The No. 25 Navy is back in the AP rankings for the first time since 2019. Blake Horvath, the quarterback of the Midshipmen who have suffered four consecutive losing seasons, is the most important player in this rise.

Navy (5-0,3-0 American Athletic Conference), will host Charlotte (3-3,2-0) on Saturday in its homecoming. All eyes will be on Horvath. He is a typical Midshipmen QB in that he leads his team in rushing, but also atypical in terms of his impressive passing statistics.

Horvath's dual-threat ability has propelled him to the BCS's top spot in ESPN's quarterback rating total (QBR), with a score of 92.8.

Charlotte coach Biff poggi stated, "They throw the ball much better than an option team normally throws it." The quarterback is a superstar.

Horvath was the star last month when he defeated AAC favorite Memphis 56-44. He rushed for 4 touchdowns, completed 9 out of 12 passes and scored two more.

Poggi stated that Memphis has many athletes who are on the defensive team. "He outran a number of guys."

Horvath ran 19 times, gaining 115 yards with two touchdowns. Horvath also threw 134 yards to help the Midshipmen end a four-season loss streak against the Falcons.

The turnaround has been remarkable for a Navy team that finished 5-7 in last season's AAC and was predicted to finish 11th. The Midshipmen could be off to a perfect start with a victory on Saturday for the first since 1979.

Brian Newberry, Navy's second year coach, said: "I'm most impressed by their ability to work and maintain focus." "Nothing has changed since the first week."

Charlotte, ranked 13th in AAC, has also exceeded its expectations. The 49ers are improving under Poggi's second-year leadership, as they have won three out of four games.

Newberry described the 49ers as a large, athletic and physical football team.

Charlotte's last game was a 55-24 win over East Carolina in October. It was the team's highest rushing yardage total since 2019.

Hahsaun wilson ran for 164 yard and three touchdowns while Deshawn purdie threw 206 yards on his second career start.

Purdie, a true freshman, is one of the three quarterbacks that have started 49ers games this season due to injuries.

After coming off the bench, he threw two touchdowns in the second-half of a come-from behind 21-20 win over Rice. He earned the start against East Carolina.

Both teams are in good shape as Navy and Charlotte have just finished their bye week. The 49ers are set to regain quarterback Max Brown who played in their first game.

Poggi stated that the decision would be made at game time. "We'll have both Brown and Purdie ready to go."

Field Level Media

(source: Reuters)