Neither team was able to move the ball during their first two possessions. The Owls were forced to punt twice and the Mids punted once (61 yards) and missed a 45 yard field goal.
On FAU's third possession, they drove to the Navy four yard line before the quarter ended. Junior half back Jonathan Wallace led the Owls with 45 yards on 10 carries in the first quarter.
Navy was able to gain only 16 yards on 6 carries for the first quarter.