ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Cornerback Dashaun Peele turned the primary Navy participant to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a sport, Blake Horvath threw three scoring passes and the No. 25 Midshipmen routed Charlotte 51-17 on Saturday.
Navy improved to 6-0 for the primary time since 1979 and is 4-0 within the American Athletic Convention. The Midshipmen are bowl-eligible for the primary time since 2019. Charlotte dropped to 3-4 general and 2-1 in convention play.
“It is a staff that’s centered on the work and the method,” Navy coach Brian Newberry mentioned. “I assumed we have been going to be a bowl staff, however it was not primarily based on the expertise of our soccer staff, it was primarily based on the character and the intangibles and the work that we put it in.”
Peele had a 61-yard return and an 84-yarder. Navy compelled 5 turnovers, its most since 2019.
“I really feel like I used to be on the proper place on the proper time,” Peele mentioned. “All through the week, we have been form of engaged on these performs.”
Horvath was 7 of 13 for 117 yards. He has 10 landing passes this season, three shy of the varsity report set by Ricky Dobbs in 2010.
Navy fullback Alex Tecza scored three touchdowns within the first quarter on two runs contained in the crimson zone and a 46-yard reception.
“We actually put an emphasis on a fast begin,” Horvath mentioned. “It helps the protection out. It permits them to play extra free.”
Navy tight finish Cody Howard caught an 11-yard landing move and huge receiver Brandon Chatman had a 19-yard scoring reception.
Max Brown threw a pair of landing passes for Charlotte, a 20-yard strike to O’Mega Blake, and a 13-yarder to Duane Thomas Jr.
“It was very irritating,” Charlotte coach Biff Poggi mentioned. “It was an important sport for us and a sport we thought we might win. To start out that approach was the very last thing everybody thought we’d begin that approach. We labored all week on defending the soccer and we got here out the gate with a number of turnovers. Disappointing however we return to work.”
THE TAKEAWAY
Charlotte: Regardless of the blowout loss, the 49ers have received three of their final 5 video games with a roster that has 71 newcomers. Charlotte, in its tenth 12 months competing within the FBS, nonetheless can turn into bowl-eligible for the primary time since 2019.
Navy: The Midshipmen proceed to roll with a high-powered offense and protection that forces key turnovers. Navy is able to win the American Athletic Convention and maybe even earn a spot within the School Soccer Playoff.
RED-ZONE SUCCESS
Navy had been 20 for 20 scoring touchdowns contained in the crimson zone till Nathan Kirkwood transformed a 22-yard discipline purpose with 3:02 left within the first quarter.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
The Midshipmen are ranked for the primary time because the 2019 season after they have been twentieth after ending 11-2 and beating Kansas State within the Liberty Bowl. They might transfer up a spot or two, relying on how others fare.
UP NEXT
Charlotte: At Memphis on Saturday.
Navy: Faces No. 12 Notre Dame on Saturday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
___
AP faculty soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football. Join the AP’s faculty soccer publication: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25