Dobbs rushes for 4 scores, passes for another as Navy celebrates stadium’s 50th anniversary

Navy overpowers winless Western Kentucky, 38-22

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Ricky Dobbs ran for four touchdowns, passed for another and rushed for 143 yards Saturday as Navy topped winless Western Kentucky 38-22 on the 50th Anniversary of the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

In honor of the first game at the stadium on Sept. 26, 1959, the Midshipmen (2-2) wore throwback uniforms dating to 1959. They found them to their liking as they scored 28 straight points after falling behind 14-10 in the first half.

A bowl-eligible FBS team for the first time this season, the Hilltoppers (0-4) lost their 12th straight game and started 0-4 for the first time since 1984, when they were 0-6.

Dobbs carried the ball 29 times for the Mids and also completed 4 of 5 passes for 100 yards. He tied his career high with four rushing TDs. He also teamed with Cory Finnerty on a 29-yard scoring pass that put the Mids ahead for good with 2:26 left in the first half. Dobbs has now rushed for nine touchdowns and passed for three more among Navy’s 15 touchdowns this season.

Navy’s offense gained a season-high 473 yards, with 373 yards rushing on 64 carries. Marcus Curry added 70 yards, as nine Navy backs carried the ball.

Redshirt freshman Kawaun Jakes started at quarterback for Western Kentucky in place of injured senior Brandon Smith. Jakes had replaced Smith last week in a loss to Central Arkansas.

Jakes completed his first 10 passes, including six in a row on the Hilltoppers’ first touchdown drive. He was 20 of 24 for 248 yards, hitting 10 different receivers.

He threw scoring passes of 13 yards to Bobby Rainey and 18 yards to Derrius Brooks. Jakes also scored on a 1-yard run. He was also intercepted twice, one setting up a Navy score.

Rainey gained 99 yards on 14 carries.

Navy jumped to a 10-0 lead on Dobbs’ 29-yard run and Jon Teague’s 31-yard field goal. Teague’s kick came at the end of a 65-yard drive after the Hilltoppers had fumbled at the Navy 1-yard line.

Western Kentucky took the lead at 14-10 as Jakes passed for one touchdown to Rainey and ran for another from the 1 after a Navy turnover on a fumble near midfield.

Dobbs’ 29-yard pass to Finnerty put Navy back up, 17-14, just before the half.