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Midshipmen Look to Plunge Anchor Against 49ers in Annapolis

Navy Midshipmen vs. Charlotte 49ers — © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The first half of the 2024 season was a dream for the No. 25 Navy Midshipmen (6-0, 3-0 American Athletic Conference), and they hope to keep the good times rolling when they host the Charlotte 49ers (3-3, 2-0) at 3:30 p.m. EST on Oct. 19 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md.

Navy is coming off a bye week following a 34-7 trouncing of Air Force (1-5, 0-3 Mountain West Conference). The 49ers also had a bye last week after routing AAC rival East Carolina (3-3, 1-1) in Week 6.

Charlotte and Navy have played only once before. Last year, the Midshipmen shut out the 49ers 14-0, and Navy heads into this battle favored by 17 points.

Far-Reaching Ramifications

Much is on the line for the Naval Academy in this conference clash. The Midshipmen are in contention for the AAC title, the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and a berth in the College Football Playoff. While a win would keep all those prospects alive, the 49ers seek to squelch Navy's dreams.

Fabulous 49ers

Quarterback Max Brown, who began the season as the 49ers' starting signal caller, returns to that role against Navy after being sidelined since Week 2 with an injury to the thumb on this throwing hand. In his absence, backups Deshawn Purdie and Trexler Ivey split time taking snaps for Charlotte.

Talented junior wide receiver Blake O'Mega, who transferred to Charlotte from South Carolina, has 271 receiving yards and 3 touchdown receptions.

On the other side of the ball, the 49ers are led by elite defensive back Ali Al-Ma'hi, who excels in the classroom as well as on the gridiron. The Dean's List honoree leads the 49ers in tackles with 33 and has 2 interceptions.

Momentous Midshipmen

Junior quarterback Blake Horvath has worked his way into serious consideration for the Heisman Trophy. A dual-threat signal caller, he has rushed for 565 yards and 10 TDs, while passing for 771 yards and 7 TDs. He's thrown only 1 interception.

Horvath's favorite target is Eli Heidenreich, a dynamic athlete who excels in the running game and the passing game. He's the third-leading rusher on the team and the No. 1 receiver with 449 yards and 5 TDs on 20 receptions. He is averaging a jaw-dropping 22.25 yards per reception.

Buoyed by its elite defense, Navy has outscored its opponents by an average margin of 43.6 to 20.2 this year. First-team All-AAC linebacker Colin Ramos and standout senior LB Kyle Jacob lead the Midshipmen with 56 and 40 tackles, respectively.

Many Midshipmen — © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Navy meets No. 12 Notre Dame (5-1) on Oct. 26. In order to keep their dreams alive, the Midshipmen must remain focused on the challenge posed by the 49ers rather than looking ahead to the Fighting Irish.