The Navy football team needed a win over SMU to save its season, and a win is what the Midshipmen got. Navy came into Dallas and picked up a pivotal 24-17 victory, keeping its bowl hopes alive and improving to 4-6 on the season. SMU, meanwhile, dropped to 6-4.
The Midshipmen took control of the game early in the fourth quarter. SMU elected to go for it from the Navy 20-yard line on fourth down and couldn't get the necessary yardage. Navy then got the ball and marched down the field, eventually cashing in with a Mike Stukel rushing touchdown and a 24-10 lead.
SMU later got to within one score with 3:43 remaining, but Navy's rushing ability saved the game. Navy rushed for 338 yards on the game and were able to run out the clock without SMU even getting the ball back.
Navy must win their final two games to have a chance to make a bowl game, likely the Military Bowl in Washington D.C. They have a good chance too, with only a road game against San Jose State and the annual Army-Navy game at FedEx Field left to go.
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