The Pirates (2-2, 0-1 American Athletic Conference) lost their starting quarterback before the season began, fumbled away a chance to upset Florida on the road, and then got blown out against Navy. Frustrating losses had the team limping back into Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in need of a jolt. After going down 14-0 early, it seized control of a game for the first time in weeks.
“I knew we had the momentum as soon as we got that first three-and-out,” said senior linebacker Zeek Bigger. “Actually, I felt we had it even down 14-0. I felt we were the better team coming into the game.