Despite the fact that most thought Army would go down very quietly again today, the Black Knights played their rival Navy Midshipmen very tough all game long. In the end though, Navy outlasted Army by the final of 17-10.
The win for Navy marked the 13th straight victory against Army in this game, notes AP. Following the playing of Army's alma mater, Navy carried head coach Ken Niumatalolo off the field and into the locker room. He now has a 56-35 career mark and today broke a tie with George Welsh for most wins in school history. He also became the first to win his first seven-games against Army.
''I tried to get down. I have so much respect for Army, I didn't want to upstage anyone," said Niumatalolo after he was carried off the field.
Although it was still a loss, Army played tough, smart and has nothing to be ashamed of. Even after all these years, something still stands out and remains special when it comes to the Army - Navy game. It stands-alone as the last regular season game each year and most definitely deserves it.
The key unit of the game was without a doubt Navy's defense. They held Army to just 218 yards of total offense, notes CBS Sports. Army only completed an incredible two passes on the game for 37 yards. Fullback Larry Dixon scampered for 90 yards on 14 carries, but their running game wasn't enough to overcome a relentless Navy defense.
If Navy's defense was the key unit of the game, then Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds was the player of the game. Not only did Reynolds throw for 77 yards and a touchdown, but he also went for 100 and a touchdown on the ground through 26 remarkable carries. The Army defense had no answer for the dual-threat option of his play.
With the victory, Navy finishes the 2014 season 7-5, while Army falls to 4-8.