Navy sinks University of Houston's perfect season

Recommended Video:

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – That sinking feeling the University of Houston felt Saturday afternoon?

It was Navy dropping the anchor on the Cougars’ bid for an unbeaten season.

The sixth-ranked Cougars had no answer for Navy’s triple-option and Greg Ward Jr. committed three turnovers in a 46-40 loss to the Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

The Midshipmen rolled to 306 rushing yards against the nation’s top-ranked run defense that played without another key player for the second week in a row due to disciplinary measures.

RELATED: Box score

Linebacker Steven Taylor was suspended for the game for what the school said was a violation of team policy.

Tied 20-20 at halftime, Navy broke the game open by scoring touchdowns off turnovers on the Cougars’ first two possessions of the second half.

Ward was sacked and fumbled on the Cougars’ first possession after halftime. Navy quarterback Will Worth faked the toss and hit a wide-open Darryl Bonner for a 17-yard touchdown.

ANNAPOLIS, MD - OCTOBER 08: Navy Midshipmen fans run on the field after a football game against the Houston Cougars at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Annapolis, Maryland. The Midshipman won 46-40. less ANNAPOLIS, MD - OCTOBER 08: Navy Midshipmen fans run on the field after a football game against the Houston Cougars at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Annapolis, Maryland. The Midshipman ... more Photo: Mitchell Layton, Getty Images Photo: Mitchell Layton, Getty Images Image 1 of / 50 Caption Close Navy sinks University of Houston's perfect season 1 / 50 Back to Gallery

On the Cougars’ next series, Josiah Powell intercepted Ward for the second time in the game and went 34 yards for the touchdown and 34-20 lead.

Navy had 17 points off UH turnovers, including another Ward interception that led to a field goal as time expired to end the first half.

With the Cougars deep in their own territory and down 41-33 late in the fourth quarter, the snap on their first punt of the game sailed over punter Dane Roy’s head and out of the end zone for a safety.

The win was the highest for Navy over a ranked opponent since beating No. 2 South Carolina 38-21 in 1984.

Dillon Birden caught a 19-yard touchdown and ran for a 2-yard score for the Cougars.

For good measure, Navy recovered a late onside kick and Bennett Moehring added his third field goal.

UH drew within 46-40 on Ward's 17-yard TD pass to Chance Allen with 1:56 left.

By the numbers

56 - Points allowed by Houston in its first five games. They allowed 46 on Saturday.

18 - Greg Ward Jr.'s. winning streak as a starter snapped with the loss to Navy. Previously his last loss was to Cincinnati 38-31 on Dec. 6, 2014.

13 - Home wins for the Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, which takes a school record.

229 - Combined receiving yards for Houston's Linell Bonner (117) and Steven Dunbar (112).