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The Army-Navy game never fails to deliver a spectacle, and this year’s matchup was no exception. Navy came out on top, dominating Army in a way few could have predicted. With a game plan that stifled Army’s usual ground attack, Navy’s defense forced Army to stray from their preferred style of play, ultimately sealing the victory. The defense, led by standout players like Landon Robinson, proved too much for Army’s offense, while Navy’s Blake Horvath played a key role on both sides of the ball. This victory not only brought Navy an impressive win but also set the stage for potential big moments ahead in their bowl game against Oklahoma.
Meanwhile, Jackson State’s defense shined in their HBCU championship victory over South Carolina State, showcasing their resilience under head coach TC Taylor. With key plays on both offense and defense, Jackson State continued to solidify their dominance in the HBCU ranks. Players like Jacobean Morgan and Isaiah Spencer were crucial in the win, with Spencer’s explosive 67-yard play highlighting the offense’s efficiency. The victory marked another milestone for Jackson State, building momentum as they move forward into the offseason.
Elsewhere, South Alabama and Western Michigan faced off in a crucial bowl game, where South Alabama emerged victorious despite missing their top two quarterbacks. Bishop Davenport stepped up in a big way, leading the team to a strong performance against Western Michigan, with standout plays from Jeremiah Webb and Kendro Bullock. This win capped off a solid season for South Alabama, while Western Michigan now looks ahead to next year, reflecting on a season that showed plenty of promise. As college football heads into bowl season, these thrilling matchups and performances continue to capture the attention of fans nationwide.
Every year, the Army-Navy game stands as one of the most anticipated spectacles in sports. The pageantry, the history, and the fierce rivalry between the two military academies make it an event unlike any other in college football. This year, Navy emerged victorious in a commanding 31-1 win, dominating Army from start to finish. Although Army’s offense, known for its ground game, struggled throughout the contest, it was Navy’s defensive line that stole the show.
Army came into the game with one of the best rushing offenses in the country, averaging over 300 yards per game on the ground. However, Navy’s defense stifled Army’s rushing attack, holding them to just 114 yards and forcing them into an unfamiliar situation. With their running game neutralized, Army had to turn to the passing game, and Bryson Dy threw three interceptions, further complicating Army’s chances. The defensive line for Navy, led by Landon Robinson, played an essential role in limiting Army’s options and maintaining dominance throughout the game.
Robinson’s 29-yard fake punt run was a game-changing moment, as it extended a drive that eventually resulted in a touchdown, giving Navy a comfortable 15-point lead. The defensive unit, which included players like Justin Reed and Griffin Willis, were all over Army’s offense, causing havoc at the line of scrimmage and securing critical turnovers. Navy’s defensive prowess was the difference-maker, and it allowed the Midshipmen to secure a much-needed win.
While Navy’s defense grabbed most of the attention, Blake Horvath’s offensive performance was also remarkable. Horvath contributed both in the air and on the ground, finishing the game with 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His 25 carries accounted for nearly all of Navy’s offensive yardage, and his two passing touchdowns showcased his versatility. Horvath’s performance capped off a stellar season for the Midshipmen, providing momentum as they head into their bowl game against Oklahoma.
Despite the loss, Army had a successful season, winning their conference in their first year under head coach Jeff Monken. They will now prepare for a bowl game against Louisiana Tech on December 28th, aiming to end the season on a high note. As for Navy, they look forward to their bowl game, where they hope to make a statement against a formidable opponent in Oklahoma.
Another thrilling storyline from the weekend came from the HBCU ranks, where Jackson State clinched the unofficial title of HBCU football champions after a dominant victory over South Carolina State. The Jackson State defense was outstanding, allowing just 178 total yards and holding South Carolina State to a paltry 1.6 yards per carry. Jackson State’s defense was a relentless force, making life difficult for South Carolina State’s quarterbacks and forcing key turnovers.
On offense, Jackson State was powered by quarterback Jacobe Morgan, who threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns. While Morgan had a solid day, it was the rushing game that helped seal the victory. Running back IR Mulligan, though stifled for most of the day, found the end zone twice. Wide receiver Isaiah Spencer was another key contributor, with a spectacular 67-yard reception that set up a touchdown on the next play. Spencer’s playmaking ability and clutch performance were critical to Jackson State’s success in this game.
This victory adds to an already impressive season for Jackson State under head coach TC Taylor, who has successfully continued the work left by Deion Sanders. After a difficult rebuilding phase, Jackson State is once again a powerhouse in HBCU football. As they look toward the future, Jackson State is poised to continue its success and build on the foundation established this season.
In another intriguing matchup, South Alabama faced Western Michigan in a late-season bowl game, and despite being without their top two quarterbacks, the Jaguars pulled off an impressive victory. Bishop Davenport, stepping in as the starting quarterback, was exceptional, completing 15 of 24 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns. His playmaking ability was a pleasant surprise for South Alabama, and his connection with wide receiver Jeremiah Webb, who finished with 184 yards and two touchdowns, was a key factor in their success.
On the ground, running back Kendro Bullock stepped up in place of the injured Fluff Bothwell, rushing for 130 yards and a touchdown. South Alabama’s ability to adapt and perform without their top quarterbacks was a testament to their depth and coaching. They capped off their season with a win, finishing with a 7-6 record and gaining valuable momentum heading into 2025.
For Western Michigan, the loss highlighted the struggles they faced throughout the season. Despite being in contention for a MAC title late into the year, Western Michigan could not get their run game going against South Alabama’s defense. Leading rusher Jaden Nixon only managed 45 yards, with 36 of those coming on a single run. With a potent running game stifled, Western Michigan couldn’t sustain drives and fell short in the game. Nevertheless, the Broncos finished the season with a 6-6 record and will look to regroup in 2025, with the hope of contending for the MAC title next season.
The FCS playoffs continue to heat up, with several teams proving their mettle in the semifinals. Montana State, currently unbeaten and ranked as the top team in the FCS, delivered a dominant performance over Idaho. Quarterback Tommy Mot was sensational, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, and Montana State continued their quest for perfection. With a 14-0 record, they are the team to beat in the FCS.
Meanwhile, South Dakota also advanced to the semifinals after a hard-fought 35-21 win over UC Davis. Running back Travis Ty sealed the game with a touchdown run in the final minutes, helping South Dakota secure a spot in the semifinals. They will face Montana State in what promises to be a thrilling matchup between two powerhouse teams.
In the other semifinal, South Dakota State delivered a dominant performance against Incarnate Word, led by quarterback Mark Ganowski and running back Griffin Wild. The duo combined for multiple touchdowns, and the running game for South Dakota State was unstoppable, rushing for 273 yards and four touchdowns. South Dakota State will now face North Dakota State in a highly anticipated matchup, a game that promises to be a clash of two FCS powerhouses.
As the college football season winds down, the action continues to impress. From the storied Army-Navy rivalry to the dominance of Jackson State in the HBCU ranks, there has been no shortage of drama, excitement, and remarkable performances. The FCS playoffs are heating up, and teams like Montana State and South Dakota State are showing they are ready for the big stage. With bowl season underway and the College Football Playoff on the horizon, there’s no telling what other surprises are in store.
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