In an impressive display of dominance, No. 25 Tulane defeated Navy 35-0, securing their place in the American Athletic Conference championship game. Makhi Hughes was a standout performer, rushing for 82 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Quarterback Darian Mensah also contributed significantly, passing for two touchdowns and running for another, as Tulane improved its record to 9-2 overall and 7-0 in conference play.
The victory sets up a championship showdown against No. 16 Army on December 6. The Green Wave’s defense was formidable, limiting Navy to just 113 yards and achieving their second shutout of the season. Sam Howard played a crucial role on defense, recording an interception and recovering a fumble.
Despite being outgained 359-113 on a blustery day, Tulane’s offense came alive after a slow start, scoring three touchdowns on drives of over 60 yards following initial struggles. Navy’s quarterback Blaze Horvath left the game with a rib injury, which significantly impacted the Midshipmen’s offense, resulting in their first shutout since 2020.
This win solidifies Tulane’s standing in the national rankings and highlights their potential as they head into the championship game. Looking forward, Tulane will face Memphis at home next Saturday, while Navy will travel to East Carolina on November 29.
The Green Wave’s performance this season has been commendable, showcasing their strength on both offense and defense. As they advance towards the championship, there is growing optimism about their prospects, and fans are hopeful for continued success in the coming matches.