Annapolis, MD — In a game that will be remembered for its explosive plays and relentless energy, the Navy Midshipmen emerged victorious over the Memphis Tigers with a 56-44 win at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. This thrilling matchup kept fans on the edge of their seats as both teams traded scores in a back-and-forth battle that showcased the best of college football.
The game kicked off with Memphis striking first, as Mario Anderson Jr. powered through Navy’s defense for a 7-yard touchdown run, giving the Tigers an early 7-0 lead. However, Navy quickly responded with a 5-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Blake Horvath, leveling the score at 7-7.
Memphis regained the lead later in the first quarter with a 57-yard touchdown run by Brandon Thomas, who displayed his incredible speed and vision, breaking through the Navy defense to put the Tigers up 14-7. The Midshipmen answered early in the second quarter with a spectacular 39-yard touchdown pass from Horvath to Eli Heidenreich, tying the game at 14-14. This was followed by a 12-yard rushing touchdown by Navy’s Brandon Chatman, which gave the Midshipmen their first lead of the game at 21-14.
The second quarter continued to be a showcase of offensive firepower. Memphis closed the gap with a 29-yard field goal by Caden Costa, making it 21-17. However, just before halftime, Horvath struck again with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, extending Navy’s lead to 28-17 as the teams headed into the locker rooms.
The third quarter saw both teams continuing their offensive onslaught. Navy came out strong, with Horvath connecting with Chatman for a 46-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Midshipmen’s lead to 35-17. Memphis quickly responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Seth Henigan to Roc Taylor, cutting Navy’s lead to 35-24. The Tigers kept the momentum going with a 5-yard touchdown run by Anderson Jr., bringing them within striking distance at 35-30 after a failed two-point conversion.
As the fourth quarter began, Navy once again showed their resilience. Horvath added another touchdown with a 7-yard run, making the score 42-30. Moments later, Horvath electrified the crowd with a stunning 90-yard touchdown run, pushing Navy’s lead to 49-30 and leaving Memphis scrambling to catch up.
Memphis refused to back down, as Henigan found Marcello Bussey for a 36-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to 49-38. With just over a minute left in the game, Anderson Jr. scored his third touchdown of the night with a 1-yard rush, bringing the score to 49-44. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Navy’s Rayuan Lane intercepted a pass and returned it 86 yards for a touchdown, sealing the Midshipmen’s 56-44 victory.
Blake Horvath was the standout performer for Navy, accounting for six total touchdowns—four rushing and two passing. He amassed 211 rushing yards on 12 carries, including his incredible 90-yard touchdown run, and threw for 192 yards. Brandon Chatman also played a crucial role, with 81 receiving yards and a touchdown, as well as 24 rushing yards and another score.
On the other side, Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan had a strong showing despite the loss, throwing for 371 yards and two touchdowns. Mario Anderson Jr. was a key contributor for the Tigers, rushing for 117 yards and three touchdowns, while Brandon Thomas added 125 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Navy’s Colin Ramos led the way with 20 tackles, including one for a loss. Rayuan Lane’s interception return for a touchdown in the final minute was the decisive play that ensured Navy’s victory. Memphis’s defense struggled to contain Navy’s dynamic rushing attack, allowing 361 yards on the ground.
“We knew this was going to be a tough game, but our guys showed incredible heart and determination,” said Navy Head Coach Brian Newberry. “Blake [Horvath] was outstanding, and the entire team executed our game plan to perfection. This win is a testament to the hard work these young men put in every day.”
With this win, Navy improves to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the American Athletic Conference, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the conference. Memphis falls to 3-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play, but their offensive prowess ensures they remain a formidable opponent moving forward.
The Midshipmen will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next game against the Air Force Falcons in what promises to be another intense rivalry matchup. Meanwhile, Memphis will aim to bounce back as they return home to face the Tulane Green Wave.
As the final whistle blew, the 31,268 fans in attendance at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium celebrated a victory that will be remembered for its thrilling action and dramatic finish. This game was a true showcase of the excitement and unpredictability that makes college football so special.
For more information on Navy Midshipmen football and upcoming games, visit www.navysports.com.
