Navy football dominated Memphis in the second half on Thanksgiving night to secure a share of the AAC regular-season title. The Midshipmen built a dominant defensive performance after halftime, holding the Tigers to just 58 yards and pitching a complete shutout. Navy improves to 9-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play, setting the stage for one more potential conference championship appearance.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Alex Tecza rushed for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns on 26 carries from the Navy ground game
- Navy’s defense held Memphis to just 58 yards in the second half while recording 5 sacks
- Navy clinches at least a share of the AAC regular-season title with the victory
- 27,082 fans attended at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis on November 27
Navy Dominates Second Half in Dominant Fashion
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The Navy Midshipmen came out flat in the first half, finding themselves trailing 17-14 at intermission. Memphis played well early, with quarterback Brendon Lewis connecting on touchdown passes to Matt Adcock and Cortez Braham Jr. to build the lead. The Tigers appeared poised for an upset victory on their home field.
Navy’s halftime adjustments proved decisive. The defense took complete control, forcing Memphis into three-and-outs and generating constant pressure. Running back Alex Tecza carried the offensive load, punching in his second touchdown of the game on a 12-yard run early in the third quarter to give Navy the lead for good.
Tecza and Horvath Lead Dominant Second-Half Surge
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Alex Tecza was the driving force behind Navy’s powerful second-half comeback. His 103 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns showcased the Midshipmen’s ability to control the game on the ground. Tecza’s physical running style wore down Memphis’ defensive line as the game progressed.
Blake Horvath orchestrated the offensive strategy with poise, accounting for 2 touchdowns while adding 100 passing yards and 54 rushing yards. Navy’s balanced attack kept Memphis’ defense off-balance, allowing the Midshipmen to dominate time of possession. Navy controlled the football for over 23 minutes in the second half compared to just 6:38 for Memphis.
Navy Defense Shuts Down Memphis in Second Half
| Statistic | Navy | Memphis |
| Second Half Yards Allowed | NA | 58 yards |
| Sacks Recorded | 5 sacks | NA |
| Second Half Shutout | Yes | 0 points |
| Final Score | 28 | 17 |
Navy’s defensive unit was suffocating, particularly in the second half. The secondary and pass rush worked in tandem to pressure Brendon Lewis, forcing hurried decisions and incomplete passes. Linebacker Luke Pirris posted a career-high 2 sacks. The performance marked the first time in 52 games that Memphis was held under 20 points, highlighting the strength of Navy’s dominant defensive display.
What This Victory Means for Navy’s Conference Championship Hopes
Navy’s share of the AAC regular-season title represents a significant accomplishment for the program. The Midshipmen finished the regular season strong after a slow start. Now they wait to see results from North Texas vs. Temple on Friday and Tulane vs. Charlotte on Saturday night to determine championship game implications.
Navy needs either North Texas or Tulane to lose to make the championship game. If both teams lose, Navy would earn a home conference championship game appearance. The victory demonstrates this team’s ability to execute under pressure and adapt to different defensive schemes, qualities that will be essential moving forward.
Can Navy Make It to the American Championship Game?
Everything is in Navy’s hands now—sort of. The Midshipmen put themselves in position by securing this share of the AAC title, but their path to the championship game depends on scoreboard watching. With North Texas at 10-1 overall (7-1 conference) and Tulane at 9-2 overall (6-1 conference), Navy will closely monitor Friday and Saturday’s outcomes.
Navy’s dominant second-half performance shows they can compete with anyone when their defense plays lights-out football. If the Midshipmen do make the championship game, they’ve proven they can dominate late against quality opponents. The question is whether the results break Navy’s way in the next 48 hours.
Navy’s Road Ahead
Regardless of championship game placement, Navy’s 9-2 season has been a remarkable success. The Midshipmen’s ability to execute Navy football principles—strong defense, physical running game, and clock management—proved too much for Memphis on Thanksgiving night.
Watch: Navy vs Memphis Game Highlights
Sources
- ESPN – Official game recap and box score from Navy vs Memphis
- Naval Academy Athletics – Navy football official game commentary and statistics
- Associated Press – Game report covering player performance and conference implications
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.