Smith, Copeland lead Navy to 51-14 win over VMI to snap 3-game losing streak

Tago Smith ran for a score and passed for another, Noah Copeland scored on a run and a pass, and Navy's defense chipped in nine points, as the Midshipmen routed VMI 51-14 on Saturday.

Smith, a sophomore, started for the second time this season — both Navy wins — in place of Keenan Reynolds. With a bye week coming up, Reynolds was held out to rest after incurring both knee and shoulder injuries.

Navy ended a three-game losing streak.

Copeland's 64-yard run on Navy's third offensive play jump-started an offense that, coupled with two defensive scores, built a 37-7 halftime lead.

Copeland finished with 107 yards rushing on eight carries and also scored on a 16-yard pass from Smith, Navy's fourth score over the final 5:19 of the first half.

Smith finished with three completions in five attempts for 82 yards passing.