Navy Rides Ground Attack, Turnovers To Sink Memphis

Nobody expected to see the type outcome we witnessed Saturday evening in Memphis.  Sure everyone believes in "their team," but nobody expected to see this type of lopsided victory.  In the end Memphis found themselves steamrolled and looking back thinking "what happened?"

Navy came to Memphis with a high powered rushing attack and a defense that has faired well throughout the season.  The Navy rushing attack rolled in dominant fashion and their defense kept drives from ending in touchdowns.  The Tigers were allowed the space to move down the field and picked up plenty of yardage but could rarely find the end zone.  In fact, Navy held Memphis to a season low 20 points.

The Midshipmen rode a rushing wave headlined by fullback Chris Swain.  Swain rushed for 3 touchdowns and 108 yards on 18 carries.  The Navy rushing unit combined for 374 yards and averaged just short of 6 yards per carry.

Memphis struck first marching quickly down field on their opening drive.  In only 4 plays, including a 60 yard bomb to Daniel Montiell, Paxton Lynch would lead the Tigers to the end zone.  The drive lasted only 81 seconds before Lynch connected with Anthony Miller for the Tiger touchdown.

The first half would, from here on out, belong to Navy as Swain would rush for two scores.  The Navy defense would keep the Memphis offense at bay limiting the Tigers to only a Jake Elliot field goal.  To cap off the defensive performance Navy would force Paxton Lynch to throw only his second interception of the season.  After trading punts for most of the half, Midshipman Daniel Gonzalez would intercept Lynch and set up an Austin Grebe field goal, giving Navy the 7 point lead going in to the half.

Memphis would quickly tie the game on their first drive of the second half.  Not to be outdone however, Keenon Reynolds would show off his throwing power and quickly connect with a wide open DeBrandon Sanders for a 75 yard passing touchdown.  The Tigers would never come closer than 4 points.

Navy finished the game giving up yards, but not points thanks to Memphis turnovers.  In all the Midshipmen were able to force 3 turnovers.  The Navy offense would benefit from the turnovers and tack on 28 second half points which would prove more than enough to stun the Tigers.  In the end the Midshipmen would leave their first visit to Memphis with a 45-20 victory.