College football scores took center stage on Thanksgiving night as the Navy Midshipmen delivered a stunning performance to defeat the Memphis Tigers 28-17 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The victory clinched at least a share of the American Athletic Conference regular-season title for the Midshipmen, capping a thrilling holiday matchup that showcased Navy’s dominant second-half defense.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Navy improves to 9-2 overall and 7-1 in American Conference play with clinched share of title
- Alex Tecza led the Midshipmen with 103 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 26 carries
- Blake Horvath accounted for 2 total touchdowns (1 passing, 1 rushing) in dominant effort
- Navy held Memphis scoreless in second half, forcing defensive shutdown on Thanksgiving
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The Midshipmen’s defense proved to be the difference-maker in Memphis, shutting down the Tigers after halftime. Though Memphis led 17-14 at the break, Navy’s defensive adjustments came through when it counted most. The Midshipmen scored on each of their final two possessions, with Tecza’s 12-yard TD run with 1:01 remaining in the third quarter putting Navy ahead 21-17.
Blake Horvath capped the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run with 4:53 left in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 28-17. The Midshipmen’s ground game proved unstoppable, leaning heavily on their running attack throughout. Horvath also completed 5 of 9 passes for 100 yards including a 3-yard TD pass to Kendall Evans in the first half.
| Player | Statistics |
| Alex Tecza (Navy) | 103 rushing yards, 2 TD |
| Blake Horvath (Navy) | 100 passing yards, 54 rushing, 2 TD |
| Brendon Lewis (Memphis) | 172 passing yards, 2 TD |
| Cortez Braham Jr. (Memphis) | 38-yard TD reception |
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The Tigers entered Thanksgiving night in contention for the conference title alongside Navy, but couldn’t muster enough offense in the second half. Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis had a solid performance early, completing 19 of 36 passes for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a spectacular 38-yard TD pass to Cortez Braham Jr. with 1:43 left in the half.
Memphis finished the regular season at 8-4 overall and 4-4 in conference play after dropping three consecutive games. The Tigers end their season without a bowl guarantee, while Navy’s impressive win keeps them in the hunt. Navy now holds a half-game lead over both North Texas and No. 24 Tulane, who each have one remaining game to complete their regular seasons this weekend.
Navy’s Defensive Adjustments Frame Second-Half Shift
Navy’s defense made critical in-game adjustments that proved devastating to Memphis in the second half. After allowing 17 points in the first two quarters, the Midshipmen held Memphis scoreless for the final 30 minutes. The defensive line put consistent pressure on Lewis, forcing rushed decisions and preventing deep strikes downfield.
The Midshipmen’s secondary stay tight on Memphis receivers throughout the second half, forcing Lewis to hold the ball longer and resulting in several incomplete passes. Navy’s ability to execute defensive schemes showcased why the Midshipmen remain in contention for the American Athletic Conference title entering bowl eligibility discussions.
What’s Next for Navy in Conference Championship Race?
Navy holds the advantage heading into the final week of the regular season, but both North Texas and Tulane control their own destinies with upcoming games. The Mean Green face Temple on Friday while the Green Wave host Charlotte on Saturday. Navy will prepare for their final regular-season matchup against Army on December 13th, which could determine final seeding implications.
The Thanksgiving victory proved significant for Navy’s postseason aspirations and conference standing. Building momentum with impressive second-half execution, the Midshipmen demonstrated why they belong in the conversation for an American Athletic Conference crown. Naval Academy fans celebrated the dominant performance as their team took a crucial step toward their championship ambitions.
Watch: Navy Defeats Memphis Highlights
Sources
- ESPN – Game recap and player statistics from Thanksgiving matchup
- USA Today – Live updates and in-game highlights of Navy-Memphis contest
- CBS Sports – Conference standings and bowl eligibility implications
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.