Navy shocks Army in thrilling upset led by Blake Horvath's heroics

In the United States, Navy claimed a significant victory against Army on December 14, 2024, securing a win that ended a two-game losing streak in this storied rivalry. Blake Horvath was instrumental in the Midshipmen's performance, throwing for 107 yards and two touchdowns, while also making a remarkable contribution on the ground with 204 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns. The Midshipmen took the lead early in the game, establishing a momentum that Army was unable to recover from. Army had entered the game ranked 19th and had an impressive season record of 11-1, recently coming off a victory against Tulane, which earned them their first American Athletic Conference title. However, the Midshipmen surprised the Black Knights with a powerful offensive display. Navy scored the first points of the game on a 1-yard run by Horvath, leading 14-0 by the second quarter after a touchdown pass from Horvath to Brandon Chatman. Despite throwing for a touchdown, Army's quarterback Bryson Daily faced considerable challenges, including being intercepted three times during the game. This was a stark difference from his earlier performance in the season, where he had only a single interception prior to this contest. The Black Knights struggled with missed opportunities, particularly in the final quarters when Daily could not connect with his receivers effectively, leading to a frustrating defeat. The game showcased a clash of two of the most storied programs in college football, with Navy's victory being celebrated in front of a notable crowd at the Washington Commanders' stadium in Landover. Notably, President-elect Donald Trump was present, adding to the game's significance. Navy's victory not only impacts the rivalry standings but also sets the stage for next year's Army-Navy game, which will take place in Baltimore. The return to winning ways for Navy is a promising sign for the program as they look ahead to future contests.