Navy received some good news just prior to kickoff when it was announced Houston starting tailback Kenneth Farrow would not be able to play due to a foot injury.
Unfortunately for the Midshipmen, quarterback Greg Ward Jr. was able to go for the Cougars.
Ward personally destroyed the Navy defensive game-plan with his arm and legs in leading Houston to a 52-31 rout of No. 15 Navy in a showdown for a berth in the American Athletic Conference championship game.
Ward completed 26 of 35 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns for Houston (11-1, 7-1), which won the West Division and will host the AAC championship against either Temple (9-2, 6-1) or South Florida (8-4, 6-2).