Navy’s Defense Propels them to a 51-17 Victory Over Charlotte in Game No. 25.

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (AP) — Navy cornerback Dashaun Peele made history by scoring two interception touchdowns in one game, while quarterback Blake Horvath threw three touchdown passes as the 25th-ranked Midshipmen defeated Charlotte 51-17 on Saturday.

Navy is now 6-0, marking their best start since 1979, and remains unbeaten at 4-0 in the American Athletic Conference. The Midshipmen are eligible for a bowl game for the first time since 2019. Charlotte’s overall record fell to 3-4 while their conference play record is now 2-1.

Peele made a 61-yard return as well as an 84-yard return. Navy caused five turnovers, the highest number since 2019.

Horvath completed 7 out of 13 passes for a total of 117 yards. He has thrown 10 touchdown passes this season, just three less than Ricky Dobbs’ school record of 13 set in 2010.

Navy fullback Alex Tecza managed to score three touchdowns in the opening quarter, with two coming from runs within the red zone and one from a 46-yard reception.

Cody Howard, the tight end for the Midshipmen, made an 11-yard touchdown catch while wide receiver Brandon Chatman caught a 19-yard scoring pass.

Max Brown completed two touchdown passes for Charlotte, including a 20-yarder to O’Mega Blake and a 13-yarder to Duane Thomas Jr.

Even though they lost, the 49ers have managed to win three out of their last five games while having 71 new players on the team. Charlotte, in its 10th season in the FBS, has the chance to qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2019.

The Midshipmen are still dominating with a strong offense and defense that consistently creates crucial turnovers. Navy has the opportunity to secure the American Athletic Conference championship and possibly secure a place in the College Football Playoff.

The Midshipmen have entered the rankings for the first time since the 2019 season, where they were ranked 20th following an 11-2 record and a victory over Kansas State in the Liberty Bowl. Their rank could improve by one or two places, depending on the performance of others.