Reynolds leads Navy over Pitt 44-28 in Military Bowl
Associated Press
Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds rushed between Pittsburgh linebackers Nicholas Grigsby and Matt Galambos in the first half of the Military Bowl on Monday in College Park, Md.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. >> How appropriate that Keenan Reynolds’ final touchdown at Navy thrust him into the NCAA record book and secured a milestone victory for the Midshipmen.
Reynolds wrapped up his record-setting college career in spectacular fashion, running for three scores and throwing for another Monday to lead Navy past Pittsburgh 44-28 in the Military Bowl.
After the Midshipmen let a 24-point cushion dwindle to 38-28, Reynolds capped a nine-play drive with a 9-yard touchdown run with 4:19 remaining. It was his 88th career TD, breaking a tie with Kenneth Dixon of Louisiana Tech for most in Football Bowl Subdivision history.
It was classic Reynolds, given that he broke a slew of records and won a whole lot of games during his four-year run at the Naval Academy.
“To be able to seal the game and get the record at the same time is pretty cool,” the 5-foot-11 senior said.
Reynolds ran for 144 yards on 24 carries, completed nine of 17 passes for 126 yards and had a reception for 47 yards on a trick play.
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He leaves Navy (11-2) as the FBS career leader in touchdowns and points (530). His 4,559 yards rushing are the most by a quarterback in Division I history.
With Reynolds leading the way, the Midshipmen completed their first 11-win season in 135 years of football.
It was the first game for the Midshipmen since they beat Army and coach Ken Niumatalolo decided to stay at Navy instead of taking the head coaching job at Brigham Young.
Niumatalolo was glad he stuck around for Reynolds’ finale.
“All of Keenan’s accolades are well deserved,” the coach said. “What an unbelievable career he’s had. Once in a generation, some of the things he’s done. We’re going to miss him.”
Qadree Ollison rushed for 73 yards and scored two touchdowns for Pitt. Nate Peterman threw a TD pass but was intercepted three times.
It all added up to a disappointing ending for the Panthers (8-5) in their first season under coach Pat Narduzzi.
“Just have to keep getting one step closer,” Narduzzi said. “You just have to take one step at a time. Told the seniors, they laid the foundation. We’ve done a lot of great things this year.”
