Tulane Dominates Temple, Navy Midshipmen Aim for Big Win vs. Tulane
Tulane Green Wave Dominates Temple, Navy Midshipmen Eye Biggest Win of the Season
In a crucial American Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup, No. 25 Tulane (8-2, 6-0 AAC) travels to Annapolis, Maryland, to face the Navy Midshipmen (7-2, 5-1 AAC) at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium this Saturday. Both teams are vying for the second spot in the AAC standings, with Tulane currently holding an undefeated conference record, while Navy is closely trailing. With both teams aiming for a coveted spot in the AAC Championship, this game promises to be a high-stakes showdown.
The last time these two teams met was in 2020, when Navy stunned Tulane with a 27-24 victory as 5.5-point underdogs. Will the Midshipmen pull off another upset, or will Tulane continue its dominant run towards the AAC title game? Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in this intriguing matchup.
Tulane Green Wave: Dominant Performance Against Temple
Tulane enters this game riding a seven-game win streak, including a dominant 52-6 victory over Temple on November 9. Despite a lighter schedule after early-season losses to Oklahoma and Kansas State, Tulane has shown no signs of overlooking weaker opponents. Their performance against Temple was a statement, with the Green Wave holding the Owls to just 158 total yards and five first downs. Offensively, Tulane racked up 589 yards and 26 first downs. Running back Makhi Hughes led the charge with 153 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 completions. This efficiency is a hallmark of the Green Wave’s offensive attack, which has been one of the most potent in the AAC.
Tulane’s offensive balance is one of the key reasons for their success this season. Their rushing attack ranks 10th nationally, averaging 227.8 yards per game, and their defense is just as dominant, ranking 16th in total yards allowed (308.9 per game). With a defense that stifles opposing offenses and a well-balanced attack, Tulane will look to continue its winning ways as they close in on an AAC title game berth.
Quarterback Darian Mensah has been efficient all season, completing 65.6% of his passes for 2,059 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. The real driving force for the Green Wave, however, is Makhi Hughes, who has rushed for 1,209 yards and 13 touchdowns on 5.7 yards per carry. His ability to control the ground game will be crucial against Navy’s run-oriented defense. Mario Williams, a big-play wide receiver, has added 655 yards on 38 receptions, contributing three touchdowns.
Navy Midshipmen: Searching for Signature Win Over Tulane
The Navy Midshipmen have had an up-and-down season, but with a solid 7-2 record, they are still in the hunt for an AAC Championship berth. After a tough 51-14 loss to Notre Dame, where turnovers played a significant role, and a 24-10 defeat to Rice that was marred by a lengthy weather delay, Navy bounced back with a 28-7 win over South Florida. This victory allowed Navy to secure a bowl berth, but their aspirations extend beyond that. To stay in contention for the AAC title, Navy needs a signature win over Tulane.
Navy’s offense is centered around its triple-option attack, which has been effective in wearing down opposing defenses. The Midshipmen rank fifth in the nation in rushing yards, averaging 259.1 yards per game. Quarterback Blake Horvath is the key to this offense, leading the team with 870 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns while also contributing 1,154 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. Horvath’s dual-threat ability makes him a difficult player to contain, and he will need to be at his best if Navy hopes to upset Tulane.
Despite being known for their run-heavy attack, Navy has a passing game that they can lean on when needed. Eli Heidenreich, Navy’s top receiver, has caught 30 passes for 556 yards and five touchdowns. Alex Tecza, the fullback, is also a key contributor, with 56 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with a 38-yard receiving touchdown last week.
Conclusion
As Tulane eyes an AAC title game appearance, Navy will be looking to make a statement and pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season. Both teams have solid records and unique strengths, but Tulane’s all-around dominance on both sides of the ball should carry them to victory. Navy’s ability to execute its option offense and control the clock will be key to staying competitive, but ultimately, Tulane’s talent and depth should prove too overwhelming. This game could be a defining moment for both teams’ postseason aspirations.
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