Sat Nov 16 15:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Tulane Favored to Dominate Navy in Crucial AAC Showdown

**Annapolis, MD** – This Saturday’s biggest college football game isn’t in Athens; it’s in Annapolis. No. 25 Tulane (8-2, 6-0 AAC) faces the Navy Midshipmen (7-2, 5-1) in a clash that will likely decide the AAC Championship game berth.

Tulane, despite early losses to Kansas State and Oklahoma, has roared back with seven consecutive wins under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall. Their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Darian Mensah (16 TDs, 4 INTs) and running back Makhi Hughes (13 TDs, 120.9 yards/game), averages 41 points per game. Their defense, a top-20 unit in both rush and pass success rate, has also been exceptional.

Navy, meanwhile, boasts a revamped offense under coordinator Drew Cronic, featuring a “millennial” Wing-T. Quarterback Blake Horvath has excelled, but recent performances suggest a potential injury may be hindering his effectiveness. The Midshipmen’s usually potent offense has sputtered in their last three games, scoring their lowest outputs of the season. Their strong defense, however, remains a threat, particularly against the pass.

Tulane enters as a 7-point favorite, with a 52-point over/under. Analysts predict a Tulane victory, leveraging their balanced offense and stingy defense against a potentially injured Navy quarterback. A decisive Tulane win could even boost their chances for a College Football Playoff berth. The game kicks off Saturday at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

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