Last week proved we never get a dull week in the American Conference. From service academy shootouts to upsets,we saw something for everybody. Results throughout the league showed its incredible depth.
Navy Survives Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy Shootout
Navy QB Blake Horvath had arguably the greatest performance by a Navy quarterback ever. Yes, even better than anything Roger Staubach did. Horvath threw for 339 yards and ran for 130 more for a Navy record of 469 yards of total offense. He became the first Navy quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards and run for more than 100 in a game. His 339 passing yards became the fourth-highest total in program history.
RB Eli Heidenreich added a mind-blowing 243 receiving yards on just eight receptions, three of which ended in touchdowns. Heidenreich’s 243 yards shattered the single-game program record set by Rob Taylor way back in 1967 and tied by Dave King in 1976. His three receiving touchdowns tied a school record held by five other players.
Navy fought back from an early 10-3 deficit to win a back-and-forth contest, 34-31. While the Navy’s offense proved that they have the firepower to keep up with anyone, the defense might have shown a few lingering liabilities. Air Force QB Liam Szarka threw for 212 yards and ran for 152 against Navy, and had he not fumbled on a would-be go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter, the Zoomies might’ve won the game despite everything.
The Midshipmen still must play elite dual threat quarterbacks Byrum Brown from USF and Brendon Lewis from Memphis. So they must find a way to contain quarterbacks like Szarka. Nonetheless, Navy remains undefeated with just its third 5-0 start since 1979.
Congrats to Blake on being named to the @daveyobrien Great 8 list for Week 6! #GoNavy | #RollGoats pic.twitter.com/NuYQcn5UQD
— Navy Football (@NavyFB) October 6, 2025
Temple Contains Robert Henry Jr., Upsets UTSA
UTSA RB Robert Henry Jr’s pursuit of the Doak Walker Award had become one of the top early storylines in the American Conference. No opponent had held Henry below 100 yards in a game until Temple did it this past weekend. After allowing 307 rushing yards and ten yards per carry against Georgia Tech in its last game, Temple held Henry Jr. to just 42 yards on 12 carries. An opportunistic Owl defense also intercepted UTSA QB Owen McCown twice.
On offense, Temple overcame a 14-3 halftime deficit, taking the lead permanently on a touchdown pass from QB Evan Simon to TE Peter Clarke. Simon and Temple RB Jay Ducker steal headlines, Clarke has quietly become one of the top tight ends in the country. Pro Football Focus currently has him listed as the highest graded tight end in the country with a grade of 90.3. Clarke has been a crucial big-play threat, averaging 19 yards on 12 catches.
Simon also continued his interception-less streak. Simon has now started the season with 12 touchdowns and no interceptions in 116 attempts.
Who would have thought Temple would have a path to a bowl game after five games? The Owls’ visit to Army in November could punch Temple’s ticket to their first bowl game since before the pandemic. On the other hand, UTSA could be in panic mode with games against North Texas, Tulane, USF, and East Carolina still on the schedule. The Roadrunners have not missed a bowl game since 2019.
Got ‘em 👀😮💨 @1sultanbadmus #TempleTUFF pic.twitter.com/4GYJch7Ujt
— Temple Football (@Temple_FB) October 7, 2025
FAU Upsets Rice in a Battle of the Owls
After a surprising 3-2 start, Rice became everyone’s favorite underdog in the American. Unfortunately, their bowl hopes took a significant blow after a loss to Florida Atlantic (1-3, 1-1 in the American) this past weekend. FAU QB Caden Veltkamp continued his outstanding season in new FAU Head Coach Zach Kittley’s Air Raid scheme. Veltkamp threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns. WR Easton Messer led the team this week with 11 receptions for 110 yards, his second game with at least 11 receptions. Messer has 48 receptions in five games. Hitting the 100-reception milestone looks realistic.
While Rice’s bowl hopes are not completely cooked, the team could have used a win here. The Owls now have a legit must-win game against UTSA this weekend. That contest precedes an arduous stretch to end the season against UConn, Memphis, North Texas, and USF still to come.
Got the road W ✅ let’s keep it rolling#WIP🏝️ pic.twitter.com/u1tX1HIVVC
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) October 7, 2025
Other Notes From Around the League
USF and Memphis took care of business against mediocre teams in the league. USF tallied 631 total yards and 407 rushing yards in a Friday night embarrassment of Charlotte. UAF QB Byrum Brown threw for 211 yards and ran for 162, while accounting for four touchdowns. His electric performance would be the talk of the conference if not for Blake Horvath’s heroics.
Meanwhile, Memphis took care of Tulsa, 45-7. Memphis QB Brendon Lewis continued his darkhorse Heisman campaign with 333 total yards and four touchdowns. However, he did throw two interceptions, which could have become costly against better competition.
We’ve seen an interesting start to the season in America’s Conference. This weekend, we ought to start seeing some separation between legit conference contenders and championship wannabe’s.
Go Army! Beat Charlotte!!!
