Memphis football is coming off an emotional win over Florida State — a win that coach Ryan Silverfield called "monumental" and "historic."

But the page turns quickly in college football. For the Tigers (3-0), it turns to the beginning of American Athletic Conference play on Saturday (2:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network) against Navy (2-0, 1-0 AAC).

Memphis certainly boosted its College Football Playoff résumé with the win over the Seminoles, but the first step toward the playoff is winning the AAC. That journey begins against the Midshipmen, who have lost five straight to the Tigers but were only a yard away from extending a potential game-winning drive during last season's meeting in Memphis.

Both teams have looked impressive during the first few weeks of the season, and Navy already has a conference win over Temple. The Midshipmen also have had a bye week to prepare for this week's game.

Here's our scouting report for Memphis vs Navy.

Navy's offense is similar ... but don't be surprised to see a pass play

Navy and the other service academies have long been known for the triple-option offense. And don't be fooled — there will still be plenty of that Saturday.

But Navy coach Brian Newberry made a change this offseason, hiring Drew Cronic as offensive coordinator. The former Mercer head coach has instituted a new, hybrid offense that includes more pass plays. The early returns have been very promising.

In the win over Temple, quarterback Blake Horvath was 5-of-9 for 112 yards with a touchdown. He also rushed 15 times for 122 yards with three touchdowns. Horvath also threw two touchdown passes in the season-opening win over Bucknell.

Tigers fans will remember fullback Alex Tecza's name from last season. Tecza gashed Memphis for 163 yards and a touchdown in that game, and he has a knack for reeling off long runs. Expect both Horvath and Tecza to get double-digit carries Saturday.

"You've come to expect the option," said Randy Cross, who will call the game for CBS Sports. "And in that regard, you won't be terribly disappointed. You're still going to see some of that stuff going on. But the concepts, and how they run it, are just a little bit different than it has been in the past."

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Navy wants to run, but that's been Memphis defense's strength

Memphis is allowing only 68.3 rushing yards per game this season — the top mark for any Group of Five team and No. 14 in the country. Navy is averaging 280.5 rushing yards per game, No. 7 in the country.

So, essentially: Something's got to give.

Navy's run game isn't just an effective way to move the ball. It's the way the Midshipmen control the game, keeping the opposing offense off the field. Cross said Navy's ball-dominant offense often makes opposing offenses feel like they need immediately to create explosive plays when they get on the field because they've spent so much time on the sideline.

"The thing that we're going to have to be able to do to win is just to possess the football and to be able to get first downs," Newberry told The Commercial Appeal. "Put together some 10-, 12-, 14-play drives. That's the formula."

Memphis has had Navy's number

The Tigers have won five straight against the Midshipmen, including last year's 28-24 win at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. This Navy team, though, looks like it could be a tougher test.

“I love and respect our military and the academies," Silverfield said Monday. "Everything those men and women do on a day to day basis, so much appreciation for them. But come Saturday, it’s a football game.”

Memphis score prediction vs Navy

Memphis 35, Navy 21. There are some dicey moments early, but the Memphis offense kicks into gear and helps the Tigers start conference play with a win.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan."

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football vs Navy score prediction, scouting report in Week 4