#22 Air Force Sinks Navy With Defense, Passing Game

The Falcons improve to 7-0 on the season

© Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The undefeated Air Force Falcons faced another critical test on Saturday, with a road trip to face a fellow service academy. The #22 Falcons took on the Navy Midshipmen in the first leg of the battle for the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy. 

Air Force would emerge victorious 17-6 in the third win at Navy of Troy Calhoun's tenure.

It was largely expected that normal starting quarterback Zac Larrier would not play in this game, but it was discovered shortly before kick-off that Larrier would be able to make the start.

Larrier's passing game ended up being the offensive push that gave the Falcons the edge. Larrier completed four passes on five attempts for 151 yards and a touchdown.

In the second quarter, Larrier threw a 94-yard touchdown pass to Dane Kinamon, which was the longest play from scrimmage in Navy stadium history and the longest play in Air Force Football history. That would be the only score of the first half for either team.

Air Force goes 94 yards for the longest play in school history 🔥

(via @CBSSportsCFB) pic.twitter.com/7qN3QjX8CE

— SI College Football (@si_ncaafb) October 21, 2023

RELATED: PODCAST: Robert Turbin of CBS Sports Talks CUSA, Mountain West, and NFL Memories

In the third quarter, Air Force would add a 40-yard field goal from Matthew Dapore.

In the fourth quarter, senior linebacker Alec Mock would intercept Tai Lavatai and return it for a touchdown

Navy avoided a shutout with less than a minute remaining with a ten-yard touchdown pass to Eli Heidenreich from Lavatai. The Midshipmen would miss the extra point attempt.

At the final whistle, Air Force had held Navy to 124 yards of total offense. This was the second-lowest total that the Air Force defense has allowed in 2023.

Of note, the Air Force rushing attack averaged just 2.9 yards per carry on Saturday. It's the first time this season that the Falcons averaged less than 4.1 yards per carry this season.

The Falcons will return to Mountain West play when they travel to Colorado State on October 28. Navy will resume AAC play after a bye week when they travel to Temple on November 4.