Navy tops Army 21-17 to win 14th straight in series

Navy was favored by 22 points before the game started, which goes to show you never know what to expect when fierce rivals like Army and Navy go at it. He returned to Navy in 2007, becoming college football’s first Samoan head coach.

The Midshipmen (10-2) can hook an anchor to the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy and bring it back to Annapolis, Maryland, after a one-year hiatus. Following a 39-yard completion from quarterback Chris Carter to DeAndre Bell that got the ball to Navy’s 33-yard line, Carter fumbled the snap on the next play, and the Midshipmen recovered. The Black Knights held a 17-14 halftime lead, but the Midshipmen locked down on defense in the second half and held Army scoreless in the third and fourth quarters. With a win Niumatalolo would match Army’s Earl Blaik for most victories in the series. Down three in the second half, Navy took the lead for good as Reynolds connected with Jamir Tillman for a 50-yard touchdown.

Navy players celebrate their 21-14 victory over Army.

Army should be frustrated by this defeat because it gave away opportunities, especially with a missed field goal and three turnovers in the fourth quarter, including two by Carter, which prevented the Black Knights from putting pressure on Navy.

Army had the ball with 3:03 left. He scrambled for 35 yards on the drive. But with plenty of time left on the clock, the Black Knights made a questionable play call on a wide receiver pass that resulted in an interception. The Midshipmen won their 14th consecutive game against Army, extending the longest winning streak in the history of the rivalry.

Navy senior Keenan Reynolds put the wraps on an unblemished record in the annual service academy rivalry. His 83 rushing touchdowns are the most ever among Football Bowl Subdivision schools, and his 4,279 yards rushing tops the school’s career list.

The Black Knights will look to get running back Aaron Kemper plenty of carries early, as he leads the team with 506 rushing yards this season.

Reynolds’ second rushing TD was his 85th career score, the most for any FBS or FCS Division I player.

Navy QB Keenan Reynolds struggled at times, but in the end still managed to add two more touchdowns to his NCAA record.

Reynolds said after the game that Army’s linebackers performed better than any other linebacking unit he had seen all season.

The win on Saturday against Army may have been coach Ken Niumatalolo’s last at the helm of the United State’s Naval Academy, as it has been rumored that the coach may leave to become the next head football coach at BYU.

Reynolds and Carter were both impressive through the air for two run-heavy offenses.

Carter, a freshman, completed 9 of 15 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown.