Thanksgiving Night Clash in Memphis: Navy Eyes Title Shot, Memphis Aims to Spoil the Party
On a night usually dominated by turkey and tradition, the focus shifts to Memphis, Tennessee, where the Navy Midshipmen (8–2, 6–1 AAC) and Memphis Tigers (8–3, 4–3 AAC) meet in a pivotal American Athletic Conference showdown. This nationally televised Thanksgiving night game isn’t just a holiday novelty—it’s a crucial step in the AAC title race and a spotlight moment for a Navy team chasing both conference glory and individual history.
For Navy, the stakes could not be higher. The Midshipmen enter the game tied in the AAC loss column with Tulane and North Texas, both of whom also sit at one conference defeat. However, Navy doesn’t control its own destiny outright due to a head-to-head loss to North Texas. A win against Memphis is essential to remain in the mix, and they’ll need help from either Tulane or North Texas dropping a game this weekend to secure a berth in the AAC Championship Game.
The centerpiece of Navy’s season—and its explosive modern spread-option offense—is senior quarterback Blake Horvath. A Heisman Trophy candidate officially recognized by the Heisman Trust, Horvath is on the verge of school history. He needs just 14 rushing yards to become the first quarterback in Navy history to both pass and rush for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Already the most prolific rushing quarterback in the country this year, Horvath has 986 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns—numbers that place him fifth overall in FBS rushing and tied for sixth in rushing scores. His 1,290 passing yards and eight touchdowns further emphasize his dual-threat capability.
Horvath’s lead receiver, wide receiver Eli Heidenreich, adds another layer to Navy’s versatility. With 741 receiving yards and four touchdowns, Heidenreich stretches the field while also creating mismatches against defenses preoccupied with stopping the run. Navy leads the entire country in total rushing yards with 3,082, a product of its reimagined offense—still run-heavy but now far more explosive and adaptable.
But Memphis has motivation of its own. Despite being eliminated from AAC title contention after losses to Tulane and East Carolina, the Tigers are eager to close out their season with a marquee win at home on Senior Night. Emotions will be high inside Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, and Memphis would love nothing more than to ruin Navy’s championship dreams in front of a national audience.
Memphis enters with one of the AAC’s most balanced offenses, scoring 36.2 points per game. Quarterback Brendon Lewis has been efficient and dangerous, throwing for 2,395 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing 71.7% of his passes. He’s added nine touchdowns on the ground, making him another dual-threat presence who can stress a defense in multiple ways. Running back Sutton Smith leads the Tigers on the ground with 644 yards, while wide receiver Cortez Braham Jr. headlines the aerial attack with 824 yards and seven touchdowns. Add in reliable kicker Gianni Spetic, and Memphis has the weapons to keep pace with anyone.
This game will likely be decided in the trenches and on the clock. Navy’s dominant ground game is designed to control time of possession, wear down opposing defenses, and shorten the game. But Memphis has struggled against run-first teams this season, a glaring vulnerability that Horvath and co. will aim to exploit with additional contributions from running backs Alex Tecza (669 yards) and big time run threat back-up QB Braxton Woodson (414 yards).
Through the air, Navy has a chance to surprise. Memphis’s pass defense has been leaky, ranking near the bottom of the conference in dropback efficiency. If Horvath is allowed time and space to throw—especially on early downs or play-action—he could post one of his more complete passing performances of the season.
Oddsmakers, however, aren’t sold on Navy. Memphis is favored by as much as 5.5 points, with betting models projecting a high-scoring game around Tigers 31, Midshipmen 27. That line seems to reflect Navy’s poor record against the spread (just 3-7 ATS), while Memphis has covered in eight of their 11 games.
But this is Thanksgiving night. National spotlight. Championship hopes on the line. And Navy, behind its dynamic quarterback and the nation’s most dangerous ground attack, has more to play for than just pride.
HotFootballTake: Navy 42, Memphis 31
The Midshipmen control the clock, Horvath breaks the 1,000-yard rushing mark, and Navy stays alive in the AAC title chase. Take the over.