ANNAPOLIS — Cornerback Dashaun Peele became the first Navy player to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a game, Blake Horvath threw three scoring passes, and the No. 25 Midshipmen routed Charlotte 51-17 on Saturday.

Navy improved to 6-0 for the first time since 1979 and is 4-0 in the American Athletic Conference. The Midshipmen are bowl-eligible for the first time since 2019. Charlotte dropped to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

The Midshipmen continue to roll with a high-powered offense and defense that forces key turnovers. Navy is in position to win the AAC and perhaps even earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Navy is ranked for the first time since the 2019 season when the Midshipmen were 20th after finishing 11-2 and beating Kansas State in the Liberty Bowl. They could move up a spot or two, depending on how others fare.

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“It’s a team that is focused on the work and the process,” Navy coach Brian Newberry said. “I thought we were going to be a bowl team, but it was not based on the talent of our football team. It was based on the character and the intangibles and the work that we put it in.”

Peele had a 61-yard return and an 84-yarder. Navy forced five turnovers, its most since 2019.

“I feel like I was at the right place at the right time,” Peele said. “Throughout the week, we were kind of working on those plays.”

Horvath was 7-for13 for 117 yards. He has 10 touchdown passes this season, three shy of the school record set by Ricky Dobbs in 2010.

Navy fullback Alex Tecza scored three touchdowns in the first quarter on two runs inside the red zone and a 46-yard reception.

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“We really put an emphasis on a quick start,” Horvath said. “It helps the defense out. It allows them to play more free.”

Midshipmen tight end Cody Howard caught an 11-yard touchdown pass, and wide receiver Brandon Chatman had a 19-yard scoring reception.

Max Brown threw a pair of touchdown passes for Charlotte, a 20-yard strike to O’Mega Blake, and a 13-yarder to Duane Thomas Jr.

“It was very frustrating,” said Charlotte’s Biff Poggi, the former Gilman School and St. Frances Academy coach. “It was a very important game for us and a game we thought we could win. To start that way was the last thing everyone thought we would start that way. We worked all week on protecting the football, and we came out the gate with multiple turnovers. Disappointing, but we go back to work.”