This week’s episode of Yards and Stripes brought plenty of storylines as hosts Price Atkinson and Steve Carney broke down the latest from Navy, Air Force, and Army. It was a weekend of mixed results, highlighted by Navy’s comeback win, Air Force’s struggles at Utah State, and a big test on the horizon for Army.
Navy Overcomes Brutal Start at Tulsa
Navy looked dead in the water after three turnovers on its first three possessions at Tulsa, quickly falling into a 14–0 hole. But quarterback Blake Horvath and the Midshipmen stormed back for a 42–23 win, improving to 3–0 overall and 2–0 in the American. Horvath ran for 159 yards and a touchdown while also throwing for a score, supported by Alex Tecza and Eli Heidenreich in the ground game. The Navy defense clamped down, allowing just six second-half points and turning key stops into scoring drives.
Air Force Stumbles in Logan
Coming off a bye, Air Force fell flat against Utah State in its Mountain West opener, losing 49–30. The Falcons never led as Utah State QB Bryson Barnes accounted for five total touchdowns. Turnovers doomed Air Force, which coughed it up three times, including two interceptions. Backup QB Liam Sarka did provide three rushing touchdowns, but the defensive breakdowns and a disastrous third quarter proved too much. The Falcons now turn quickly to a primetime showdown with Boise State in Colorado Springs.
Army Faces Undefeated North Texas
While Navy gets a week off, Army hosts undefeated North Texas in its first American Athletic Conference game. The Black Knights enter at 1–1, coming off a bye, and will rely on QB Cale Hellums as they face a Mean Green offense that’s been nearly perfect in the red zone and has spread the ball to 12 different scorers. Oddsmakers shifted the line from Army as a slight favorite to a field-goal underdog, but Atkinson and Carney believe Michie Stadium gives the Cadets an edge.
