COLORADO SPRINGS - When Navy arrived at Falcon Stadium on Saturday, October 5, Air Force knew that they had their work cut out for them. Even though the Falcons had won the previous four meetings between the academies, they have struggled this year on their way to a 1-3 record. The Midshipmen, on the other hand, entered the game with a perfect 4-0 mark that includes a 56-44 upset victory over #23 ranked Memphis. Oddsmakers figured the Falcons as a 10-point underdog.

A flyover before the game and at halftime ended up being Air Force’s two biggest highlights of the contest. Falcon quarterback Quentin Hays’ 45-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to Tre Roberson was the other. Hoping that it will become a trend in the future, it was Air Force’s first receiving touchdown of the season.

Ranked the third best rushing team in the country, Navy’s formidable ground attack dominated, registering 6.9 yards per carry for 329 yards on the day. Eli Heidenreich ran for 100 yards and caught five passes for a total of 101 yards. He is the first Midshipman since 2000 to achieve at least 100 yards rushing and receiving in the same game. Quarterback Blake Horvath ran for 115 yards and contributed two rushing touchdowns. Not since 2003 has Navy had two 100-yard rushers and a 100-yard receiver in a single outing. Alex Tecza ran the football into the endzone twice and Nathan Kent once on a 34-yard scamper. Final score: Navy 34, Air Force 7.

Next on tap, the Air Force Falcons play the New Mexico Lobos in a winnable game on October 12 in Albuquerque. Still in the running for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy and a prestigious bowl appearance, the Navy Midshipmen’s next game should be a cakewalk for their Homecoming against Charlotte in Annapolis on October 19.