Navy vs. Tulane AAC Battle

The Navy Midshipmen (7-2, 5-1 AAC) host the No. 25 Tulane Green Wave (8-2, 6-0 AAC) this Saturday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, in a matchup with conference title implications. Tulane, riding a seven-game win streak, looks to secure its spot in the American Athletic Conference Championship, while Navy, with a Senior Day crowd behind them, aims to keep their championship hopes alive. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

This game features two contrasting yet potent offenses and disciplined defenses. Navy, powered by its triple-option attack, averages 259.1 rushing yards per game, ranking fifth nationally. Junior quarterback Blake Horvath has been the key of this success, rushing for 870 yards and 13 touchdowns while also adding 1,154 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes. His dual-threat capabilities make him one of the most dynamic players in the AAC​​.

On the other side, Tulane showcases a balanced offense that ranks in the top 25 nationally in scoring (41.0 points per game) and rushing (227.8 yards per game). Running back Makhi Hughes has been a force on the ground, rushing for 1,209 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Darian Mensah has also been efficient, throwing for 2,142 yards and 16 touchdowns with only four interceptions​.

To counter Tulane’s versatile attack, Navy will rely heavily on its defense, which has excelled in red-zone situations, ranking sixth nationally. Safety Rayuan Lane III, the team’s leader in forced turnovers, and cornerback DaShaun Peele, who has four interceptions this season, will be critical in controlling Mensah’s passing game​​.

Offensively, Navy’s ability to execute big plays could be pivotal. The Midshipmen rank fourth nationally with 16 plays of 40+ yards this season. Horvath’s mobility, paired with contributions from running back Alex Tecza, who has scored 12 touchdowns this year, could create problems for Tulane if the Green Wave’s defense falters​.

The Green Wave’s path to victory lies in their ability to establish the run early and control time of possession. Hughes, who has rushed for over 100 yards in seven games this season, leads an offense that has scored 28 rushing touchdowns, ranking 10th nationally​.

Defensively, Tulane has been opportunistic, leading the nation in non-offensive touchdowns with eight. Defensive Tackle Patrick Jenkins, a disruptive force up front, will be tasked with containing Horvath and Navy’s backfield​​.

The stakes in Saturday's contest could not be higher. A win for Tulane secures their spot in the AAC Championship, while a Navy victory keeps their championship aspirations alive and introduces potential tiebreak scenarios. Navy’s undefeated home record this season and their Senior Day energy will add to the intensity.

With both teams bringing momentum and talent into the contest, fans can expect a hard-fought game with championship implications hanging in the balance.