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Golden Hurricane fans watched a commanding lead disappear Saturday as Navy rallied from a 12-point deficit to defeat Tulsa 34-26 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. The Midshipmen overcame two separate setbacks and scored the final 20 points of the game to complete a dramatic American Athletic Conference comeback.
Golden Hurricane Lead Slips Away in Explosive Navy Rally
Tulsa appeared to be in control late in the second quarter and again early in the third. The Golden Hurricane led 20-7 late in the first half, then extended the advantage to 26-14 after Baylor Hayes connected with Oran Singleton Jr. on a 3-yard touchdown pass.
That score came early in the third quarter, but Navy immediately began changing the momentum. Charles Robinson finished a 10-play, 75-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit and giving the Midshipmen renewed energy.
Jackson Gutierrez then delivered the decisive performance. The Navy quarterback ran for a 4-yard touchdown that put his team ahead 27-26 with 8:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. Tulsa went three-and-out on its next possession, leaving the door open for Navy to seize control.
Jackson Gutierrez Powers Historic Navy Performance
Gutierrez was nearly unstoppable on the ground. He carried the ball 41 times for a career-high 232 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns. His longest run covered 56 yards, repeatedly placing pressure on the Tulsa defense and helping Navy control the final stages.
He also completed 5 of 7 passes for 95 yards, adding a passing touchdown and an interception. His four total touchdowns made him the central figure in a victory that looked unlikely when Navy trailed by double digits.
After Tulsa’s failed possession, Gutierrez directed a 13-play, 82-yard drive. He capped the march with a 3-yard touchdown run with just 1:10 left, effectively sealing the comeback and sending the home crowd into celebration.
Powerful Rushing Attack Makes the Difference
Navy’s ground game overwhelmed Tulsa throughout the second half. The Midshipmen finished with 386 rushing yards and 481 yards of total offense. They also converted 8 of 11 third-down opportunities, allowing the offense to remain on the field and wear down the Golden Hurricane defense.
- Jackson Gutierrez: 232 rushing yards and four total touchdowns
- Michael Barrow: 107 rushing yards on 14 carries
- Charles Robinson: one rushing touchdown
- Truman Brasfield: 58-yard touchdown reception
- Navy offense: 481 total yards and 8-of-11 third-down conversions
Michael Barrow added 107 yards on 14 carries, while Truman Brasfield provided a major play through the air with a 58-yard touchdown reception. Together, Navy’s balanced attack created too many problems for Tulsa to solve once the comeback began.
What the Loss Means for Tulsa
Baylor Hayes kept Tulsa competitive by completing 21 of 38 passes for 268 yards and a touchdown. Singleton also contributed as a receiver and passer. He caught five passes for 81 yards and threw a 10-yard touchdown pass, showing the versatility that helped the Golden Hurricane build its early lead.
However, Tulsa could not sustain its offensive production after taking a 26-14 advantage. The team’s inability to answer Navy’s late scoring drives proved costly, especially after the Midshipmen took the lead. The Golden Hurricane dropped to 3-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
Navy improved to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in the American. The victory gives the Midshipmen a valuable conference result and provides a significant boost after falling behind twice during the contest.
Next Games for the Golden Hurricane and Navy
Tulsa will try to regroup on the road against Rice next Saturday. The Golden Hurricane will need to improve its late-game defense and find a way to protect leads against conference opponents.
Navy also returns to the road next Saturday, traveling to face UTSA. The Midshipmen will look to build on Gutierrez’s outstanding performance and carry their strong rushing attack into the next matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Tulsa and Navy?
Navy defeated Tulsa 34-26 in Annapolis on Saturday.
How many yards did Jackson Gutierrez rush for?
Gutierrez rushed for a career-high 232 yards on 41 carries.
How many touchdowns did Gutierrez record?
He scored three rushing touchdowns and added one passing touchdown, accounting for four total scores.
What is Tulsa’s conference record after the loss?
The Golden Hurricane fell to 0-2 in American Athletic Conference play and 3-3 overall.
Who will Tulsa play next?
Tulsa will visit Rice next Saturday, while Navy will travel to UTSA.
