NAVY LEADER
Sets touchdown mark in victory over Pitt
Quarterback Keenan Reynolds scores three more TDs, finishing with an NCAA-career record of 88, in the Midshipmen’s bowl win.
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 recordsetting 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 TD 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.
“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 and passed for 126 yards. He also had a reception for 47 yards on a trick play.
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, Navy completed its first 11-win season in 135 years of football.
“You play the game to win, so the record for wins is the one that means the most to me,” Reynolds said.
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 BYU.
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.”
QUICK LANE BOWL: In Detroit, Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner ran 13 yards for a touchdown with 4:26 remaining as the Golden Gophers earned a 21-14 win over Central Michigan (7-6).
Minnesota (6-7) ended a trying season on a positive note. Coach Jerry Kill retired in late October because of continued difficulty managing his epilepsy and his job. The Gophers were 5-7 after the regular season but were able to play on because not enough teams reached six wins to fill all the bowls.
All three teams that went to bowls at 5-7 — Minnesota, Nebraska and San Jose State — ended up winning.