In a game that highlighted Navy's offensive efficiency and defensive resilience, the Midshipmen cruised to a 41-18 victory over UAB at Protective Field in Birmingham. With this win, Navy remains undefeated at 4-0 (3-0 in conference), while UAB falls to 1-3 (0-1 in conference)
The game began under rainy conditions with a kickoff at 11:02 AM and lasted for 3 hours and 23 minutes. Despite the weather, Navy's offense ignited early, with quarterback Blake Horvath setting the tone with a 20-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Horvath was on fire, completing 9 of 11 passes for 225 yards, including two long touchdown passes of 77 and 74 yards to Nathan Kent and Eli Heidenreich, respectively.
Navy's ground game was equally impressive, racking up 227 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Running back Alex Tecza added another score with a 6-yard run in the second quarter, capping a grueling 14-play, 84-yard drive that chewed up nearly eight minutes of clock. Daba Fofana delivered the knockout blow with a 16-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the game for Navy.
UAB struggled to keep pace, though they fought hard in the second half. Quarterback Jacob Zeno threw for 202 yards and a touchdown but also had two costly interceptions. Iverson Hooks provided a spark for UAB, hauling in a 39-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Running back Lee Beebe Jr. punched in a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth, but it was too little, too late.
The game saw its share of penalties and turnovers, with UAB being flagged 11 times for 104 yards, while Navy had six penalties for 47 yards. Navy's defense played a crucial role in the victory, recording three sacks and forcing two interceptions, one of which was returned by Mbiti Williams Jr. Navy's disciplined play and ball control offense helped them dominate the time of possession, especially in the fourth quarter when they held the ball for over 11 minutes.
Kicker Nathan Kirkwood also shone for the Midshipmen, converting two long field goals from 45 and 46 yards, providing key insurance points as Navy extended their lead in the second half.
With an attendance of 21,536, the home crowd in Birmingham watched as UAB’s valiant efforts fell short against the well-oiled Navy machine. The Midshipmen’s ability to execute in both the passing and running game, combined with their defensive prowess, proved too much for UAB to handle.
Navy will look to continue their unbeaten run next week, while UAB will attempt to regroup and correct their mistakes as they head into the heart of their conference schedule.
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