(BCSNN | UPI) - No. 22 Navy capped one of its most complete seasons in a decade with a commanding 35–13 win over short‑handed Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl on Friday, powered by senior quarterback Blake Horvath, who delivered touchdowns with both his arm and legs on his way to MVP honors.
Horvath accounted for three scores - a 2‑yard rushing touchdown and passing strikes of 30 and 13 yards - while completing 9 of 15 passes for 108 yards. His steady play helped the run‑heavy Midshipmen (11–2) open up their offense and close the year on a four‑game winning streak, including a one‑point victory over Army in the annual rivalry game.
Running back Alex Tecza added 80 yards and a touchdown, while Eli Heidenreich contributed 62 rushing yards and five receptions for 64 yards, giving Navy a balanced attack on a wet, overcast afternoon that kept both teams grounded early.
Cincinnati (7–6) entered the game without several key contributors, including starting quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, and leading tackler Jake Golday. The Bearcats were also missing running backs Tawee Walker and Evan Pryor, leaving them without their top three rushers.
Still, Cincinnati found moments of rhythm. Manny Covey rushed for 78 yards, and senior receiver Cyrus Allen hauled in a 4‑yard touchdown in the fourth quarter - his 13th of the season, tying a school record.
But Navy controlled the game from the second quarter on.
After a slow, run‑heavy start from both teams - Navy led 160–118 in total yards at halftime - Horvath broke the game open late in the first half with a 30‑yard touchdown pass to Luke Hutchison, giving the Midshipmen a 14–7 lead.
Navy struck again immediately after halftime. Horvath found Heidenreich on a 13‑yard scoring pass to extend the lead to 21–7, and the Midshipmen never looked back.
The defense sealed the win in the fourth quarter when Coleman Cauley jumped a route and returned an interception 5 yards for a touchdown, putting the game out of reach and punctuating a dominant performance.
With the victory, Navy secured its 11th win - one of the program’s best seasons in recent memory - and closed the year playing its most complete football on both sides of the ball.
