Navy pulled away from BYU in the middle portion of they game to win a high-ranking D1A match that signaled to many that both mean business.

Navy improved to 10-1 overall, with their only loss being a 23-20 decision to Life, while BYU gets their first loss of the fall and is now 5-1.

BYU opened the game with energy and were soon camped out in the Navy 22. The forwards tried bashing at the line and when that didn't bear fruit they went out to flyhalf Wyatt Parry, who powered through for the opening try. They doubled their lead midway through the first half, with the forwards once again asking questions of the Navy defense. Off a tap move they were finally able to go over. Zach Maughan converted both to make it 14-0.

But after that Navy went on a tear.

"We had a plan and it worked out well," said Navy DOR Gavin Hickie. "Our players deserve massive credit for the way we approached this game."

Hickie held out a number of players who normally start and brought them on at 30 minutes as kind of long relief.

A few minutes after the second BYU try when, from close-in, flyhalf Kade Williams showed some nifty footwork and a nose for the line to score.

Not that long after Avion Ganse's evasive run set Navy up in the BYU 22. The ball went through the hands and Tanner Russell burst onto the ball to score. Roanin Krieger converted and it was 14-14. And then as halftime loomed and with a BYU player in the sin bin, defensive pressure forced a turnover to Navy in the BYU 22. The Mids surged on and co-captain William Webb—one of those players in off the bench early—powered over. Krieger converted that one as well and Navy led 21-14 at the break.

Navy's momentum carried over into the second half. A BYU penalty at midfield was punished summarily. A brilliant kick to touch and a lineout and maul, followed by another penalty, lineout, and maul, and the Cougars were back under the posts waiting for another Krieger conversion attempt. That attempt missed by the try was just fine. Then a big scrum from Navy forced another penalty, and Navy attacked from there, finally sending a long pass out to wing Drew Baublitz, who made no mistake.

For Baublitz that was his 26th try for Navy, the most for any Navy player since the men's program went varsity.

Krieger curved in the kick and Navy led 33-14.

The Cougars responded by camping out in the Navy half for a long period. A couple of penalties helped them and finally the forwards kept patient and strong and crashed over. That made it 33-21. But Navy answered right back. A weaving run from JD Bengston was supported nicely and the ball went out to hooker Aidan Bryan, who held the ball out in front in both hands as if he was going to pass. No one targeted the man with the ball and the hooker ran straight through to score.

Krieger converted to make it 40-21.