Army-Navy 2015: heavy underdog Army looking to pull upset

Navy was able to eat up 5 minutes off the clock to give Army another shot with 3:36 to go in the game, but Carter overthrew his intended target on first down and Lorentez Barbour came up with the interception for the Mids.

Only 48 hours after informing the team of his intention to meet with Brigham Young officials Monday regarding the school’s vacant coaching position, Niumatalolo joined his charges in celebrating a 14th straight win against Army, 21-17, extending the series-record streak and delivering the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy back to Annapolis.

Army coach Jeff Monken showed his program might be closing the gap on Navy, but the Cadets blew any chance of an upset in the fourth.

Army (2-10) took a 17-14 lead into the half behind some explosive plays by freshman quarterback Chris Carter and junior receiver Edgar Poe. Reynolds has thrived on the national stage as one of the best college football players this season and he will prove that once again as the Navy aim to keep their streak alive against Army.

The big number may scare people off from getting in on the final regular season game in college football, but the spread should be even bigger.

Navy’s head coach Ken Niumatalolo on the field for the coin toss before a game against Houston on November 27 in Houston, Texas.

Carter, making just his second career start, completed 9 of 15 passes for 208 yards and one TD.

The Black Knights led for a majority of the game on Saturday until Keenan Reynolds hit Jamir Tillman on a 50-yard touchdown pass with 5:51 to play. The senior broke off a 35-yard run before punching it in for another score – this time to set the all-time Division-I record and give the Midshipmen a 14-10 lead.

Niumatalolo could tie former Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik (8-8-2) for the most wins in this series.

Army played multiple underclassmen and will enter next year with a more experienced team on offense and defense.

“All the players see it”, Navy QB Keenan Reynolds said. He played Saturday – and all season – like one of the top football players in the country.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter, center, poses for a selfie during an NCAA college football game between the Army and the Navy Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, in Philadelphia. Niumatalolo explained why he announced his potential interest ahead of the Army-Navy Game. Navy wore hand-painted helmets depicting the seven warships that comprise the U.S. Naval Fleet.

Army got close enough for a Hail Mary pass to end the game, but it didn’t quite make it to the end zone.

Heading into today’s contest, Reynolds had rushed for 1,093 yards and 19 touchdowns on the season.

Navy will face Pittsburgh in the Military Bowl on December 28, but expect Niumatalolo to decide between remaining at Navy or heading to BYU well in advance of the Midshipmen’s bowl preparations – perhaps as soon as midweek.