Navy runs past Air Force 34-7, reaches 5-0 for first time since 2017

Updated Oct. 5, 2024 5:15 p.m. ET

Associated Press

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AP) — Quarterback Blake Horvath ran for 115 yards and Eli Heidenreich added 100 yards rushing and receiving, leading Navy to a 34-7 victory over Air Force on Saturday in the first game of this season's Commander In Chief series.

In the 1,400th game in program history, Navy won with its usual ground dominance (329 yards) and a defense that allowed only 273 yards. The Midshipmen have gone on to win the CIC Trophy 11 of the past 12 times they defeated Air Force.

Horvath ran for two touchdowns, Heidenreich added one rushing touchdown and his 51-yard run set up another score in the fourth quarter.

It was the first time since 2003 that Navy had two 100-yard rushers and a 100-yard receiver. Heidenreich is believed to be the first player in school history to rush for 100 yards and have 100 yards receiving in the same game. He ran for exactly 100 yards and caught five passes for 101 yards.

Navy had 185 yards rushing in the first half, highlighted by Nathan Kent's 34-yard end-around touchdown on a fourth-down play. Navy led 21-7 at halftime.

Air Force scored on a 45-yard pass from Quentin Hayes to Tre Roberson in the second quarter. Hayes completed 5 of 6 passes for 115 yards. The Falcons (1-4) ran it 48 times for 158 yards.

The Midshipmen, 5-0 for the first time since 2017, got 134 yards passing from Horvath who completed 9 of 15 passes.

It was the fourth time this season that Navy held its opponent to three touchdowns or less.

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