CFP Dreams Derailed: No. 24 USF Fails Final Play in Stunning Loss to Navy

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — The dream died hard on the turf of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The No. 24 USF Bulls (7-3, 4-2 AAC), playing in the biggest game in program history for their College Football Playoff aspirations, fell in a thrilling, high-scoring affair to the Navy Midshipmen (8-2, 6-1 AAC) by a score of 41-38.

The outcome not only propelled Navy into sole possession of the top spot in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) but also delivered a devastating blow to the Group of Five’s playoff chances, as USF was the highest-ranked two-loss team in the CFP poll.

The Triple Option Triumphs

The game was billed as a battle of contrasting ground games, and in the end, Navy’s relentless, No. 1-ranked rushing attack proved too much for the Bulls’ defense, despite a valiant late-game effort.

Navy’s Sustained Drive: The Midshipmen, riding the power of their hybrid Wing-T/triple option offense, dominated time of possession and capitalized on key moments. Quarterback Blake Horvath, returning from injury, powered the offense alongside running backs Woodson and Tecza.
First Half Edge: Navy successfully flipped the field and momentum in the second quarter. A crucial interception by Navy linebacker Phillip Hamilton set up a field goal, pushing the Midshipmen’s halftime lead to 24-9. Navy didn’t dominate the yardage, but they won the “little situations” and the scoreboard through powerful situational football.

The Bulls’ Valiant, Frantic Rally

Down 41-32 late in the fourth quarter, the Bulls’ explosive offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown, mounted a furious rally:

Brown’s Heroics: Brown, who had a phenomenal day both passing and running, orchestrated a rapid-fire touchdown drive to cut the lead to 41-38 with less than a minute remaining.
The Final Chance: After a late defensive stand, USF forced a punt. The Bulls managed to get the ball back and, through a series of quick completions and laterals, were given one last play from midfield with time expiring.
Chaos Ends Hopes: The final lateral play, a desperate pitch-and-catch scramble, fell short of the endzone as time ran out, sealing the 41-38 loss and the heartbreak for the Bulls.

CFP Dreams Are Extinguished

The loss for USF is the most consequential result for the AAC this season.

Out of the Conversation: As a two-loss team ranked No. 24 in the CFP, the Bulls were already on the thinnest of ice. A third loss on the schedule all but eliminates USF from the expanded 12-team CFP conversation. The loss shifts the focus to one-loss North Texas and Tulane to carry the flag for the Group of Five.
AAC Title Race Tightens: USF drops a game behind Navy in the conference standings, making their path to the AAC Championship Game significantly harder. Navy, with the head-to-head win and a 6-1 conference record, now takes control of the league.

For USF, the high-flying journey of Coach Alex Golesh’s program hit a major speed bump in Annapolis. The team must now quickly regroup for its final two games and focus on securing a strong bowl berth, a disappointing conclusion for a season that held true CFP promise.