Navy quarterback Jackson Gutierrez experienced a roller-coaster afternoon, losing two fumbles while accounting for two rushing touchdowns and a touchdown pass. Despite the mistakes, Gutierrez responded when his team needed him most, helping the Midshipmen erase a double-digit deficit and secure their first conference victory of the season.
The victory also snapped Navy’s three-game losing streak.
Tulsa Capitalizes on Navy’s Mistakes
Navy wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Gutierrez broke loose for a 56-yard touchdown run on the opening drive, giving the Midshipmen an early 7-0 advantage.
Tulsa answered on its first possession, as Savion Morrison powered into the end zone on a short touchdown run to even the score.
The Golden Hurricane then took advantage of Navy’s first major mistake. After the Midshipmen turned the ball over on downs in their own territory, Tulsa capitalized with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Oran Singleton Jr. to David Wells Jr., moving ahead 14-7.
Navy’s problems continued when the Midshipmen fumbled on their own 28-yard line. Tulsa settled for a 30-yard field goal, extending its lead to 17-7 early in the second quarter.
Another Navy fumble gave the Golden Hurricane an additional scoring opportunity, and they converted with another field goal to push their advantage to 20-7.
With turnovers threatening to derail the Midshipmen, Gutierrez delivered a much-needed response just before halftime. He connected with Truman Brasfield on a 58-yard touchdown pass, cutting Tulsa’s lead to 20-14.
Navy headed into the locker room trailing by only six despite committing three fumbles and turning the ball over on downs in the first half.
Both Teams Trade Touchdowns
The scoring continued after halftime as both teams found the end zone on their opening possessions of the third quarter.
Tulsa struck first through the air, with Singleton connecting on a three-yard touchdown pass. However, the Golden Hurricane failed to convert the two-point attempt, leaving the score at 26-14.
Navy answered with a ground attack of its own. Charles Robinson scored on a seven-yard touchdown run, bringing the Midshipmen closer. Navy also missed its extra-point opportunity, leaving Tulsa in front 26-20 at the end of three quarters.
With the game still within reach, Navy entered the final period needing another big play to complete the comeback.
Gutierrez Leads the Comeback
Midway through the fourth quarter, Gutierrez found the end zone again, scoring on a four-yard run to give Navy its first lead since the opening quarter. The touchdown put the Midshipmen ahead 27-26 and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
Gutierrez was not finished. Late in the fourth quarter, the Navy quarterback scored on another short run from three yards out, extending the Midshipmen’s advantage and putting the game within reach of a victory.
After an afternoon filled with turnovers and missed opportunities, Navy’s offense delivered when it mattered most, helping the Midshipmen close out the 34-26 win.
Gutierrez’s performance told the story of Navy’s resilience. Despite losing two fumbles, he contributed three touchdowns and sparked the comeback with his running ability and timely passing.
Tulsa had opportunities to take control, particularly after Navy’s early mistakes, but the Midshipmen refused to surrender. Their second-half response turned a difficult afternoon into a much-needed conference victory.
For Navy, the win was about more than the final score. It was a demonstration of perseverance, as the Midshipmen overcame adversity, regained control in the fourth quarter and ended their three-game skid in front of their home crowd.
