ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Cornerback Dashaun Peele became the first Navy player to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a game, Blake Horvath threw three scoring passes and the No. 25 Midshipmen beat Charlotte 51-17 on Saturday.

Navy improved to 6-0 for the first time since 1979 and is 4-0 in the American Athletic Conference. The Midshipmen are eligible to play for the first time since 2019. Charlotte fell to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

“It’s a team that focuses on work and process,” Navy coach Brian Newberry said. “I thought we were going to be a bowl team, but that wasn't based on the talent of our football team, it was based on the character and the intangibles and the work we put in.”

Peele had a 61-yard return and an 84-yarder. Navy forced five turnovers, the most since 2019.

“I feel like I’m in the right place at the right time,” Peele said. “We’ve been working on these pieces all week.”

Horvath was 7 of 13 for 117 yards. He has 10 touchdown passes this season, three shy of the school record set by Ricky Dobbs in 2010.

Navy fullback Alex Tecza scored three touchdowns on two runs inside the red zone and a 46-yard reception in the first quarter.

“We really emphasized a quick start,” Horvath said. “It helps the defense. This allows them to play more freely.”

Midshipmen tight end Cody Howard caught an 11-yard touchdown pass and wide receiver Brandon Chatman had a 19-yard scoring reception.

Max Brown threw two touchdown passes for Charlotte, a 20-yard touchdown strike to O'Mega Blake and a 13-yarder to Duane Thomas Jr.

“It was very frustrating,” Charlotte coach Biff Poggi said. “It was a very important game for us and we thought we could win. Starting like this was the last thing anyone would have thought we would start like. We worked all week to protect the football and went out of the gate with several turnovers. Disappointing, but we’ll get back to work.”

THE TAKEAWAY

Charlotte: Despite the stunning loss, the 49ers have won three of their last five games with a roster that features 71 rookies. Charlotte, in its 10th year of FBS participation, can still become bowl eligible for the first time since 2019.

Navy: The Midshipmen continue to have a high-powered offense and defense that forces key turnovers. Navy is capable of winning the American Athletic Conference and perhaps even securing a spot in the College Football Playoff.

SUCCESSFUL IN THE RED ZONE

Navy was 20 for 20 touchdowns inside the red zone until Nathan Kirkwood converted a 22-yard field goal with 3:02 left in the first quarter.

IMPLICATIONS ON THE SURVEY

The Midshipmen are ranked for the first time since the 2019 season, when they finished 20th after going 11-2 and defeating Kansas State in the Liberty Bowl. They could move up a spot or two depending on how the others fare.

NEXT

Charlotte: In Memphis on Saturday.

Navy: Take on No. 12 Notre Dame on Saturday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey

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