The Army and Navy are each off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 1945 as the military academies remain in the thick of the CFP race

Army and Navy are both 4-0 for the first time since 1945 after the Midshipmen defeated UAB 41-18 on Saturday. The Navy’s dominant victory followed the Army’s 42-14 dismantling of Temple on Thursday night, as both military academies emerged as legitimate powers in the AAC.

The Black Knights and Midshipmen are also the last remaining undefeated teams in the AAC and are among a dwindling number of undefeated Group of Five teams. Entering Week 5, James Madison, Liberty and UNLV were the only other undefeated groups in the Group of Five.

Navy’s strong start came with a surprising amount of aerial sharpness behind quarterback Blake Horvath’s dual-threat play. With the Midshipmen still firing on all cylinders, Horvath has also proven to be a menacing pitcher.

His touchdown passes of 77 and 74 yards in the first half on Saturday made him the first player in college football this season with multiple 70-yard touchdown passes in a game. This performance came after beating Memphis for 403 total yards and six touchdowns in a 56-44 win in Week 4.

Army’s winning formula was notoriously run-heavy, yet impressive. All four of the Black Knights’ wins were by double digits. While both academies have yet to play Notre Dame, neither faces a particularly daunting path in conference action. Army is avoiding Memphis and Tulane, while Navy has already beaten Memphis and is bringing the Green Wave home.

Therefore, it is possible that Army and Navy could meet in the AAC Championship Game on Friday, Dec. 6, eight days before their annual meeting on Dec. 14, which is not considered a conference game. Both teams’ bids for the College Football Playoff will remain unaffected by the Dec. 14 game, as the CFP will announce its 12-team field on Dec. 8.