WKU Defeats Navy, 36-27 (RECAP)

Western Kentucky defeated the Navy Midshipmen on Saturday, 36-27.

WKU jumped out to a 3-0 lead on their first drive, but Navy would eventually answer in the first quarter on a Keenan Reynolds touchdown to take the lead. Western Kentucky would once again be held to a field goal to start the second quarter, making the score 7-6. Navy then answered with an impressive drive that ended with a Noah Copeland touchdown; a play that gave Navy a 14-6 lead.

After a WKU punt, Navy fumbled on their own 35 yard line. WKU QB Brandon Doughty would take advantage of the turnover as he connected with Willie McNeal for a 13 yard touchdown; score now 14-13.

With a chance to take a 16-14 lead with 8 seconds left in the half, WKU HC Jeff Brohm decided to go for it on fourth down on the goal line. Unfortunately for WKU, that decision led to a Brandon Doughty interception.

Navy got the second half started with a 19 yard Toneo Gulley touchdown run; the Midshipmen now up 21-13. Doughty would answer with a impressive drive of his own, connecting with Jared Dangerfield on a 31 yard touchdown pass with 9:50 left in the third quarter.

After a Navy missed field goal, Western Kentucky finally took a (22-21) lead with another Garrett Schwettman field goal. Brandon Doughty would end up adding to that lead later in the fourth on a 1 yard touchdown run (WKU now up 29-21, 6:52 to play) Surprisingly, Navy's offense was able to answer quickly with a Keenan Reynolds rushing touchdown. WKU would halt their two-point conversion attempt to maintain a 29-27 lead over the Midshipmen with 4:30 left in the game.

Navy then held Western Kentucky on the next drive and forced a punt with 1:36 remaining. Navy's hopes were eliminated when WKU junior DB Wonderful Terry took a fourth down Reynolds pass attempt to the endzone to make the score 36-27 with under a minute to go.

Western Kentucky will host UAB at home next Saturday in Bowling Green, Ky at 7pm (ET).

Quick Stats (unofficial)

Brandon Doughty (WKU): 38/54 387YD 2TD, INT, RUSH TD

Leon Allen (WKU): 17CAR 102YD

Garrett Schwettman (WKU): 3-3 FG

Keenan Reynolds (NAVY): 23CAR 130YD 2TD

Noah Copeland (NAVY): 5CAR 104YD TD