Georgia Tech: 6
Navy: 20

The 2-1 Yellow Jackets travelled to Baltimore, Maryland to face the 3-0, 2nd ranked Navy Midshipmen in late October, 1945. Very little was expected of Tech against a Navy powerhouse that had yet to yield a point in the young season. The Midshipmen had shutout their three opponents by a combined score of 98-0, but the Yellow Jackets would provide a great showing!

Tech was able to hold the Midshipmen scoreless in the first quarter, as well as much of the second, but Navy finally began to take control when Tech’s Bobby Davis had a punt blocked by Newbold Smith. Dick Duden recovered and returned the ball 30 yards for the first score of the game, giving the Midshipmen a 7-0 lead. On Tech’s following drive, Navy struck again when Clyde Scott intercepted a pass and returned the ball 50 yards for another quick touchdown. Tech would trail 14-0 at halftime.

The Jackets would score early in third quarter to break the scoreless streak by Navy opponents. Jack Peek was responsible for Tech’s only points, as he raced 70 yards against a stout Navy defense for the Ramblin’ Wreck touchdown! The Jackets now trailed by eight at 14-6.

Late in the fourth quarter, Tech’s George Mathews lost a fumble deep in his own territory. Navy would add their final score shortly thereafter when Myron Gerber rushed in for a touchdown with one minute remaining to push the score to 20-6.

Despite having outplayed Navy in most aspects, Tech’s excessive turnovers produced the loss, as all three of Navy’s scores came as the direct result of a Tech turnover. The Midshipmen would go on to finish the season at 7-1-1 with a tie against Notre Dame and a loss to the Army Black Knights in the final game of the season. They would finish holding the #2 spot in the AP poll.

Statistics:

First Downs:
GT – 12
NAVY – 9

Rushing Yards:
GT – 141
NAVY – 163

Passing (Comp-Att-Yds):
GT – 12-29-85
NAVY – 6-16-51

Interceptions thrown:
GT – 3
NAVY – 1

Fumbles lost:
GT – 3
NAVY – 2

Penalty yards:
GT – 5
NAVY – 93

References:
Troy, Jack. “Gallant Georgia Tech Holds Mighty Navy, 20-6 Despite Costly Breaks in Game at Baltimore.” The Atlanta Constitution. 1945 Oct. 21