Charlotte (3-3, 2-0 American Athletic Conference) will face off against No. 25 Navy (5-0, 3-0) this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the game being broadcasted on CBS Sports Network.
Currently, Navy is favored by 17 points according to BetMGM College Football Odds, and they hold a historical advantage in their series, leading 1-0.
The stakes are significant for Navy, as they aim for their first 6-0 start since 1979. This matchup marks their return home as a ranked team for the first time since 2016. With aspirations of clinching the conference title, the Midshipmen view this game against Charlotte—who comes in with back-to-back victories and three wins in their last four matches—as a crucial step toward meeting those goals, even more so than their upcoming clash with Notre Dame.
A vital aspect of the game will be the battle between Charlotte’s running game and Navy’s defensive strategy. Following their tough game against Air Force, Navy is well-acquainted with the physical nature of the sport, often relying on their cornerbacks and safeties to counter opposing rushers. Coach Brian Newberry noted that while the 49ers possess a balanced attack, Charlotte recently showcased their prowess on the ground with an impressive 311 rushing yards during a 55-24 victory over East Carolina, highlighting the test they will present to Navy’s defense.
Players to keep an eye on include Charlotte’s quarterback Max Brown, who could make a return after a thumb injury sidelined him for four games. Freshman Deshawn Purdie is also in contention to play. Coach Biff Poggi has indicated that all three quarterbacks—including Trexler Ivey—are prepared, creating possibilities for various playing combinations on the field.
For Navy, quarterback Blake Horvath is the linchpin of offensive coordinator Drew Cronic’s system. Horvath has accounted for 10 touchdowns on the ground and thrown for seven, amassing a total of 1,336 yards. Key to Navy’s strategy will be effectively distributing the ball to Eli Heidenreich and other receivers while maintaining possession of the football, which is critical to their continued success.
Noteworthy statistics show that Navy previously defeated Charlotte 14-0 in their only meeting on October 14, 2023. Since stepping in for Brown after his injury in the second game against North Carolina, Purdie has thrown for 717 yards and four touchdowns. The recent game against ECU also marked the second-largest margin of victory in Charlotte’s conference history. Additionally, running back Hahsaun Wilson shined in the last game with 164 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Navy has been impressive this season, scoring 218 points across their first five games, surpassing their total of 212 from the previous season. They are also the only team in the Football Bowl Subdivision that has secured a touchdown in every single red zone opportunity, going a perfect 18 for 18. A win in this game would make the Midshipmen bowl eligible for the first time since 2019 and solidify their position as the second-best rushing offense in the nation, averaging 295.6 yards per game.