising aerial attack 

Navy is currently averaging just under 180 yards passing per game, which isn't impressive in a vacuum but it is their highest such total since joining the American Athletic Conference a decade ago. The Midshipmen are still a triple option team. That isn't going anywhere. But quarterback Blake Horvath has added an extra dimension to this offense with his arm. He's the only FBS quarterback this season with two 70-yard passing touchdowns in the same game -- both came in a Week 5 win against UAB -- and his QBR of 95.8 ranks first in the country. He's averaging 45.4 yards per touchdown pass, which paces the FBS. Horvath and Alabama's Jalen Milroe are also the first players with 7-plus rushing and 7-plus passing touchdowns through their first four games since Lamar Jackson in 2016. 

Navy QB Blake Horvath can run -- and throw: Inside his prolific high school career, one-school recruitment

Allen Trieu

Service academy resurgence 

Army and Navy are both 4-0 for the first time since 1945 after the Midshipmen thrashed UAB 41-18 on Saturday. Navy's dominant win followed Army's 42-14 dismantling of Temple on Thursday night as both service academies have emerged as legitimate powers in the AAC.

The Black Knights and Midshipmen are also the last remaining undefeated teams in the AAC and among a dwindling number of unbeaten Group of Five teams. Entering Week 5, the only other unbeaten Group of Five squads were James Madison, Liberty and UNLV.

Now it's up to Air Force to catch up. The Falcons would love to get things back on track by downing one of their top rivals. 

Army, Navy each start 4-0 for first time since 1945 as service academies remain in thick of CFP race

David Cobb

Commander-In-Chief's Trophy primer 

Though a loss doesn't immediately eliminate either school from CIC contention, there's obviously a lot on the line in Saturday's game. Navy has lost its last four combined games against Army and Air Force -- its longest skid in the series in 30 years. Air Force, meanwhile, hasn't been swept in the CIC series since 2017. Both Navy and Army, off to respective 4-0 starts for the first time since 1945, are shaping up to be formidable opponents. 

Here's what you need to know about the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy as the first leg kicks off Saturday afternoon: